Located in: Latvia
Riga Stradins University is located in Riga, Latvia - the biggest city in the country, and its cultural center. The university itself is one of the most esteemed medical institutions in the country, and among the best in the world. International students who wish to study medicine in Europe can enrol in medical and dentistry programmes in English.
Riga Stradins University is located in the city capital of Riga, with a population of around 650,000 people. It is also the largest city in Latvia and is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.
The university was established in 1950 and was named after the Stradins family, who has had a significant influence on academic life in Latvia for more than a century. Currently, there are 5 Medical Sciences faculties here:
Riga Stradins University is a popular choice for international students, who constitute around 25% of the student body here. Most of them come from Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Norway.
As of 2019, RSU is ranked in the top 500 European universities and the top 1000 universities worldwide.
The university offers a pre-med course based on the educational requirements of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry to prepare students for continuing their studies in Medical Chemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Medical Physics. Courses in Medical Terminology in Latin and Latvian Language in Medicine are also available.
Student transfers are accepted.
The university is located at 16 Dzirciema Street, Rīga, LV-1007, Latvia.
Riga Stradins University organises conferences, seminars, and meetings for students and staff with interest in scientific studies. Moreover, the current research projects focus on oncology, infectious diseases, and immunology.
In addition, several student organisations and interest groups provide various opportunities for medical students. The European Medical Students Association and the Dental Student Association organise multiple social and academic events for their members.
On the other hand, interest groups organise aspiring doctors in numerous medical fields, such as genetics, cardiology, surgery, and therapy. They encourage students can meet and explore modern technologies and practices in their respective fields.
At RSU, you can study medicine and dentistry in English. The tuition fees are:
The admission deadlines for the February intake are as follows:
The Admission requirements include a high school diploma which features at least two semesters of studying Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics each, as well as English language proficiency.
For native English speakers, there are no English certificates or entry exams required as the high school grade in “English” will be taken into account.
For citizens of EU/EEA or non-EU/EEA countries where English is not the language of instruction, high school grades in English will be taken into account as well. For students who haven’t studied English at secondary/high school, they have to either attend an English language exam at RSU or they have to present their official results of an international English proficiency test such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English Certificate, or any other equivalent.
If you’d like to maximise your chances of gaining entry into Riga Stradins University, apply online through Medlink Students. We can guarantee you a smooth application process, support you throughout your entire education, and help you practise as a doctor in the UK or your country of choice.
Riga Stradins University in Latvia is recognised all over the world (GMC included) and presents many career opportunities in the realm of health sciences. A degree in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy from RSU allows you to become a medical practitioner worldwide.
Riga Stradiņš University offers 2 student hostels. The first one, called Hostel Āgenskalns, has over 200 rooms which can accommodate around 600 people. It’s located within 5 minutes of walking distance from the University Hospital.
The monthly rent here can cost you anywhere between €80 – €400 per month, depending on whether you’d like to live alone or with roommates and the room quality (total area, amenities, furniture, etc.).
The second hostel, Dzirciems, which was recently built, is located right next to the main RSU building. It comprises 135 rooms, 4 of which are adjusted to the needs of people with disabilities. It includes single and double bedrooms and suites for more than 2 people, with a total capacity of around 400 people. Prices here range from €250 to €400 per person.
Both hostels’ rooms are well furnished and offer study and recreational facilities, laundries, and everything else, which will ensure your enjoyable stay. Prices are fixed, which means they include utility bills.
If you rent an apartment in Riga, you are looking at around €300 per month. When you include food, entertainment, services, and bills, you will spend about €800 per month while living here.
As for what to do in Riga, there’s plenty for everybody. Being the capital of Latvia, Riga offers many leisure activities. Those interested in museums and art galleries will be pretty happy to know that the city has around 10 of those, with one being a historical medicine museum.
Several theatres, cinemas, and operas are also available for your entertainment. Let’s not forget that Riga offers a wide variety of places to go shopping as well.
According to legend, people in the area depended on the local giant Kristaps to carry them across the Ridzene river. He’d put them on his shoulders and wade across from one bank to the other.
On a stormy night, a mysterious child asked Kristaps for passage. The giant put it on his shoulder, but the kid grew heavier with every step. Instead of dropping the child in the river, Kristaps carried him across, risking his own life. Finally, he sat on the ground to rest, and when he raised his head, the kid was gone, and a huge barrel full of gold stood in his place. Kristaps used the gold to build Riga.
Today, a statue of Great Kristaps is at the museum and on the Eastern bank of Daugava. Both locations are excellent starting points for strolls along the river or an expedition through all the city landmarks. There are plenty of those in the Old City.
Riga was once a part of the Hanseatic League, and the Great Guild and Small Guild buildings are remnants of those prosperous days. The rebuilt House of Blackheads is another reminder of the merchant glory of the city.
Nestled amidst a rich tapestry of cultures, the city of Riga wholeheartedly celebrates diversity and inclusion, extending a warm embrace to students from every corner of the globe.
Riga Stradins University stands as a shining example of its commitment to meeting the unique needs of its diverse community. It places great importance on accommodating students from various ethnicities, religions, and cultures, ensuring their experience is nothing short of exceptional. Mosques, churches, and synagogues dot the cityscape, serving as symbols of unity and offering solace for individuals of diverse faiths.
Riga's culinary scene is a testament to its diverse spirit, with a myriad of vegetarian, kosher, and halal restaurants satisfying the cravings of students from all walks of life. Latvian culture flourishes, fostering an environment of safety and respect for all, including hijabi women. Throughout the campus and the city, the faculty of medicine actively promotes an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, celebrating the beautiful tapestry of diversity and embracing the richness of cultural backgrounds.
The Autumn semester begins at the end of August and lasts until 15 January next year. Winter Holidays are between 21 December and 1 January. The examination session is between 18 January and 29 January.
The Spring semester begins on 5 February and ends on 11 June. Easter Holidays are between 29 March and 5 April. The second examination period is between 14 June and 29 June.
The university is located in Riga, Latvia. The city straddles the Daugava river, and it’s 9 miles away from the Gulf of Riga at the Baltic Sea. The university’s address is 16 Dzirciema Street, Rīga, LV-1007, Latvia
Yes. Transfers are possible for medical students.
No. Fast track medicine is not possible at this medical school.
The school fees at RSU are €12,500 per year for medicine (6 years). Dentistry costs €14000 for the first two years and €15000 for the remaining 3 years.
The university's medical graduates get international recognition of their degrees. The World Health Organisation recognises it through its World Directory of Medical Schools. In addition, the UK General Medical Council also recognises the university.
Yes. You can study medicine and dentistry in English.
Yes. The university has almost 200 graduates registered with the UK General Medical Council.
No. There is no entrance exam.
Students need a secondary school certificate with at least two years of studying Biology, Chemistry, and Math. There is also an English language proficiency requirement for non-native speakers. They can present a certificate or attend the English exam at RSU.
The Autumn semester begins at the end of August and lasts until 15 January.
The application deadline is 1 May for non-EU applicants and 1 July for EU applicants.
RSU is fully integrated into the Latvian healthcare system. Add the excellent student to teacher ratio of 10 to 1, and you get a remarkable medical education. In addition, students benefit from multiple opportunities for extracurricular and leisure activities.
Riga is a city with rich history and culture with plenty of landmarks to visit. Students have plenty of opportunities for recreation and leisure in the city. Local festivals and singing choirs are of particular interest to international students.