Admission 2026

17-28 August 2026

Application and document submission

2-11 September 2026

Entrance examinations (doctoral council assessment)

18 September 2026

Admission results announced

21–25 September 2026

Conclusion of the study agreement and enrolment

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. Application:

• Application form (e-signed or manually signed and scanned). Please check information on who can apply for state-funded study positons here (please use translation tools, as the information is in Latvian).

2. 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. 

3. Proposed Research Profile: 

• A doctoral research proposal; it is recomended to develop it jointly with a prospective supervisor and, in that case, should be signed by both – the applicant and the supervisor;
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including research activities, projects and publications;
• Motivation letter explaining academic background, research interests, and reasons for applying. 

4. Language Proficiency:

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

 5. Additional Documents:

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

6. Registration fee payment:

• 30.00 EUR when applying electronically and paying using the e.luis.lv payment system: first, you fill the application, and then you make a payment by choosing one of the available online banks;
• 40.00 EUR when applying in person and paying by bank transfer to the LU details:

Beneficiary: Latvijas Universitāte

Reg. No.: 90000076669

Bank name: Luminor Bank AS Latvijas filiāle

Code: RIKOLV2X

Account number: LV10RIKO0000082414423

Purpose of payment: registration fee for studies in 2026, name surname, personal identification number or date of birth, doctoral study programme TITLE

When applying in-person, payment must be made in advance by bank transfer. Proof of payment (payment order or receipt) must be presented during registration.

Please note!

The registration fee is to ensure the admission process. The registration fee is non-refundable.

When applying electronically, payment must be made using the e.luis.lv payment system.

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.

Venue and time of entrance examinations for UL academic doctoral study programmes in the 2026/2027 academic year

Admission results are announced on 18 September.

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.