What will a year really cost?

From the country guide: tuition, living costs and the visa fee, plus the money you must show. The part you lose if the visa is refused is marked.

In short: a first year in Latvia costs about USD 9,800 to 15,000: tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee. The visa also asks you to show USD 10,400 before it is decided.

Last checked: 24 September 2026, against the official sources linked below.

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A year in Latvia

	In EUR as published	In USD
Tuition, one year	EUR 3,300 to 5,000	USD 3,680 to 5,580 Public university, international student
Living costs, twelve months	EUR 5,400 to 8,400	USD 6,030 to 9,380
Visa or permit feeNot refunded if the visa is refused	EUR 70	USD 78
First year, all in		USD 9,790 to 15,040
Money you must show for the visa	EUR 9,360	USD 10,450 Held in your account before you apply; most of it then pays your living costs

Work while you study

20 hours a week in term

Stay after you graduate

4 months, Stay after graduation (plus possible 9-month job-search extension for master's graduates)

If the exchange rate moves. Today 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (rate of 8 November 2026). A 10% move either way changes this first year by about USD 1,240, and a whole three to four-year degree by roughly USD 3,720 to USD 4,970. Plan with a margin, and pay large sums when the rate suits you.

Worth knowing. Graduates get only four months to stay on, with a possible nine-month extension for master's and doctoral graduates.

The full Latvia guide, with every source →

Leaves out flights, deposits and insurance unless the guide includes them. Currency: Rates by Exchange Rate API, 8 November 2026.

Questions

How much does it cost to study in Latvia for a year?

a first year in Latvia costs about USD 9,800 to 15,000: tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee. The visa also asks you to show USD 10,400 before it is decided.

How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Latvia?

EUR 9,360 a year (about USD 10,400), from the official source in the Latvia guide.