Riga Stradins University, Latvia

Established in 1950, the Riga Stradins University (RSU) carries 72 years of long-established educational history. It aims to be the leading medical education center in the Baltic region. The university not only provides training for health care professionals but also offers wide scope of study programs.

The Riga Stradins University Faculty of Medicine is in demand among international students due to exceptional quality education with reasonable tuition fees in the EU. The RSU offers a six-years degree course Undergraduate Program in Medicine. The study of medicine program at the university is completely indulged in patient-centered problems.

The Riga Stradins University has nine faculties engaged in providing undergraduate and undergraduate level study programs. The Medical sciences department of the university has faculty in Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health and Social Welfare, Rehabilitation, and, Medicine. The medicine programs hold accreditation by the Study Accreditation Committee of the Academic Information (AIC). The AIC closely monitors the quality and stability of academics.

The Riga Stradins University country ranking has marked its position at 5th position in Latvia while the Riga Stradins University world ranking is at 4925th position among 40,000 odd universities around the globe. Moreover, the university boasts of highest ranking in the world with 133rd position in international student ratio.

Teaching Faculty

The RSU Academic Staff comprises a team of more than 400 Professors, Assistant Professors, Lecturers, and Ph.D. Professionals, and Associate Professors.

Why choose Riga Stradins University

The Riga Stradins University is a publicly owned academic institution. When looking for a good quality Medical University in Romania students should carefully take steps after learning about the pros and cons of studying at the University. To explore more about studying at the RSU read the points below-

1. Firstly, Riga Stradins University holds 72 years of teaching experience. Additionally, students get to practice at the nearby affiliated hospitals that help them foster the learning of medical knowledge.

2. Secondly, the Medicine Program offered at RSU is English taught.

3. Thirdly, the General Medicine Program offered at the Medical School of Riga Stradins University is equivalent to the degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

4. Fourthly, the medicine program from RSU has wide acceptance in foreign nations including India, Israel, Australia, the US, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Jordan, etc.

5. Above all, the overall ranking of RSU is 801-1000 in the QS World Ranking University Rankings 2022.

6. Lastly, the total cost of MBBS fees in rupees would cost around 10 Lacs (INR) for each academic year.

Affiliations and Medical Programs at Riga Stradins University

The Riga Stradins University Medical Programs for instance includes Undergraduate programs, Postgraduate programs, and Doctoral Studies in the study area of Dentistry, Medicine, Audio Speech Therapy, Dental Hygiene, Medical Engineering and Physics, Physiotherapy Nursing, Nutrition, Midwifery, Pediatrics, Pharmacy and so on.

As far as international affiliations are concerned, the Riga Stradins University, for example, has bilateral agreements with Belarus, China, Germany, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, etc. Also, the university shares partnerships with international universities from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Poland, Turkey, and so on.

Cost of studying at Riga Stradins University

The Riga Stradins University MBBS Fee is above mid-ranged. Likewise, any student with a budget of 50-55 Lacs can decide on pursuing the medical program at the university. The details for Riga Stradins University Fees Structure for 2022 for Indian Students are as follows:

Hostel/ Accommodation

The RSU has two student hostel facilities available in Riga. One hostel is situated right next to the main building and the other hostel is 10 min drive away from the campus. However, students can pick and choose from a variety of accommodation options. The Riga Stradins University hostels provide facilities like a Rehearsal room for dance, exercise, and other activities, study and recreation facilities, and laundry facilities as well.

However, renting private accommodation seems to be the most popular option among the majority of international students. In Latvia, the cost of the stay for a single person would be EUR 400 on a monthly basis. And, of course, the rest of the expenses entirely depend on the preferences and the lifestyle of an individual.

The Riga Stradins University dormitories are packed with facilities to meet every requirement of students. Moreover, the hostel rooms are well furnished, with proper bed supplies, washrooms, and free internet access. The accommodation is provided on a sharing basis and the cost would be around 150 USD/month.

Indian Food in Latvia

The meal provided at the Riga Stradins University University canteen specifically does not include Indian food in the main course. Moreover, students can choose from options available that offer Indian food like private Indian restaurants or Indian Mess. However, you can find a wide variety of food outlets around the city corner which may help curb your cravings for Indian food. 

Certainly, food available nearby might be high-priced. And hence, most international students prefer preparing food on their own as it is more healthy and hygienic and cost-saving as well. Nonetheless, the university also provides a kitchen or cooking top on every floor for the students.

Can I work/ get a Part-time Job in Latvia?

Usually, students have doubts pertaining that, “If they will be able to work while studying in foreign countries?” And, the answer is - Yes you can! As per the Laws of European Union, Students in Latvia can work without requiring any permit based on a student visa. However, there might be some restrictions depending on the study level, but still, the students who pursue full-time bachelor’s can work part-time (20 hours per week) 

Any international student can find suitable jobs and work 20 hours a week time while they study in Latvia. As long as, the student is enrolled in a study program at the university in Latva he/she can do part-time jobs. The minimum wage acquired by International students for 20 to 40 hours of work per week can generate earnings upto€400 to €500 for a month. Eventually, this amount is fair enough for any international student to manage their monthly expenditure.

Admission Deadline for Riga Stradins University

Students need to keep up with the application dates so that they do not miss out on applying at RSU. After, acquiring information about the choice of university and the field of interest offered. You need to start the application process and submission of documents before the deadline.

As of Riga Stradins University Official Website, the non-EU/EEA citizens are suggested to apply starting 10th Feb till the 1st of May. The right time to apply for Riga Stradins University admission 2022 - 2023 is before September 2022. This year, in 2022, the RSU is planning to admit 300+ Medical seats for international students.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission in Riga Stradins University

The Riga Stradins University admission requirement does not require the student to take an entrance exam. For admission to medicine programs students need to have a score of 70% and above in biology and chemistry for Medicine Mathematics at 12th Level is compulsory for the Medicine program.

Indian students at Riga Stradins University

You can find hundreds of Indian students at Riga Stradins University. You can find hundreds of Indian students at Riga Stradins University. As international students prefer low-cost and quality education there is a rising demand for medical degrees in Latvia. And hence, Latvia has gained popularity in recent years.

Departure to Riga Stradins University

In Latvia, visa approval will take about 10-14 working days. Meanwhile, the academic session for the MD programs in Riga Stradins University begins before September month every year. The students depart from India 10-15 Days before the classes begin so that they can adjust with the Latvian environment comfortably.

PG Option after MBBS in Riga Stradins University

Students after completing MD Program in Latvia may explore multiple options for their Medical PG like India after clearing NEXT, USA after Clearing USMLE, UK after clearing PLAB Exam, or Medical PG in Germany. Those who are looking for Medical PG from Latvia need to do one year of Internship in Latvia after their 6 years of the MD Program. Before that, they have to clear Latvia n Medical PG Licensing Exam. Very few international students opt for it in the program in Latvia n, and no acceptance in their native country.

Medical PG in India or NExT

During MBBS study, a student realizes the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness to secure MD/MS Seat in Govt College. If we look at the success ratio to get PG in Govt Medical College which is 11% Broadly we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get PG Seat whereas the chances of getting Clinical specialty is 1 out of 20 applicants. It is obvious that the PG journey is going to be very difficult or else students should have enough money to get the paid seat in Pvt Medical College which may be in Crores!

Do you feel early preparation and the right mentorship will pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC already notified the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India from 2023. This exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The exam will be conducted in two parts NEXT-1 and NEXT-2. 

The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only post-qualifying of NEXT-1 any Medical student will be eligible for an Internship. Post completion of internship Students needs to go thru NEXT-2 which will assess their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping of Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 awarded a license to practice and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice. You may refer to Page for detailed information on the NExT Exam