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Riga Technical University is the highest ranked of these, achieving a position of 751-800. It offers an innovative approach to learning, new technologies and advanced teaching methods, which gives the university a reputation for research excellence.
In the Best Student Cities ranking this year, Riga gains its highest score on the ‘student mix’ indicator – a credit to the diversity of the city’s students and its inclusivity. It also performs well for student view, ranking 81st, which is based on the responses of 85,000 students around the world.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Riga?
Excellent education standards
Riga is home to three universities featured in the QS World University Rankings. The best of these is Riga Technical University, which ranks 751-800 in the world.
A rich history
Riga is a preserved medieval city showing signs of its religious and Romanesque past. It was even named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its Old Town in 2014.
The impressive architecture
A mix of old Gothic churches, Art Nouveau architecture and medieval buildings, Riga’s architecture is sure to impress.
It’s a city of beauty and wellness
Known for its spas, beauty treatments and traditional Latvian baths, there’s plenty to do to de-stress yourself after a busy day of lectures.
Cost of studying in Riga
Riga ranks 103rd in the world for affordability. Its tuition fees are very reasonable, costing an average of US$3,600 for international students.
The cost of living in Riga is also fairly affordable, with an apartment in the city centre costing around US$512 per month (78 percent lower than London). Numbeo also estimates that a single person living in Riga will need around $759 per month for additional living expenses.
Life and culture in Riga
If you’re looking for a student city with a blend of modern and medieval, then Riga is the perfect city for you.
This picturesque city is more than 800 years old and is split into the Old Town, which can be explored on foot, and the New Town, which can be easily reached via bus or tram.
The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 due to the many medieval buildings within its Old Town. These include the 13th century Riga Dom cathedral, the 14th century Riga Castle and the merchant’s homes and warehouses. The Old Town even has a canal surrounding it which used to be the fortress moat. These are definitely worth a look when you have some free time to explore the city.
In the winter Riga’s Christmas markets won’t fail to get you in the festive spirit, with mulled wine, roasted almonds, gingerbread and Christmas gift stalls on offer.
In the summer these markets sell unique Latvian food products, with a variety of fresh and natural products from Latvian farms as well as clothes and jewelry.
Whichever time of year you decide to take a visit to these markets, you will not be disappointed. In the evening, you can enjoy one of Riga’s numerous bars, cafes and restaurants, many of them with outdoor seating areas in the summer - in fact many consider Riga’s nightlife to be among the best in Eastern Europe!
Riga ranks 101st in the world for employer reputation, a reflection of the strong employability of the city’s graduates. In recent years, Riga has emerged as a regional financial and commercial hub, providing jobs for graduates living in the city.
It’s worth bearing in mind that for many jobs in Riga you will need to speak at least a basic level of Latvian. If you’re working in the services industry, you may also need an understanding of Russian.
Members of the EU and EEA will not need a visa to work in Riga. However, students coming from outside these areas will require a working visa.
As Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, Chloe creates and publishes a wide range of articles for universities and business schools across the world. Chloe has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Reading and grew up in Leicestershire, UK.
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Riga
Chloe Lane
Updated Jun 29, 2022Save
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Table of contents
Riga for students
Riga, the capital city of Latvia, is situated on the Gulf of Riga and occupies both banks of the Duagava River. It boasts three leading universities, all of which are ranked in the QS World University Rankings®: Riga Technical University, Riga Stradins University, and the University of Latvia.
Riga Technical University is the highest ranked of these, achieving a position of 751-800. It offers an innovative approach to learning, new technologies and advanced teaching methods, which gives the university a reputation for research excellence.
Is Riga your favorite student city? Let us know why.
Best universities in Riga - QS Best Student Cities ranking: 108th
World Ranking
Institution
751-800
Riga Technical University
801-1000
Riga Stradins University
1001-1200
University of Latvia
More about Riga
In the Best Student Cities ranking this year, Riga gains its highest score on the ‘student mix’ indicator – a credit to the diversity of the city’s students and its inclusivity. It also performs well for student view, ranking 81st, which is based on the responses of 85,000 students around the world.
Number of universities ranked by QS
3
Highest-ranked institution
Riga Technical University (ranked 751-800)
Population
1,070,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$3,600
Desirability rank
100th
Employer Activity rank
101st
Affordability rank
103rd
Student Voice rank
81st
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Riga?
Excellent education standards
Riga is home to three universities featured in the QS World University Rankings. The best of these is Riga Technical University, which ranks 751-800 in the world.
A rich history
Riga is a preserved medieval city showing signs of its religious and Romanesque past. It was even named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its Old Town in 2014.
The impressive architecture
A mix of old Gothic churches, Art Nouveau architecture and medieval buildings, Riga’s architecture is sure to impress.
It’s a city of beauty and wellness
Known for its spas, beauty treatments and traditional Latvian baths, there’s plenty to do to de-stress yourself after a busy day of lectures.
Cost of studying in Riga
Riga ranks 103rd in the world for affordability. Its tuition fees are very reasonable, costing an average of US$3,600 for international students.
The cost of living in Riga is also fairly affordable, with an apartment in the city centre costing around US$512 per month (78 percent lower than London). Numbeo also estimates that a single person living in Riga will need around $759 per month for additional living expenses.
Life and culture in Riga
If you’re looking for a student city with a blend of modern and medieval, then Riga is the perfect city for you.
This picturesque city is more than 800 years old and is split into the Old Town, which can be explored on foot, and the New Town, which can be easily reached via bus or tram.
The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 due to the many medieval buildings within its Old Town. These include the 13th century Riga Dom cathedral, the 14th century Riga Castle and the merchant’s homes and warehouses. The Old Town even has a canal surrounding it which used to be the fortress moat. These are definitely worth a look when you have some free time to explore the city.
In the winter Riga’s Christmas markets won’t fail to get you in the festive spirit, with mulled wine, roasted almonds, gingerbread and Christmas gift stalls on offer.
In the summer these markets sell unique Latvian food products, with a variety of fresh and natural products from Latvian farms as well as clothes and jewelry.
Whichever time of year you decide to take a visit to these markets, you will not be disappointed. In the evening, you can enjoy one of Riga’s numerous bars, cafes and restaurants, many of them with outdoor seating areas in the summer - in fact many consider Riga’s nightlife to be among the best in Eastern Europe!
Testimonials
Careers in Riga
Riga ranks 101st in the world for employer reputation, a reflection of the strong employability of the city’s graduates. In recent years, Riga has emerged as a regional financial and commercial hub, providing jobs for graduates living in the city.
It’s worth bearing in mind that for many jobs in Riga you will need to speak at least a basic level of Latvian. If you’re working in the services industry, you may also need an understanding of Russian.
Members of the EU and EEA will not need a visa to work in Riga. However, students coming from outside these areas will require a working visa.
As Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, Chloe creates and publishes a wide range of articles for universities and business schools across the world. Chloe has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Reading and grew up in Leicestershire, UK.
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