
🇱🇻┃Riga Stradins University
Latvia, Riga
🎓 Study Medicine or Dentistry at Riga Stradiņš University (RSU)
Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) offers internationally recognised study programs in General Medicine and Dental Medicine, both taught entirely in English.
The university is located in Riga, Latvia, the capital and largest city in the country. RSU is one of the leading medical universities in the Baltic region and has been educating international medical students for decades. The university was founded in 1950 and today attracts students from across Europe and around the world.
All programs follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which means the degrees obtained at RSU are recognised across the European Union and many countries worldwide.
🌍 Why Study Medicine in Latvia
Studying medicine in Latvia offers many advantages for international students:
✔ EU-recognised medical degree
✔ English-taught programs with international students
✔ Modern laboratories, simulation centres, and teaching hospitals
✔ Affordable tuition compared to Western Europe
✔ High quality of education in a safe EU country
✔ Multicultural environment with students from many countries
Because Latvia is a member of the European Union and Schengen Area, graduates can pursue medical careers throughout Europe after completing the required licensing procedures.
🏫 Study Programs for International Students
Riga Stradiņš University offers two main English-taught programs for international applicants:
General Medicine
Dental Medicine
Both programs combine theoretical education, laboratory training, and clinical practice, allowing students to gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary for a career in healthcare.
🩺 General Medicine (MD)
Duration: 6 years (12 semesters)
The General Medicine program prepares students for a career as a medical doctor. During the six-year program, students study subjects such as:
Anatomy, physiology and biochemistry
Pathology and pharmacology
Internal medicine and surgery
Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
Preventive medicine and patient care
Students gain practical experience in clinical environments and hospitals connected to the university.
Upon graduation, students receive the degree:
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
💶 Tuition fees
Approximately €12,000 per academic year for international students.
🦷 Dental Medicine (DDS)
Duration: 5 years
The Dental Medicine program focuses strongly on clinical practice and practical dental training.
Students learn to diagnose and treat diseases of the oral cavity and develop the skills needed to work independently as dentists.
Graduates receive the degree:
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
The program includes modern simulation laboratories and clinical practice with patients.
💶 Tuition fees
Approximately €14,600 per academic year for international students.
🏥 Clinical Training
Students at RSU gain extensive practical experience in clinical hospitals and medical institutions affiliated with the university, including one of the largest clinical hospitals in Latvia.
Clinical training includes:
Patient examinations and diagnostics
Clinical case analysis
Hospital rotations in different specialties
Supervised medical and dental procedures
This hands-on training ensures graduates are well prepared for professional medical practice.
🧪 Admission Process
Unlike many European medical universities, Riga Stradiņš University does not require a written entrance exam.
Admission is based on:
Secondary school diploma and academic transcripts
Good grades in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
Proof of English language proficiency (B2 level or equivalent)
Applicants who completed their previous education in English may not need to provide additional English language certificates.
📅 Application Period
RSU offers two intakes per year for international students:
September intake
February intake
Students are encouraged to apply early due to the limited number of places available.
📚 Admission Requirements
To apply for Medicine or Dentistry at RSU, applicants must have:
✔ Completed secondary school education
✔ Studied Biology and Chemistry in high school
✔ Basic knowledge of Mathematics
✔ English language proficiency (B2 level or equivalent)
Applications are evaluated based on academic performance and submitted documents.
🎓 Preparatory Support
We offer application guidance and preparation support for students applying to Riga Stradiņš University.
Our support helps students:
✔ Prepare a strong application
✔ Ensure all required documents are submitted correctly
✔ Understand the admission process and deadlines
✔ Increase their chances of admission
💰 Living Costs in Riga
Riga offers a high quality of life while remaining affordable for students.
Typical monthly student expenses:
Accommodation: €150–€500
Food: €150–€250
Transportation: €30
Other expenses: €100–€200
Estimated total monthly living cost:
€600 – €900 per month
🌟 Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates of Riga Stradiņš University can pursue careers in many countries worldwide.
Possible career paths include:
Medical practice in European Union countries
Medical licensing exams such as USMLE (USA) or PLAB (UK)
Postgraduate specialization and residency programs
Research and academic medicine
Because the program follows the European ECTS system, the degree is widely recognised internationally.
When is the deadline for entry?
There is not only one single application deadline for all medical universities in Europe. Many universities operate on a rolling admissions basis and close once places are filled, so applying early gives you more options and time to prepare documents, entrance exams, and your visa. If you’re applying later in the cycle, don’t worry — Medently will assess your profile and guide you towards universities that still have availability and match your qualifications.
