At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Riga Stradiņš University is a long-established, popular English-medium MBBS choice for Indians.
The true cost
Modelled on the 6-year English MBBS-then-return path at RSU; a well-trodden Baltic route.
Safety & visa
Very safe with low crime.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
After you complete a full-time second- or third-cycle programme (generally Master’s or doctoral) or an eligible research project, you can apply for a temporary residence permit for up to 9 months after completion, to look for qualified employment or prepare to start a business. This permit does not by itself give you an automatic right to work: you need the appropriate employment authorisation or residence before you start working.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- For Master’s, doctoral or eligible research graduates
- Up to 9 months to seek qualified work or start a business
- You need employment authorisation before you start work
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Current law
Latvia’s new Immigration Law entered into force on 15 September 2026. The student immigration content on this page has been audited against the new framework.
Student visa
If you stay more than 90 days, you generally need a temporary residence permit for studies.
Visa & permit fees
Current PMLP review fees for the residence permit are €160 (standard, 30 days), €280 (10 working days) or €560 (5 working days). Where a long-stay visa is required, it has a €90 state fee.
Work while studying
If you are in full-time accredited studies, you generally have the right to work up to 20 hours a week, and up to 40 hours a week during study breaks. Full-time students in second- or third-cycle programmes (Master’s/doctoral) have broader employment rights under the current Immigration Law.
Family & dependants
Current rule from 15 September 2026: only students who are citizens of NATO member states, or students enrolled in doctoral studies, can enter Latvia together with accompanying family members. If you are an Indian Bachelor’s or Master’s student, do not assume accompanying-family residence is available under the student route. Doctoral students should check current PMLP requirements.
Proof of funds
Under the current 2026 PMLP rules, you must show subsistence of €780 per month, and €234 per month for a minor child. This is a residence/visa financial requirement, not an actual living-cost estimate.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
With the default assumptions (₹9L tuition and ₹6L living costs a year for 6 years, a 10% scholarship and a ₹9L starting salary), total investment is ₹85L and the indicative payback period is 28.2 years.
Latvia — Indicative cost & payback
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
MEA status: Normal
Very safe with low crime.
Emergency contacts
Dial local emergency services on arrival. MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090; register at madad.gov.in.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian restaurants in Riga; vegetarian doable.
People & community
Reserved but welcoming to students; English common among youth.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare Latvia with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.