Study in Latvia for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

ABOUT LATVIA

The beautiful and small country Latvia is situated in Northern Europe. This former Russian state consists of 64,589 square km. This small country has all the beauty of Europe. The green fields, clean atmosphere, fresh air of Baltic Sea and beautiful cities, Latvia is a good place to live. It has long coast line with Baltic Sea. The beaches of Latvia are very beautiful and played major role in the economy of country. Latvia shares land border with Russia, Estonia, Belarus and Lithuania. It also share marine border with Sweden. Its population is only 2.07 million which is not bad as compare to its area. The official language is Latvian, but Russian, German and English languages are also spoken in the country. Capital Riga is most beautiful and biggest city of Latvia. Historical buildings and ancient culture of Latvia can be found anywhere in Riga. Gaiziņkalns is highest place in Latvia. This small country has very colorful traditions which attract the tourists very much. Latvian are very interesting and soft nature people. They welcome tourists and international students. They are also very good host. They like the guests in their home and entertain them with food and drinks.

History of Latvia for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

The history of this small country is full of struggle against big European powers. This struggle is consists of centuries. German ruled on this small land from 13th century to 1561. Poland took over rule from Germans in 1562. The rule of Poland come to end in 1629 when Sweden conquered this poor land and ruled on Latvia till 1721. Russian took over the hold of Latvia after 1721 and ruled over Latvian till 1918. In 1917, Latvian started struggle against Russian rule and finally got freedom on 18 November 1918. The freedom of Latvia finished after 22 year when Germans again snatched the freedom of Latvia in 1941. German ruled on Latvia from 1941 to 1944. Russia took over Latvia again in 1941 and kept it under Soviet Union. Latvia got freedom from Soviet Union in 1990 and started its own government under the name of Republic of Latvia.

From 1991 Latvian democracy started its journey towards development, and hard work of Latvian people appreciated by European Union and gifted them membership of EU in 2004. After getting the membership of European Union (EU) the development of Latvia increased rapidly and in January 2014 Latvia was enter in Euro club. From 2014 Euro is used as currency in Latvia.

Culture in Latvia for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

Latvia has very rich culture. It has colorful traditions. The culture and traditions of Latvia is six hundred year old. The nation of Latvia kept their traditions, culture and identity alive during rule of different European powers. Latvian people are very fun loving. Dance and music is the basic part of their life. The music of Latvia is melodious blend of modern and classical music. Children are being taught dance and music from very early age. The folk music and dance festivals held in whole country after every four year to keep the culture alive. The history of Latvia has been safe in the national museum.

Latvian nation is fitness conscious like all the European countries. They do gym, exercise, and running, jogging to keep them fit and healthy. Latvian likes to play all healthy sports. Basketball, volleyball, swimming and football are famous sports in Latvia. Whole nation sport their national team in international sports events.

Food and appetite for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

Latvian food is unique like Latvian people. Latvian makes the food special. They don’t cook food for stomach but also for eyes. Latvian dishes look great in dishes. Latvian knows how to eat. Food is essential part of their festivals and special events. The hard working Latvian people like to grow their own vegetables and fruits. You can find fresh fruit and vegetable everywhere in Latvia.  The fresh salad is also an essential part of Latvian food.

Due to Baltic Sea, fish is also important part of Latvian food. You can taste lots of seafoods in Latvia. Latvian chefs can cook fish in different ways. Every dish made by fish has unique taste. With vegetable and fish; meat, potatoes and dairy products are also very popular in Latvia. PakStudyAbroad.com will suggest you to go Latvia and be the part of delicious food community.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE OF LATVIA

Weather in Latvia is good, not too hot and not too cold. You can enjoy four seasons in Latvia. Every season has its own charm. Winter here in Latvia is typical northern European. It starts in November and finished in February. Tourists of hot countries enjoy the snowy winter of Latvia. Normally the average temperature in winter remains -10 C, in some very cold days it falls to -20 C but not less then it. Spring here in Latvia is very pleasant and full of fragrance. You can see lots of flowers spreading their nice aroma all over the country. The green fields look very nice in spring. It is best time to visit Latvia. Summer brings happiness for Latvians. In summer average temperature remains 20 C, in some sunny days it reaches till 30 C but not more then it. The parks, gardens, resorts and beaches become the center of attention of whole Latvian nation. People like to relax and enjoy the pleasant weather in summers. Fall / autumn is same like other northern European countries. You can enjoy the color changing leaves and fresh green grass all over the country. Rain is also very important part of Latvian weather. You should keep umbrella with you in every season of the year. DMI Consultant suggests the nature lover to visit Latvia and enjoy every moment of their life.

Education system in Latvia for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

The education in Latvia is similar like European study system. First level of study is pre-school education (equal to metric in Pakistan), second level is upper-secondary education (equal to intermediate in Pakistan) and third level is higher education comprises on bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. Higher education institutions of Latvia offers lots of academic and professionals study programs.

The higher education system of Latvia specially designed to prepare professionals and experts of different fields to provide skilled people for world’s labor market. This system makes students creative and innovative by research based studies. Lots of Latvian graduates are serving in world’s top companies. International labor market accepts Latvian experts in all fields.

The higher education institutions of Latvia use national credit point system. One credit point is equal to one week study.  40 credit points are required by students in a year. National credit point system is compatible with European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

The medicine, dentistry and pharmacy graduates are also awarded master’s degree and they are allowed to take admission in Doctoral degree program. Doctoral degree programs are consisting of 3 to 4 years.

Universities in Latvia for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

State universities 

• University of Daugavpils
• Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (formerly Latvia University of Agriculture)
• Riga Stradiņš University (formerly Medical Academy of Latvia)
• Riga Technical University
• University of Latvia
• University of Liepāja (formerly Liepāja Pedagogical Higher School)

State colleges in Latvia

• Latvian Academy of Art
• BA School of Business and Finance (formerly the Banking College under the Bank of Latvia)
• Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (formerly the Latvian Conservatory)
• Latvian Academy of Culture (lv)
• Latvian Academy of Sport Education
• Latvian Maritime Academy
• National Defence Academy of Latvia
• Rēzekne Academy of Technology
• Riga Teacher Training and Educational Management Academy (lv) (merged into University of Latvia from 2017)
• Ventspils University College
• Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences

Non-university type colleges in Latvia

• Baltic International Academy (including the Baltic Psychology and Management College)
• College of Economics and Culture (lv)
• International School of Practical Psychology (lv)
• ISMA University
• Latvian Christian Academy (lv)
• Luther Academy (lv)
• Riga Aeronautical Institute (lv)
• Riga Graduate School of Law (RGSL)
• University of Business, Arts and Technology (formerly Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration)
• School of Social Technologies
• Stockholm School of Economics in Riga
• Transport and Telecommunication Institute
• Turība University

Vocational schools and colleges in Latvia

State colleges 

• Daugavpils Medical College (lv) (integrated into the University of Daugavpils from March 2018)
• Fire Safety and Civil Defence College
• Jēkabpils Agribusiness College
• Latvian Cultural College at the Latvian Academy of Culture
• Liepāja Maritime College
• Malnava College (lv)
• Olaine Mechanics and Technology College
• Red Cross Medical College at Riga Stradiņš University (lv)
• Riga 1st Medical College (lv)
• Riga Building College
• Riga Business College at the BA School of Business and Finance
• Riga Medical College at the University of Latvia (lv)
• Riga Technical College (lv)
• State Agency for Social Integration College
• State Border Guard College
• State Police College (lv)
• Stradiņš Medical College at the University of Latvia (lv)

Colleges established with legal personality in Latvia

• Albert College
• Christian Leadership College
• College of Accounting and Finance
• College of Business Administration (lv)
• College of Law
• Cosmetology College
• Latvian College of Business (lv)
• Novikontas Maritime College

Admission requirement for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

 Bachelor degree program

Pakistani / international students who want to take admission in Latvian higher education institution are required upper-secondary education certificate (equal to intermediate in Pakistan / F.A, F.Sc.). The study standard of student’s upper-secondary education certificate should be equal to Latvian education standards. Student should have good grades in intermediate. Language proficiency certificate is strictly required by international students. For English language proficiency, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are accepted. Deadline for admission can be varying from one institute to another institute. Students should check the admission criteria and admission deadline dates from the official website of higher education institute of Latvia.

Master degree program for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

Pakistani / international students who want to take admission in Master’s Degree Program in Latvian higher education institution are required Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field. Student should have good CGPA in Bachelor’s Degree. Language proficiency certificate is strictly required by international students. For English language proficiency, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are accepted. Deadline for admission can be varying from one institute to another institute. Students should check the admission criteria and admission deadline dated from the official website of higher education institute of Latvia.

 Doctoral degree Program for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

For admission in Doctoral Degree Program (PhD) students are required master’s degree in related field. Master’s Degree should have been passed in good CGPA. A complete research work and impressive thesis is required by the University of Latvia. Thesis can be defended on any public forum and should be published in national news paper.

Tuition fees in Latvia for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

The higher education institutes of Latvia do not charge heavy fees. Fees of different study programs can be vary from university to university or course to course. Normally fees starts from 1600 Euro per year for 3 to 4 year study programs to 15000 Euro. Low fees rate is for study fields like Arts, literature, engineering, science, commerce, computer software sciences, information technology etc. The study programs like medicine, pharmacy and dentistry are charged 15000 Euro per year. However, Master of Business Administration (MBA) is bit expensive, universities charge 25600 Euro per year for MBA and MBA Executive programs.

These fees are average fees, students should check the official website of university to check the exact fees.

Cost of Living in Latvia for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

Cost of living in Latvia is less than most of European countries. Student cities like Riga are affordable for students. Cost of living depends on the living style of students. Basic necessities of life are more economical in Latvia then other European countries. Normally a student needs 500 Euro to 700 Euro per month to live in Latvia. If you live in hostel or dormitory, then living cost will be decrease. But if you choose private apartment to live then you will need more money. Normally rent of a small apartment or flat is charged 461 Euro per month. Cooking food for yourself is economical than dine out. Dmi Consultant .com suggests you to spend less on living and more on study, because study is your basic purpose in Latvia. Pakistani students and students from third world countries share their accommodation and food to cut the cost 1/3^rd. Cost of living is much based on your way of living.

Health insurance for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

Health insurance is compulsory for international students. As a foreign student you are required to have health insurance for your complete period of stay in Latvia. This insurance should cover complete health care, like hospital expenses or some minor surgery etc. Health insurance also should cover the cost of return back to home country in case of serious sickness. This health insurance policy should be at least 42,600 Euro.

Visa and residence permit for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students 

Pakistani students are required visa to enter in Latvia. Actually while processing the documents of students for admission, visa is also processed. When a student’s documents are processed successfully and he gets admission, the university itself applies for residence permit to the Office of citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). This residence permit is issued for 3 months.

Latvia student visa requirement for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

After getting admission in higher education institution students are required to apply Latvia visa for study. You can apply for visa to Latvian embassy in Islamabad.  Latvia visa fees can be checked from the website of the Latvian embassy in Pakistan. Following are the Latvia visa requirements for Pakistani students.

• Original Passport with two photocopies. (6 months validity is compulsory)
• Visa application form (correctly filled by candidate)
• One photograph (size 2 x 2 with white background)
• Visa fee payment receipt
• University admission confirmation letter
• Accommodation confirmation letter (hostel confirmation from university / rental deed of flat)
• Official invitation of Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs

These are general requirements of consulate of Latvia. Students should confirm the vise requirements from the official website of the embassy.

Part time for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

Pakistani / international students can do part time job during study in Latvia. Students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week during studies. Students can work on residence permit, they don’t need student work permit in Latvia separately. Most of the job opportunities are available in capital city Riga. If you are studying in other cities of Latvia then finding a student job would be difficult for you. In Riga student can find better jobs in food processing industry, wood products workshops, textiles industries, processed metals industry etc. Riga is an industrial city, so there are more opportunities to find good job. But in other cities you only can do student job like work in restaurant, hotel, food points, bar, cafes, shopping malls, hair salons, beauty parlors or newspaper distribution etc. the minimum wage rate in Latvia is 2.15 Euro per hour. By doing student job you can cover some part of your living expenses. Earning from part time job is not sufficient for complete living and studying expenses.

Study in Latvia for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

Beautiful sceneries, fresh air, clean atmosphere, sunny beaches of Baltic Sea, green landscapes, four seasons, peaceful study environment, part time jobs. How many more reasons you want to study in Latvia? This small country of Europe has lot of potential in education sector. This country is giving its complete attention to the quality of education. Living in Europe and study in Europe’s prestigious universities can be dream of every Pakistani student. Your dream can come true by studying in Latvia. Studying in Latvia is more compatible for you due to affording tuition fees and economical cost of living. DMI Consultants suggests you to go Latvia and gain top quality education to serve in your country.

We rate 4 out of 5 for this beautiful small country of European union and Schengen.

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Latvia Student Visa Requirements for Pakistani Bangladeshi Indian and other nationality Students

To study in Latvia you need a Student visa. Read the step by step Latvia Student Visa Requirements and process with the list of required documents and be careful because a single mistake can be the reason of your visa rejection.

Step-1: Original documents required from students (Apostille)

1. ESL Application form
2. Passport
3. Photo with white background (35/ 45 size)
4. All educational documents- X, XII/PUC and Bachelors Certificates and Marksheet (Translated into English)

• Provisional certificate not accepted
• Grade should be 50% and above

5. IELTS, TOFEL, Medium of Instruction certificate or any English Proficiency Certificate
6. CV

Step-2: Upon receiving the above documents, ESL will process admission

Step-3: The applicant will receive a Conditional Acceptance Letter and Invoice for paying Application fee

It is one of the most important step of the Latvia Student Visa requirements, you should be careful while transferring the fee.

• Payment will be made direct to the University’s Account
• Application fee – around 180 -300 Euro -Depends on course and university
• Non-refundable

Step-4: The applicant should face a skype interview or online tests

• Some Universities do not have any admission tests.
• For non-confident students -ESL will help in online tests. ESL will give training for Skype interview

Step-5: The Educational Documents will be submitted to the Academic Information Centre (AIC) for verification by the university.

• Duration -minimum 2 weeks to maximum 4 weeks.
• Some universities do not require AIC

Step-6: Upon receiving AIC statement, university will provide the following:

• Final admission letter
• Study Contract
• Invoice for tuition fee – around 2000 -3400 Euro -Depends on course and university
• Invoice for Security Deposit – around 500-700 Euro – Depends on course and university
• Tuition fee and Security fee is refundable, in case of visa rejection.

Step-7:

1. After successful payment of Tuition fee, Application for Residence Permit. Only the Bachelor level Applicants will send the following original documents to ESL by DHL or courier. For their Further processing of Latvia Student Visa Process.

1. Upon successful payment of tuition fee, the university will provide the following visa supporting documents:

Step-8: Applicants should carry the following documents to the Embassy of Latvia  and face interview.

If you need more information please contact us DMI Consultant