Latvijas Universitate | LV Riga01
2 spots Geography
Information about the university
Partner institute: Faculty of Science and Technology
ISCED code: 0532 - Earth Sciences
Language of instruction: Latvian (there are EILC courses being offered)
Language requirement: B1 English
Areas of specialisation:
- BSc: Paleogeography, Dynamic Biotopes, Regional Geography I, Atmospheric Circulation and Systems, Biometeorology and Microclimatology, Hydrology, Geomorphology, Geological Processes, Paleoecology, Political Geography, Economic Geography, Tourism….
- MSc: Ecological Planning, Globalization, GIS, Regional Geography II
Links
Faculty of Science and Technology
Information for accepted Exchange Students
Deadlines and Dates
first semester: late August - late January (including exams)
second semester: early February - late June (including exams)
Autumn semester or full academic year: 15. May
Spring semester: 15. November
Advice from former students
Studies
- Baltic Study Program (for students from all departments): several courses in English on Latvian literature, history, politics, and Latvian life…very interesting; it’s worth taking part
- Professors and instructors in the Geography Department are very helpful. Term papers on topics discussed in advance are possible. Courses are generally taught in Latvian
- courses in English are also offered in the fields of politics and economics.
- University buildings are spread throughout the city. It can take up to 1 hour to walk from the Geography Department to the Political Science Department—keep this in mind when selecting courses!
- Language courses in Riga for Latvian and Russian. The EILC intensive language course in August is recommended for anyone who wants to acquire basic language skills before the semester begins.
Housing
- Student dormitory in the Old Town; relatively affordable. Rooms (double rooms) are assigned based on nationality and gender. Each floor has one (small) shared kitchen, one shower, one washing machine, and three restrooms. Towels and bed linens are provided. On the 5th floor, there is a computer room with 2 computers and Wi-Fi (signal in the rooms is weak to nonexistent). Cons: You must hand in your key at the front desk when leaving the building and should pick it up again before 2 a.m. on weekdays (otherwise, if there’s any doubt: tough luck). Visitors must leave their ID at the front desk and leave the building by 2 a.m.
- Alternative view on housing: It’s better to find an apartment on your own; a buddy or the IO can help with that. Recommended: the area between Baronas Iela and Valrmara Iela
Life
Other
- Affordable travel with Ryanair (Frankfurt/Hahn – Riga), BalticAir, and EasyJet
- Ecolines bus to Riga (26 hours, approx. 70€ one-way. Two suitcases with no size or weight restrictions; 5€ for each additional suitcase). Well worth it—offers wonderful insights into the country and its people
- Travel by sea (approx. €75 one-way in a reclining seat)—“a real experience”
- Travel by train is not recommended due to the very limited rail network
- Plenty of cultural activities
- A stark contrast between the city (Riga) and the countryside
- If you’re already in Riga, you definitely shouldn’t miss Vilnius (the capital of Lithuania), Klaipėda on the Curonian Spit, and Tallinn (Estonia)! Or, if you’re really feeling the wanderlust, take the overnight train to St. Petersburg!
- Recommendation: Get a Visa card in advance
- It’s worth staying for a year
Further information
Acceptance: Geo, geoscientists, and Landscape ecology; those without a background in the field are also welcome
Finances: Prices used to be lower for a long time. Right now, everything is getting significantly more expensive! According to the university, you'll need about 400€ per month. Groceries are cheaper at market halls and weekly markets. Rent is generally cheaper than in Germany.
Accomodation: Dormitory in the Old Town—affordable but takes some getting used to (see advice from former students). You should indicate on the application whether you would like a dorm room; dorm rooms can be “reserved” here .Support from the host university: Great! The staff at the International Office are very helpful, and there’s also a buddy program (Latvian students who offer advice and support, and may even pick you up from the airport or train station…). The organization ESN organizes evening events and weekend trips Erasmus Student Network in Riga.
Fact sheet
[As of 22.09.2026]
