Admission 2026

1 May 2026
Deadline for applicants from countries subject to additional visa or residence permit screening.

31 May 2026
General application deadline for international applicants. 

June 2026
Entrance examinations (doctoral council assessment).

1 July 2026
Admission results announced.

21–25 September 2026
Conclusion of the study agreement and enrolment. 

5 October 2026
Start of Doctoral Studies.

1. International applicants residing outside Latvia can submit all documents online via apply.lu.lv.

Application deadlines:

1 May 2026 - Citizens of other countries;

31 May 2026 - EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, permanent residence permit holders, and their family member.

2. International applicants residing in Latvia can apply 17–28 August 2026:

• online via e.luis.lv (only if you use eParaksts mobile);
• in person at the UL Doctoral School (Riga, Kalpaka Boulevard 4, Room 218 (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00).

If you are unable to attend in person, an authorized representative may apply on your behalf — they must bring a notarized power of attorney and a valid ID.

1. Document review and online interview
Academic background, research proposal, motivation, and English proficiency are assessed. 

2. Research proposal presentation
Applicants present and discuss their PhD research proposal  with the relevant Doctoral Council. Applications are evaluated based on: 

• Research excellence;
• Scientific relevance and potential impact;
• Feasibility and applicant’s academic profile.

1. Education Documents:

• A legalised copy of previous education documents - both Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and grade transcripts or diploma supplements;
• Official translation into English or Latvian, if the original documents are issued in another language. 

2. Proposed Research Profile: 

• A doctoral research proposal, strongly recomended to be developed jointly with a prospective supervisor and signed by both parties (if possible);
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including research activities, projects and publications;
• Motivation letter explaining academic background, research interests, and reasons for applying. 

3. Language Proficiency:

If the previous degree was not obtained in English, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through an internationally recognised language tests: 

 4. Additional Documents:

• Copy of a valid passport or national ID card (must be legible, show both sides, not cropped, with your face clearly visible).

Applicants are selected through a two-stage admission procedure: 

Stage 1: Initial Assessment 

• Evaluation of submitted documents and research proposal;
• Online interview assessing:

-academic motivation;
-research readiness;
-English language proficiency.

Stage 2: Assessment with the Doctoral Council

• Presentation of the PhD research proposal;
• Discussion with the doctoral council of the relevant academic discipline.

Admission results are announced no later than July 2026.
Applicants who successfully pass the competition will receive an official letter of acceptance issued by the UL Doctoral School.

Upon commencing doctoral studies as a self-funded student, the tuition fee for the autumn semester (equivalent to one half of the annual fee) must be paid in full within seven working days of signing the study agreement.

University of Latvia Bank Details for Tuition Fee Transfers

Bank: Luminor Bank AS Latvijas filiāle SWIFT/BIC: RIKOLV2X Account number: LV10RIKO0000082414423

Please note: the payment reference must include the student's full name, personal identification number, name of the study programme, and the semester for which payment is being made.