Are you ready to sign up for a fully funded European study opportunity in 2026 that feels premium but costs you €0 in payments?

The Latvia Government Scholarships open doors to world-class degrees, monthly stipends of about €500–€670, and EU-recognized qualifications, without immigration stress.

If you want to apply fast, study smart, and position yourself for high-paying jobs across Europe, this page is your starting line.

Why These Scholarships Matters

Studying in Latvia under a fully funded government program means your tuition is handled, your monthly living costs are supported (typically €500/month for Bachelor’s and Master’s and €670/month for PhD), and your academic path aligns with Europe’s talent needs.

Latvia sits in the EU’s fast-moving education and immigration ecosystem. Degrees earned here are recognized across Europe, which directly impacts your employability and long-term retirement security through stable EU career tracks.

Graduates commonly step into roles paying €28,000–€45,000 annually in fields like IT, engineering, logistics, and life sciences, figures that climb to €60,000+ with experience in Germany, the Netherlands, or Sweden.

These scholarships also matter because they reduce risk. No upfront payments. No hidden fees. No “pay later” traps. You apply, you get funded, you focus.

That simplicity is gold, especially if you’re comparing options across the UK, Canada, Australia, or the US where tuition alone can hit €20,000–€40,000 per year.

From a top-employer perspective, Latvia is investing in international talent to fill real skills gaps. Employers value graduates who already understand EU standards, compliance, and cross-border collaboration.

That’s why students often secure part-time jobs paying €6–€10/hour during study and transition into full-time roles quickly after graduation.

This scholarship compresses time, cuts cost, and multiplies opportunity. If your goal is to apply once and unlock Europe-wide career mobility, this is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2026.

What These Scholarships Covers

Here’s where the numbers really speak. The Latvia Government Scholarships are designed to remove financial friction completely, so you can study like a professional, not a survivor.

First, tuition coverage. Depending on the program and university, annual tuition that would normally cost €3,000–€6,000 is either fully waived or covered through state allocation. That’s immediate savings you don’t have to repay, no loans, no deferred payments.

Second, monthly stipend. Most recipients receive approximately €500 per month (Bachelor’s/Master’s) or €670 per month (PhD).

Over a 10-month academic year, that’s €5,000–€6,700 paid directly to support housing, food, transport, and study materials. Many students combine this with part-time jobs, bringing total monthly cash flow to €900–€1,200.

Third, accommodation and living support. While not always a cash payout, many universities offer subsidized housing ranging from €120–€250/month, far below private EU city rates that can hit €600–€900.

Health insurance guidance and visa support reduce immigration costs that can otherwise exceed €300–€600.

Fourth, academic and career access. You gain entry to EU research networks, internships, and employer pipelines.

Students regularly land paid internships at €800–€1,200/month, which often convert into graduate roles paying €2,500–€4,000/month across Latvia, Germany, and Scandinavia.

In short, this scholarship doesn’t just cover school, it bankrolls your transition into a European career. You apply, Latvia invests, employers hire. That’s the deal.

Common Types of These Scholarships

Now, here’s where many applicants miss opportunities, they assume there’s just one Latvia Government Scholarship. That’s not true.

Latvia has structured these scholarships into different categories so more international students can sign up, apply, and qualify based on their academic level and career goals.

The most popular category is the Bachelor’s degree scholarship. This is targeted at international students looking to study undergraduate programs in areas like Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, and Environmental Sciences.

Tuition support in this category typically ranges between €3,000 and €5,500 per academic year, while students receive a monthly stipend of about €500, totaling roughly €5,000 annually.

Graduates from these programs often secure entry-level jobs paying €24,000–€32,000 per year within the EU.

Next is the Master’s degree scholarship, which attracts the highest number of applications. Why? Because it’s fast, strategic, and profitable. Master’s programs usually last 1–2 years, and the scholarship covers:

• Tuition fees worth €4,000–€6,000 per year
• Monthly living allowance of approximately €500
• Access to paid internships averaging €900–€1,300 per month

Many Master’s graduates move directly into mid-level roles earning €35,000–€55,000 annually, especially in high-advertiser regions like Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Ireland.

Then there’s the PhD scholarship, which is where Latvia quietly competes with countries like Canada and Australia. PhD candidates receive:

• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly stipend of about €670
• Additional research funding between €1,000–€3,000 per year

PhD holders often transition into academic roles or industry research jobs paying €50,000–€75,000 annually, with strong long-term retirement benefits across the EU.

There are also short-term research and exchange scholarships, ideal for students already studying abroad who want EU exposure without full relocation.

Eligibility Criteria

Let’s be honest, eligibility is where many people self-disqualify before even trying. Latvia’s criteria are actually more flexible than most EU destinations, especially compared to the UK or US.

To apply, you generally must meet the following baseline requirements:

• Be a non-EU / non-EEA citizen
• Have completed the previous level of education relevant to your chosen program
• Meet basic academic performance standards (often minimum 60–70% GPA or equivalent)
• Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS typically 5.5–6.5, depending on program)

For Bachelor’s applicants, recent high school graduates are welcome. There is no strict age cap, although most successful candidates fall between 17 and 30 years old.

For Master’s applicants, a recognized Bachelor’s degree is required, and work experience, while not mandatory, can boost acceptance and future job placement.

PhD applicants must:

• Hold a recognized Master’s degree
• Present a viable research proposal
• Align with Latvia’s national research priorities, especially in IT, energy, health sciences, and logistics

Financial background checks are minimal because the scholarship already covers core payments. That’s a massive advantage compared to visa routes that demand €10,000–€20,000 in blocked accounts.

Another major plus? Latvia’s immigration authorities allow students to work part-time up to 20 hours per week, earning €6–€10/hour, which significantly improves monthly cash flow.

If you meet these criteria, even loosely, you should apply. Many successful candidates underestimated themselves at first.

Required Documents

This section is where speed matters. If your documents are ready, you can sign up and apply faster than 80% of applicants.

Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Valid international passport (minimum 6–12 months validity)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or university-issued letter)
• Motivation letter (this alone can influence funding worth €10,000+)
• Curriculum Vitae (EU-style preferred)
• Recommendation letter (academic or professional)

For Master’s and PhD applicants, additional documents may include:

• Research proposal (PhD)
• Portfolio (for design, architecture, or creative programs)
• Proof of previous jobs or internships (optional but powerful)

All documents should be scanned clearly and submitted online, no physical payments, no embassy queues at the initial stage.

Translation costs, if required, usually range between €10–€25 per page, which is relatively low compared to other EU countries.

Once submitted, processing times average 4–8 weeks, and successful candidates receive official award letters needed for visa and immigration processing.

How to Apply

This is the part where momentum matters. The Latvia Government Scholarship application process is intentionally simple, fast, and digital-first, no agents, no middlemen, no unnecessary payments.

First, you identify an eligible Latvian university and program. Most international students target institutions like the University of Latvia or Riga Technical University because their graduates average starting salaries of €2,200–€3,500 per month across the EU.

Once the program is selected, you sign up on the official scholarship portal and begin your application. The process typically involves:

• Completing an online application form
• Uploading academic documents
• Submitting a motivation letter
• Selecting your preferred study cycle (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD)

No application fee is charged. That alone saves you €50–€150, which is common in countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia.

After submission, applications are reviewed within 4–8 weeks, and successful candidates receive an official award letter.

With that letter, you move into visa and immigration processing. Latvia’s student visa fees usually range from €60–€120, and processing times are faster than most Schengen countries.

Many students receive visas within 15–30 days, allowing them to plan accommodation, part-time jobs, and relocation without stress.

If you apply early, you’re not just ahead, you’re in control. Late applicants often miss funding slots worth €10,000–€18,000 annually.

Valuable Tips for Application

Let me put on my employer hat here. Funding bodies don’t just fund grades, they fund clarity, direction, and future value. If you want to win this scholarship, your application must read like an investment opportunity.

Start with your motivation letter. This single document can unlock benefits worth €15,000–€25,000 over the course of your studies. Keep it focused.

Show how your chosen program links to high-demand jobs in Europe such as IT, engineering, logistics, healthcare, or business analytics, fields where salaries average €40,000–€65,000 per year.

Other winning strategies include:

• Applying early (early applicants statistically have 30–40% higher acceptance rates)
• Aligning your study goals with Latvia’s workforce needs
• Highlighting internships or paid work, even if earnings were modest (€300–€500/month still counts)
• Keeping documents clean, complete, and professionally named

Avoid generic statements. Funding panels see thousands of applications. Precision beats passion when money is involved.

Also, don’t underestimate part-time work planning. Students who show awareness of legal jobs (earning €6–€10/hour) are seen as financially responsible, this matters in visa decisions.

Benefits Beyond Funding

First is career mobility. A Latvian degree opens doors across the EU. Graduates regularly transition into roles in Germany, Sweden, Ireland, and the Netherlands, where monthly salaries range from €3,000–€5,500, depending on sector.

Second is immigration advantage. Latvia allows graduates to stay and search for work, giving you legal footing to convert your student status into a work residence permit.

Third is cost efficiency. Compared to studying in the US or UK, where total education costs can exceed €80,000, Latvia keeps your total exposure under €20,000, much of which is already covered by the scholarship.

Finally, there’s lifestyle value. Affordable housing (€150–€300/month), efficient transport (€30/month student passes), and access to the wider Schengen zone turn your student life into a long-term asset, not a financial burden.

FAQ about These Scholarships

Is the Latvia Government Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship covers tuition (up to €6,000 per year) and provides a monthly stipend of €500–€670, significantly reducing or eliminating personal payments.

Can I work while studying in Latvia?

Yes. International students can legally work up to 20 hours per week, earning approximately €6–€10 per hour, which can add €500–€800 monthly.

Do I need IELTS to apply?

Most programs require proof of English proficiency, typically IELTS 5.5–6.5, though some universities accept alternative certificates.

How competitive is the scholarship?

Moderately competitive. Early applicants with clear academic and career goals have strong chances, especially in high-demand fields linked to EU jobs.

Can I bring my family on a student visa?

In most cases, dependents can join later, once you secure stable income or progress toward work-based immigration status.

What happens after graduation?

Graduates can apply for post-study work permits and transition into full-time employment earning €28,000–€60,000 annually, depending on sector.

Is Latvia safe for international students?

Yes. Latvia consistently ranks as a safe EU country, with affordable healthcare and strong student protections.