How to pay for your studies: loans and scholarships

The study loan, the student loan, the state scholarship and Studētgods – what they are, how much they give and how to get them.

Updated 4 October 2026

Study loan – for the tuition fee

If you're on a , you can cover the fee with a state-guaranteed study loan (up to the amount of the fee). No guarantor is needed. Right now these loans are given by Swedbank, and the program is run by ALTUM.

Student loan – for living costs

For living costs you can get up to 350 € a month for 10 months a year – even if you're on a .

How you repay

Interest: 3.5% + 6-month EURIBOR; no more than 5% while repaying.
You start repaying 12 months after you graduate, over up to 10 years (up to 15 if the loan is over 20,000 €).
30% of what's left is written off for each child born.

Scholarships

State scholarship – from 140 € a month for budget students; the school decides based on grades and social situation.
Studētgods – 180 € a month for first-degree students from large, low-income families, orphans and people with a group I–II disability (with grade requirements). Apply at latvija.gov.lv on 1–20 September and 1–20 February.
School and company scholarships – for example from the LU Foundation and the RTU Development Fund; many are also for first-year students.

More ways to save

Fee discounts – some schools give discounts for excellent grades, sports or if a family member already studies there.
– the state pays part of the fee.
– with good grades you can move to a budget place.

Sources

Information can change – check it on the school's website before applying.