Study Medicine in Riga

Medical Universities in Latvia

Study Medicine in Riga with these 2 university options:

Riga Stradins University

Riga Stradins University was established in 1950 and is located in Latvia’s capital city, Riga. Paul uls Stradiņš and the Stradins family more widely had a major influence on Medicine in Latvia and so the university is aptly named after them. The university has five departments including Faculty of Medicine, dentistry, public health, rehabilitation and pharmacy.

The six year medical degree taught in English over 12 semesters has 590 places available annually. The university states that their main objective is to teach ‘the core competencies that are required in order to become a highly skilled doctor.’ The course has two years of fundamental studies specialising in areas such as anatomy, histology, physiology, medical chemistry and biochemistry. It then has two years of preclinical study followed by clinical subjects in the final two years. Alongside advanced teaching methods, students have access to world-class facilities such as the Medical Education Technology Center of the Riga Stradins University.

The University of Latvia

Also located in Riga and founded in 1862, The University of Latvia is the oldest university in the country. In 1919, it opened its door to medical students and continues to provide innovative insights into the medical field. Year on year the university is welcoming more infrastructure with ‘the House of Science’ completed in 2019 and the promise of an Academic Centre, social science institute and technology centre. The university has 20 research centres and published over 2000 scientific papers in 2019. The university has 15,250 students of which 888 are international.

The 6-year medical degree program at the University of Latvia is held exclusively in English and its excellence is recognised throughout the EU. The study curriculum is divided in 3 parts: A part (mandatory subjects), B part (mandatory selection) and C part (electives). Some of the areas covered during the degree include organic chemistry, medical biochemistry, emergency medicine, basic life support and practice of surgery. From the 3rd year, practical experience forms an integral part of the study at the University of Latvia. Students of the Faculty of Medicine are taught in the top clinics and medical institutions in the country.Riga is Latvia’s capital and therefore largest city, home to one third of Latvia’s modest population. Defined by its gothic architecture yet within close proximity to the seaside in Jūrmala, Riga is a beautiful and unique city to live in. The country has 500km of coastline and so there are plenty of beaches to visit. Other popular attractions include Riga’s Central Market which is one of Europe’s biggest markets and over 800 Art Nouveau buildings to admire and explore.