If you want to study dentistry in Latvia, you usually apply to a medicine or dentistry programme taught in English or Latvian. Entry is competitive, and you should check each university's admissions page for the exact route, because requirements and tuition can change by year.
What dentistry study looks like in Latvia
In Latvia, dentistry is usually a single long-cycle professional degree rather than a simple bachelor and master path. In many European systems this leads to a dental qualification after several years of study, followed by any licensing steps required in the country where you want to work.
- Look for the programme name on the university website, often under dentistry, dental medicine, or dentistry and oral health.
- Check whether the programme is taught in English, Latvian, or both.
- Read the section on professional recognition if you plan to use the degree outside Latvia.
If you are not sure whether the programme is a bachelor, a professional degree, or another structure, use the university's official description. That is the safest source.
Typical entry requirements
Most universities ask for a strong secondary school background. They usually want biology and chemistry, and sometimes physics or mathematics. For international students, the school diploma must usually be recognised as equivalent to Latvian upper secondary education.
- Completed secondary education or the final year of school.
- Good grades in science subjects, especially biology and chemistry.
- Proof of English, if the programme is taught in English.
- Passport, transcripts, and often translated and certified documents.
- Sometimes an entrance exam, interview, or online test.
English proof is often accepted through IELTS, TOEFL, or another recognised test, but the exact score is set by the university. Always check the programme page for the current minimum.
English-taught options and language
Latvia has English-taught options for international students, especially in health-related fields. That said, the official language of daily life is Latvian, and some clinical practice may require local language skills later in the programme or for work after graduation.
Before you apply, check:
- Whether the whole programme is in English or only part of it.
- Whether patient contact requires Latvian language learning.
- Whether the university offers preparatory language support.
If you plan to stay in Latvia for your career, language matters. If you plan to move elsewhere after graduation, also check the licensing rules in the country where you want to practise.
Tuition and other costs
Tuition in Latvia can be very different between universities, and it is usually higher for non-EU students than for EU students. For dentistry, expect the annual fee to be in a higher professional-study range. The exact figure depends on the university, the language of study, and the year.
Use the programme page for the current fee. As a practical rule, dentistry is usually one of the more expensive degrees in Latvia, so compare all costs before you apply.
- Tuition fees: check the university's admissions page.
- Application fee: often charged separately.
- Health insurance: usually required.
- Visa or residence permit costs: check the Latvian national immigration authority.
- Books, instruments, and supplies: these can add extra costs.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle. A student budget usually needs money for housing, food, transport, phone, and personal costs. Riga is usually more expensive than smaller cities. Check the university's student housing page and compare with private rental websites before you decide.
How to apply and when to start
Start early. For a dentistry degree, it is smart to begin 8 to 12 months before the intake you want. That gives you time for document checks, language tests, and visa steps if needed.
- Choose the university and programme.
- Read the entry rules on the official admissions page.
- Prepare transcripts, diploma, passport, and translations.
- Take the required English test, if needed.
- Apply online and pay any application fee.
- Wait for an entrance test or interview, if the university uses one.
- If admitted, follow the instructions for tuition payment, visa, and arrival.
If you need a student visa or residence permit, do not rely on general advice alone. Check the Latvian national immigration authority and the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate for the latest procedure and document list.
How universities find candidates
Universities do not all recruit in the same way. Some use their own admissions portals and review each file directly. Others also work with student platforms or search tools where you can list your profile and let admissions teams contact you first.
This can help if you want to be discovered instead of sending many applications one by one. To improve your chances of being noticed, keep your profile clear and complete.
- State your field: dentistry or dental medicine.
- Add your education level and expected graduation date.
- Include your English level and test scores.
- Upload documents that are ready and readable.
- Say which countries and intakes you are open to.
Even then, you still need to apply through the university when they ask you to. Being found first does not replace the formal admissions process.
Common questions
Is dentistry in Latvia open to international students?
Yes, many universities accept international applicants. The exact rules depend on the programme, your school background, and your language proof. Check the university admissions page for the current list.
Do I need to know Latvian before I apply?
Not always. Some programmes are taught in English. But Latvian may become important for clinical training, daily life, and future work. Check the programme page and ask the university about language during practice.
Can I work while I study?
Possibly, but the right to work depends on your nationality, residence status, and local rules. Check the Latvian immigration authority and your university's student support page before you count on part-time work.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
You stay in control, and you can compare options before you apply anywhere.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.