Pharmacy in Latvia can be a good option if you want a health sciences degree in Europe and you are ready to check entry rules carefully. Most programmes are at bachelor or integrated/master level, and many use English for international students. Start with the university's admissions page and the programme page, because entry rules and costs can change.
What pharmacy studies look like in Latvia
In Latvia, pharmacy is usually studied at university level in a structured degree path. Depending on the school, you may find:
- a bachelor's level path in related health or life sciences
- an integrated pharmacy programme that leads toward a professional qualification
- master's level study for deeper specialisation
Pharmacy is a regulated field, so the exact path matters. Always check whether the programme leads to the qualification you need for your home country or future job plans. The best source is the university programme page and, for professional recognition, the official authority in the country where you plan to work later.
Who can apply
Typical entry requirements are based on your school or previous university results. For bachelor or integrated entry, universities often ask for:
- secondary school certificate or equivalent
- good grades in chemistry, biology, and sometimes maths or physics
- proof of English if the programme is taught in English
- a passport or national ID
- sometimes an interview, motivation letter, or entrance test
For master's level study, you usually need a relevant bachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biomedicine, or a related subject. Some programmes may also ask for coursework in specific subjects. Do not guess. Check the admissions page of the exact programme.
If your documents are not in English, Latvian, or the requested language, you may need certified translations. Some universities also ask for notarised copies or apostille/legalisation. The university admissions office will tell you which version they accept.
English-taught options and language
Many international students look for English-taught study because it is easier to start with. In Latvia, some pharmacy-related programmes and health science programmes are offered in English, but not every university or every degree path is. Availability can also change by year.
Before you apply, check:
- the language of teaching for each course
- whether Latvian is needed for placements, clinical work, or internships
- whether you must take a language exam before graduation
Even if your classes are in English, daily life in Latvia may involve Latvian or Russian in some places. For practice placements, language expectations can be higher. The programme page should explain this, but if it is not clear, email admissions and ask directly.
Tuition and study costs
Tuition depends on the university, the level of study, and whether you are from the EU/EEA or from outside it. In Latvia, many public universities use lower tuition for EU/EEA students and higher fees for non-EU students, but the exact price is set by the school.
As a realistic guide, pharmacy and other health science programmes in Europe often fall into these ranges:
- EU/EEA students: sometimes lower fees, often in the low thousands of euros per year
- non-EU students: often several thousand euros per year, sometimes more for professional degrees
Some universities charge the same fee for all international students, while others separate fees by nationality or residence status. Never rely on old forum posts. Check the programme page and the official fee table for the current academic year.
Living costs are separate from tuition. In Riga and other Latvian cities, you should plan for rent, food, local transport, books, health insurance, and personal spending. A realistic monthly budget for a student is often in the range of a few hundred euros, with accommodation being the biggest cost. The exact amount depends on housing type and your spending habits.
How to apply and when to start
The application timeline is usually easier if you start early. A simple plan is:
- 6 to 12 months before start - check programme options, entry rules, and language requirements
- 4 to 8 months before start - gather documents, translations, and references
- 3 to 6 months before start - submit your application and pay any application fee if required
- after offer - arrange housing, insurance, and, if needed, visa or residence papers
Deadlines vary by university and intake. Some schools have one main intake, while others may have more than one. The safest source is the university admissions calendar.
If you need a visa or residence permit, check the official Latvian immigration or foreign affairs authority for the current process and documents. Do not depend on social media or old guides, because immigration rules can change.
Scholarships and financial support
Scholarships may exist, but they are not automatic. Some come from the university, some from the Latvian government, and some from outside organisations. Most are competitive and may have separate rules for academic merit, nationality, or field of study.
When you search for funding, check:
- the scholarship's own website
- the university's scholarship page
- the official Latvian state scholarship information, if relevant
Read the eligibility rules carefully. A scholarship for one degree level may not cover another. It may also require strong grades, a language certificate, or proof of enrolment.
Common questions
Can I study pharmacy in Latvia in English?
Often yes, but not always. Some universities offer English-taught pharmacy or related health science programmes, while others do not. Check the exact programme page for the teaching language and any language rules for practical training.
Do I need biology and chemistry?
Usually yes, especially for pharmacy. Many universities expect a strong background in chemistry and biology, and sometimes maths. The exact subject list depends on the programme, so read the entry requirements on the university site.
How do universities choose students?
They usually look at your grades, required subjects, English level, documents, and sometimes an interview or entrance test. Admissions offices may also check whether your previous education matches the level of study.
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 do not need to apply everywhere by hand.
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.