Latvia is part of the Schengen Area free of border controls. This means that their visa requirements are similar to other Schengen countries such as France and Germany . One of the biggest advantages of a Schengen visa is that it allows you to travel throughout Europe . Applicants can travel to Latvia to obtain a series of short-term visas for business visits, cultural visits, tourist visits or long-term visas required in the case of study and work. Here you will find everything you need to know about the study visa for Latvia!
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Study in Latvia: student visas
To study in Latvia, you need a long-term D visa for Latvia (valid for 90 days). The Latvian Immigration Law states that students from third world countries can apply for a Long Stay Visa before diplomatic and consular representatives at the Latvian Embassy. Upon entering Latvia, students must apply for a residence permit at OCMA. The Latvia student visa is valid for the entire duration of your studies.
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:
- You are a native speaker from an English-speaking country;
- Your previous educational qualification is from an English-medium university/college;
- Students are required to present an official Declaration or Certificate as evidence that their previous education was in English;
- Applicants who do not have an internationally recognized exam score should opt for English courses at the University of Latvia itself.
Some universities conduct online tests and interviews via Skype for successful applicants. These interviews and tests assess students’ English language skills and cover all aspects such as speaking, reading and general understanding of the language.
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You can also provide any other official language certification and take other English proficiency tests such as:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- FCE (First Certificate in English)
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English)
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
- Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage)
- Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE)
- Cambridge English Linguaskill
Some universities that allow admission without submitting IELTS scores are:
- Daugavpils University
- University of Latvia
- Riga Technical University
- Stradins University of Riga
- University of Liepaja
- Ventspils University College
Latvia Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Following are the Latvia study visa requirements for Indian students:
- A completed Republic of Latvia long-term visa application form.
- A passport-sized photograph (size 35 mm x 45 mm), taken during visa submission
- A valid passport
- Copies of previously issued visa identification and information pages (if applicable)
- OCMA approved the invitation.
- Study agreement
- Written certification issued by the higher education institution or college.
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Hosting test
- Proof of sponsorship
- Proof of prior education
- Ticket reservation
- Travel Medical Insurance with a minimum coverage of 42,600 EUR.
- Visa fee of 60 EUR ((master’s and doctoral students exempt)
- Hello Check the confirmation slip.
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Latvia Student Visa Processing Time
As per the Latvian Immigration Law, the visa processing time is 15 days after submission of all supporting documents for Indian citizens. Due to COVID-19, delays in visa issuance are expected and applicants may be considered depending on visa type and purpose of travel. Documents are considered submitted when received at the VFS Global Embassy. If additional information or inspection is necessary, a decision will be made within 60 days.
How to apply for a study visa for Latvia?
- The applicant can schedule their appointment after uploading the requested documents on the Hello Verify website. You will receive a confirmation once all documents have been successfully uploaded. Applicants who are unable to book an appointment online should contact the VFS Global India call center (+91-22-67866025) to schedule an appointment.
- Applicants must submit the visa application at the assigned VFS Global Latvia visa application center in India.
- All student applicants must appear for the interview at the VFS Global Latvia visa application center at the Latvian Embassy in India. The date and time of the interview will be assigned by the VFS Global Latvia visa application centers when submitting the visa application. This interview can be via video call or in person.
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Latvia Study Visa Cost and Fees
The following are the costs of the study visa for Latvia:
| Service | Charges |
| VIS cases | 2,249 rupees |
| Non-VIS cases | 2,336 rupees |
| Video conferencing fee | Rs 3,028 |
| Visa cost | Rs 5,185 |
| Shipping cost | 551 INR |
Latvia Student Visa Rejection Reasons
Below are some of the main reasons why Latvia student visas may be rejected.
- Insufficient information
- Failed attempts at previous educational levels
- False documents and information
- Country of origin
- Insufficient funds
How much does it cost to study in Latvia?
Most study programs in public institutions in Latvia cost between €1,550 and €6,000 (INR 1.24 lacs and 4.81 lacs) each academic year, which is much less expensive than tuition at other popular study locations. Business courses like Executive MBAs have the highest tuition fees, which can cost up to €25,600 (INR 20.5 lacs) per year. Medical degrees can cost up to 15,000 EUR (INR 12 lacs).
Frequently asked questions
What percentage is required for a Latvia study visa?
The required aggregate percentage of 65% without any subject fails.
Can I work while studying in Latvia?
Yes, you can work in Latvia while you are a student, although there are certain limits depending on your academic level. For example, a full-time bachelor’s student at a Latvian institution can work up to 20 hours part-time or 40 full-time per week during breaks in any business.
Is it easy for Latvia to get PR?
After five years of residing in the nation, you are eligible to apply for long-term resident status of the European Union. As a result, you can move to another EU country, such as Germany or the Netherlands, where you can live, study and work. You can apply for Latvian citizenship after a total of 10 years.
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