Studying for an LLM (Master of Laws) in Latvia

PLEASE NOTE: As a result of Brexit, from Autumn 2021 postgraduate students from the European Union studying at a UK university will be charged the same tuition fees as international students. UK students studying their postgraduate course at a European university are also likely to incur higher tuition fees than their EU counterparts. It is advisable to check with the individual universities in the UK and Europe for up-to-date information on tuition fees for all postgraduate programs.

Find LLM programs in Latvia

Situated on the Baltic, between Europe and Russia, Latvia has absorbed many cultural influences over the centuries. Latvia is a parliamentary republic and a member of the European Union Eurozone, as well as the United Nations. The capital Riga is a city of contrasts, with a lively nightlife, ancient churches and traditional markets, as well as a beautiful Art Nouveau quarter where the University of Latvia is based. Only an hour's drive from Riga will take you into an unspoilt wilderness of forests, lakes and sandy beaches. Latvia promotes ecotourism to help keep the environment pristine. Latvia's legal system combines elements of civil and common law and has similarities to the German and French systems. An LLM obtained in Latvia is an internationally-recognised qualification.

LLM (Master of Laws) in Latvia

Five reasons to study for an LLM in Latvia

High-quality tuition combined with relatively low-cost living makes Latvia a firm favourite for students.
It’s conveniently located in northern Europe, and is well served by many low-cost airlines.
Excellent broadband speeds means keeping in touch with friends and family, as well as researching for your studies is easy.
Riga – the capital of Latvia – is the European City of Culture for 2014, and Riga's stunning medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Latvia has a beautiful, unspoilt countryside with lakes, forests and stunning beaches.

Studying at a law school in Latvia

LLM courses that are available at the Riga Graduate School of Law, part of the University of Latvia in Riga, include the following areas of study:

LLM in Legal Linguistics: A 60-credit one year postgrad masters program, the LLM in Legal Linguistics will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for analysing and drafting linguistically and legally precise documents.
LLM in European Law and Policy: The LLM in European law and policy will provide students with the expertise needed to work in both national and international settings. The one-year course leads to 60 ECTS credits, earned by academic study and writing a thesis.
LLM in Law and Finance: Students may choose to specialise in either Global and Emerging Financial Markets or Financial Institutions.
LLM in International and European Law: This course offers specialisations in Public International Law, European Union Law, and International Commercial Law.
LLM in Public International Law and Human Rights: Students choosing to study this LLM will be qualified to work with human rights and international public law issues in both national and international settings.
LLM in Transborder Commercial Law: A 60-credit LLM course focussing on the practical aspects of transborder trade. Offered on a full- or part-time basis, the course covers both mandatory and specialised topics.

Fees & bursaries for LLM programs in Latvia

Tuition fees for a one-year LLM course at Riga Graduate Law School costs around €7,000, but because RGSL encourages foreign students to apply to study in Latvia, graduate students applying to study this year may be eligible to apply for a fee waiver. Postgrads should apply online to Riga Graduate Law School early as there is an Early Admissions Lottery that funds one free place per year. Students from all EU countries wishing to study the LLM in Legal Linguistics are eligible for grants: an entrance test is held in July each year.

Entry requirements for international students

A certified copy of a diploma/degree and diploma/degree transcript from a recognized university, with an English translation.

Official results of English competency exams: TOEFL, Institutional TOEFL or IELTS no older than three years.

A copy of your passport.

A motivation letter.

Application fee of €100 - only applies to applicants from outside the EU.

Students from some countries may require a visa: as regulations change from time to time it is best to check with the Embassy of Latvia.

Students are also required to take out health insurance for the period of their stay in Latvia.

Accommodation in Latvia

Many foreign students choose to live in university Halls of Residence, but privately rented housing is another option. The foreign student advisor at the university will be able to advise on finding suitable accommodation.

The cost of living in Latvia is cheaper than in many other European countries. As a rough guide, the Latvian Central Bureau for Statistics calculates that the average per capita expenditure on food, accommodation, transport, entertainment, etc. is around €280 per month.

Things to do in Latvia

Latvia is a thriving vibrant country full of great thigs to do in your downtime. In Riga, there is live music for every taste from blues to opera. Latvians of all ages enjoy folk music and dance, and there are many festivals celebrating this important cultural tradition. Latvia's national parks are perfect for hiking and water sports. Try whitewater rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Gauja river. Alternatively the sandy beaches of Cape Kolka, where turbulent Baltic currents meet the Gulf of Riga, are a superb spot for watching migrating birds.

Other European LLM study destinations

Are you interested in studying your Master of Laws program in another European destination? If so we have a great selection of LLM destination study guides, including: