Latvia offers affordable PhD study in English, with state budget places and project funding.
PhD opportunities in Latvia & Lithuania
Why do a PhD in Latvia & Lithuania?
- Low living costs
- State-funded PhD places
- English-taught programmes
Universities in Latvia & Lithuania
Well-known research universities and institutes for PhD study in Latvia & Lithuania include:
- University of Latvia
- Riga Technical University
- Riga Stradiņš University
Choose a university by your supervisor and research group, not the overall ranking — fit with the group decides most PhD outcomes.
PhD structure
PhD study includes courses, research and a thesis defence before a council.
Fees and funding
Fees: Fees for self-funded places; state places are free.
Main funded routes: State scholarships, university PhD places and research-project positions.
Official starting points: Study in Latvia · Study in Lithuania
See PhD funding by country to compare routes across 46 countries, or estimate your budget with the study cost calculator.
Applying for a PhD in Latvia & Lithuania
Apply to PhD programmes in summer.
Language: English options.
Your application checklist
- CV with research experience and any publications
- Research proposal or statement written for the project or supervisor — see our research proposal guide
- Master's (and undergraduate) transcripts and degree certificates; for Pakistanis, HEC-attested copies
- Two or three academic references — see our recommendation letter guide
- English test score or proof of English-medium study, if required
- Interview preparation — see our interview guide
Student visas and work
Visa: Non-EU students apply for a residence permit.
Working during your PhD: Students may work part time.
After your PhD
Graduates may apply to stay to look for work.
Open PhD opportunities in Latvia & Lithuania
New listings are added every week — get weekly alerts.
This guide gives an overview for international applicants. Rules on fees, funding and visas change — always confirm the details on the university, funder and embassy websites before you apply.
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