Latvia Study Visa: Requirements, Application Process, Fees and More

If you are planning to study in Europe, getting your Latvia study visa is the first step in the journey. This student visa allows international students like you to legally live and study in Latvia, alongside exploring opportunities across the European Union.

Are you interested in learning more details about the Latvia study visa? You are at the right place. In this blog, you will read all about the Latvia study visa requirements, fees, processing time, success rate, and so much more.

Overview of Latvia Study Visa

A Latvia study visa is the official authorization that allows non-EU/EEA nationals to enter and stay in Latvia for the purpose of full-time higher education. It is primarily a long-term national visa (Type D) that initially grants entry for up to one year and serves as the foundation for obtaining a temporary residence permit once in the country.

This visa is essential for any degree program (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) that lasts longer than 90 days and is issued only after an accredited Latvian university has formally accepted the applicant. Here are the key highlights of the Latvia study visa:

Latvia Study Visa Parameter	Details
Types of Latvia Student Visa	Short-term (C) Visa: For up to 90 daysLong-term (D) Visa: For over 90 days
Latvia Study Visa Requirements	Application form Passport-size photographs Passport Financial means of subsistence Payment proof of university application fees Police clearance certificate
Latvia Study Visa Processing Time	Average time: 15-30 daysPeak season: up to 60 days
Latvia Study Visa Success Rate	90% (approximate)

Who Needs a Latvia Study Visa?

Like other countries, international students must obtain a visa in order to study abroad. In the case of Europe, a Latvia student visa is required for students enrolled in academic programs or language courses. The Immigration Law of Latvia states that students from third-world countries can apply for a Long Stay Visa with the diplomatic and consular representatives at the Embassy of Latvia.

Upon entering Latvia, students are required to apply for a residence permit at the OCMA. The Latvia student visa is valid for the entire duration of your studies.

1. You need a Latvia study visa if you’re a non-EU/EEA student planning to study in Latvia.
2. This visa is also required for students from countries like India, China, the USA, and Canada.
3. Long-term visas are mandatory for full-time students, PhD scholars, researchers, or those attending preparatory courses over 90 days.
4. If shifting from a short-term course to a long-term program, ensure to apply for a long-term visa before your short-term visa expires.

Types of Latvia Student Visa

Latvia is a part of the Schengen area. Therefore, two types of visas are issued. The first visa is the C visa or the Schengen visa. The C visa is the short-stay visa issued to students who want to study short-term programs. A long-stay visa is issued to students who want to enrol in universities for BA, MA, etc

1. Short-Term Visa (C): This Latvia student visa is ideal for courses lasting up to 90 days. It may include language programs, workshops, or summer schools.
2. Long-Term Visa (D): A Long-term Latvia study visa is for courses exceeding 90 days. This may include full degree programs at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral levels. This is the most commonly used visa for international students.

Also Read: What is Schengen Visa for Indians? A Comprehensive Guide

Latvia Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students 

The exact Latvia study visa requirements vary depending on the visa. The visa requirements for a C visa will be less than compared to a D visa. Here you will find a checklist of general Latvia study visa requirements for Indian students. All documents have to be translated in English. If the visa officer requests additional documents to prove your eligibility, you need to present the same.

1. A filled Long Stay Visa Application Form of the Republic of Latvia.
2. 3 passport-size photos (size 35mm x 45 mm), taken during visa submission
3. A Valid Passport
4. Copies of the identification and information pages of previously issued visas (if any)
5. OCMA approved the invitation.
6. Study Agreement 
7. Written certification issued by a higher education institution or college
8. Proof of sufficient financial means
9. Proof of Accommodation
10. Proof of Sponsorship  
11. Proof of Previous Education
12. Ticket Reservation
13. Travel Medical Insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 42,600.
14. Visa fee of 60 EUR ( Master’s and PhD students exempted)
15. Hello, verify the confirmation slip

Latvia Study Visa Application Process

Understanding the Latvia study visa application process is important for students to start their academic journey abroad. Since it can differ depending on the country, here is a general overview of the step-by-step process:

1. Obtain an acceptance letter from any of the recognised Latvian institutions.
2. Gather all the documents required to obtain a Latvian student visa.
3. Next, fill out the visa application form.
4. Contact the Latvian embassy or consulate in your home country and schedule an appointment.
5. Submit the required documents, and application form, and pay the visa fee.

Where Can I Get the Latvia Student Visa Application Form?

You can get the Latvia student visa application form directly from the following websites. Print out the visa application form and completely fill it out the same. 

1. The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of India’s official website
2. VFS Global India official website 

You can also visit the nearest visa application centre to get your visa application form.

Latvia Study Visa Application Process for Indian Students

The Lativa student visa application process is provided below. As an Indian national, you need to visit your nearest application centre, get the visa application form, fill it out the same, and arrange the documents. Thereafter, you can book a visa appointment and schedule your interview.

1. Applicant can schedule their appointment after uploading the requested documents to the Hello Verify webpage.
2. They will receive a confirmation once all documents are successfully uploaded. Applicants who are unable to book an appointment online need to contact the VFS Global India Call Center to schedule an appointment
3. Applicants have to submit the visa application at the assigned VFS Global Latvia visa application centre in India.
4. All student applicants need to appear for the interview at the VFS Global Latvia Visa application centre with the Embassy of Latvia in India. The date and time slot of the interview will be allocated by the VFS Global Latvia Visa application centres when submitting the visa application. This interview can be either through video call or in person. 

Learn about the Lativa student visa application process in this video:

Minimum Bank Balance for a Latvia Study Visa 

To apply for a Lative student visa, you must have the necessary finances. You need to have funds to cover your tuition fees (which vary as per university), travel insurance (standard for the Schengen area), and living expenses. The visa officers will verify if you meet the necessary requirements. Only then is a visa issued.

Particulars	Amount
Minimum bank balance	5700 Euro (Approximately  4,00,000/-) in your personal account
Travel Health insurance	EUR 30,000
Tuition fees	Varies as per your university

Latvia Student Visa Processing Time

According to the Immigration Law of Latvia, the Latvia student visa processing time may take 15-30 days. It only begins after the student has submitted all the supporting documents. If additional information or inspection is necessary, the decision will be place within 60 days. 

It is best to apply early at least 2 months before your expected departure date.

Type	Latvia Study Visa Processing Time
General	15-30 days
Peak season	Upto 60 days (in some cases)

Latvia Study Visa Cost and Fees

The exact Latvia study visa cost can be different depending on your nationality and other factors. In most cases, the fee is:

Particulars	Cost
Short-stay visa – for children between 6 and 12 (for short-term studies)	EUR 45
Short stay visa (for adults)	EUR 90
Long-stay visa (for long-term studies)	EUR 90

How Much Does it Cost to Study in Latvia?

Most study programmes at public institutions in Latvia cost between 1,550 and 6,000 EUR (INR 1.24 lacs and 4.81 lacs) each academic year, which is much less expensive than tuition at other well-liked study locations. Business courses like Executive MBAs are the greatest tuition costs, which may cost up to EUR 25,600 (INR 20.5 lacs) per year. Medical degrees can cost up to 15,000 EUR(INR 12. lacs).

Cost of Living in Latvia

The average cost of living in Latvia for an international student. EUR 600 – EUR 850 per month.  The average expenses for the students are given below. However, it is important to note that the expenses can vary from person to person. It depends on the lifestyle and other factors.

S.No.	Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (EUR)	Considerations
1	Accommodation (Rent)	200 – 400	Shared apartment or student dormitory
2	Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating, Internet)	70 – 120	Sometimes included in dorm rent
3	Food	150 – 250	Home cooking + occasional eating out
4	Transportation	16 – 30	Public transport with student discount
5	Study Materials	10 – 30	Books, supplies, printing, stationery
6	Health Insurance	20 – 60	Mandatory for residence permit
7	Mobile Phone & Internet	10 – 20	SIM + basic internet plan
8	Entertainment & Leisure	30 – 70	Gyms, cafes, events, social activities
9	Miscellaneous	20 – 50	Clothing, personal care, unexpected expenses

Latvia Student Visa Success Rate

International students planning to study in Latvia would be glad to know about the Latvia student visa success rate. Unlike other popular study-abroad destinations, the Latvia study visa success rate is relatively high, around 90%. The best way to increase your chances of obtaining the visa is the timely submission of your documents and application.

Also Read: Details About Latvia Post Study Work Visa

Latvia Student Visa Rejection Reasons

Here are a few main reasons why Latvian student visas can be rejected.

1. Insufficient information
2. Unsuccessful attempts at prior levels of education
3. Fake Documents and Information
4. Country of origin
5. Insufficient Funds

Can I Extend My Latvia Student Visa?

Yes, students can extend their Latvia student visa under certain conditions. For that, you need to satisfy certain eligibility requirements such as:

1. You need to be rolled in a recognised university or institute
2. You need a valid reason for visa extension, such as completing a course
3. You also need to prove that you can sustain financial and health insurance requirements

Documents Required

When applying for a Latvia student visa extension, you may be required to submit a few essential documents such as:

1. A filled application form
2. Proof of Continued Enrollment
3. A valid passport
4. Proof of Financial Means
5. A valid Health Insurance

Application Process for Latvia Student Visa Extension

1. Fill out the visa extension application form from the OCMA website.
2. Gather all the required documents and ensure that they are in English or Latvian (if required).
3. Next, submit your application along with the documents and fee to the OCMA or your nearest Latvian embassy.
4. Provide other required details such as fingerprints and a digital photograph.

Now, you will have to wait for around 15-30 days for the final decision.

Study in Latvia Without IELTS

You can study in Latvia without an IELTS score and apply for the Latvia study visa for Indians under the following conditions:

1. You are a native speaker of an English-speaking country.
2. Your previous degree of education is from an English-medium university/College.
3. The students are required to provide an official Declaration or Certificate as evidence that their previous education was in English.
4. Applicants who do not have an internationally recognised test score will be requested to opt for English courses at Latvia University itself.

Some universities conduct online tests and interviews via Skype for their selected applicants. These interviews and tests evaluate students’ English language abilities and cover all aspects such as speaking, reading, and general comprehension of the language. 

You can also provide any other official language certification and give other English proficiency tests, such as: 

1. TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language)
2. FCE (First Certificate in English) 
3. CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English) 
4. CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English) 
5. Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) 
6. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) 
7. Cambridge English Linguaskill 

Some universities that allow admission without submitting IELTS scores are:

1. Daugavpils University
2. University of Latvia
3. Riga Technical University
4. Riga Stradins University
5. University of Liepaja
6. Ventspils University College

Also Read: 9 Common Reasons for a Student Visa Rejection

Can I get PR after Study in Latvia?

PR is not provided directly after studies. However, you can become eligible to get a PR if you stay in the country for 5 years. After completing your studies, you can apply for a job-seeking permit, which will give you 6 months of time to look for a job. Once you get a job offer, you can apply for a work permit.  After you stay in the country for 5 years, you can apply for a long-term residence permit in the EU.  

It is important to note that you need to meet other PR requirements as well. Duration of stay is just one eligibility criterion. One benefit that student visa applicants get is that 50% of the duration of their studies is counted for long-term residency. 100% of the time you spend getting a work permit is also for the PR duration.

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Hope you like this blog on Latvia study visa. If you want to get into a high-ranked university you’ll need more than just good grades; you’ll also need flawless application because the competition is fierce. You may enlist the assistance of Leverage Edu specialists to assist you with the application process so that you can realize your goals. Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.