Riga Technical University

Riga Technical University: the recognised Latvian leader on the global frontier of higher education. The oldest technical university in the Baltic states, RTU offers over 50 STEM and humanities programmes in English that grant world-class education in high-demand career fields.

For more than 160 years, the people of RTU have pushed the boundaries of science and dared to dream, harnessing the power of technology to create a better future. Our scientific community include Nobel Laureates, Olympians, heads of state, scientific pioneers, and entrepreneurial leaders.

RTU is home to over 13,000 students, including 5000 international students from almost 100 countries, hosted by uniquely located campuses across the country. Ever thought of studying on a mid-sized island in the heart of a capital city? How about a scenic seaside city? RTU has got you covered.

RTU programmes prepare students for careers in the fields of computer science, IT, civil and mechanical engineering, aviation transport, environmental engineering, natural sciences, entrepreneurship, maritime engineering, educational sciences, and more.

The RTU Advantage

• Gain access to one of the best-equipped prototyping workshops in the Baltic states and take advantage of our next-generation equipment to bring your ideas to life.
• Spend your days on a green campus that prioritises sustainability - we are the 40th greenest university in the world (GreenMetric University Rankings 2024).
• Build a global network by studying alongside students from 98 countries, engaging in industry events, and participating in student-led innovation initiatives that connect you to the future of engineering.
• Accelerate personal growth at a university that values originality, ingenuity, honesty, and courage.

RTU students are imaginative and innovative, leading the way to a better future.

They are ready for what tomorrow needs.

Are you?

Step 1: Register online at apply.rtu.lv

To submit your application, create an account on our applications platform apply.rtu.lv and upload the following documents:

• Passport;
• Previous education diplomas and transcripts (or most recent grade sheets if final scores are not yet available). All documents not in English must be accompanied by translations. Students are expected to have achieved at least 60% to qualify for studies;
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL paper-based, TOEIC, Cambridge English Language Assessment, Pearson PTE, Duolingo, or a report from your school that confirms English as the medium of instruction for the entirety of your previous education). At least B2 level proficiency is required;
• Motivation/Cover letter and CV.

Step 2: Application fee payment

To be able to submit your application, you will need to complete the application fee payment of €150 (non-refundable) either online or by bank transfer. Once we have received your payment, you will be able to submit your profile and move on to the examination stage.

Step 3: Entrance examinations and online interview

All applicants will need to complete an online interview which you will receive an invite for once all necessary documents have been uploaded and your profile has been submitted.

All Bachelor-level students (except those applying for Technical Translation) will also need to complete an online math exam which will cover high-school level math subject areas.

Students applying to particular Master-level programmes will be invited to specialised entrance exams which you will receive more information about during the admissions process.

Step 4: Application review

Once your interview and all exams have been completed, our dedicated admissions officers will review your application and let you know if anything is missing from your profile. We aim to issue your admission decision within 4 weeks of receiving your interview recording.

Step 5: Admission decision

If your admission is positive, you will receive a final acceptance letter, study agreements, and a tuition fee and security deposit invoice.

The next step? Your future at RTU.

Entrance immigration regulations depend on the country a student is moving from but there are four possible scenarios:

• Entry with no visa: EU, EEA, and Switzerland and a list of other countries.
• Entry with a visa;
• Entry with a residence permit.

Once in Latvia, students from EU member states, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland will need to apply for a registration card, while students from other regions will need to obtain a residence permit card. You will receive step-by-step instructions with country-specific details on immigration after your acceptance.

Riga Technical University: Among the Top 300 Universities in Europe

Riga Technical University (RTU) has been ranked 258th in Europe and the top Latvian university in the prestigious QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025. This recognition reaffirms RTU’s strong position among the continent’s leading higher education institutions.

RTU’s Strong Presence in International Rankings

• Commitment to Sustainability
  Sustainability is at the core of RTU’s mission, reflected in the UI GreenMetric University Rankings 2024, where RTU was named the 40th most sustainable university in the world. From academic programmes like Environmental Engineering and Ecotechnologies to initiatives such as the Green Ķīpsala campus and participation in the Race to Zero campaign aiming for climate neutrality by 2050, RTU integrates sustainability into every aspect of university life.

• Excellence in Global Rankings
  In the QS World University Rankings 2025, RTU was placed in the #721-730 range and earned a prestigious 5 QS Stars rating across seven categories: Overall, Teaching, Employability, Internationalization, Facilities, Innovation, and Inclusiveness. As the highest-ranked Latvian university in these rankings, RTU has consistently led the country’s higher education sector on the global stage.