Riga Technical University traces its roots back to 1862, when it was founded as Riga Polytechnic — making it the first technical university in the Baltic countries, more than 160 years before most of the region's engineering schools existed. That founding history still shapes what RTU is today: the country's leading technical and engineering university, organised across 8 faculties and 35 institutes, and currently the highest-ranked university in Latvia in the QS World University Rankings, ahead of both the University of Latvia and Riga Stradiņš University.
RTU is the second-largest university in Latvia by enrolment and carries the largest number of state-funded student places of any Latvian institution. Around 14,000 students study here, roughly 5,000 of them international, taught by a faculty of 561 academic staff.
Why RTU Stands Out
RTU holds the #1 position among Latvian universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025, placing in the 721-730 band globally — ahead of the University of Latvia (781-790) and Riga Stradiņš University (951-1000). More tellingly for an engineering-focused university, its individual QS indicators moved sharply in the right direction: its international student ratio climbed 45 places to 203rd worldwide, and its graduate employability score rose 90 places — specific, measurable shifts rather than a general ranking claim.
A few more specifics that set RTU apart:
- Offers 61 full degree programmes taught entirely in English, spanning computer science, mechanical engineering, electronics, and more
- Every student completes a practical internship as part of their degree, in Latvia or abroad, rather than treating industry exposure as optional
- More than 200 cooperation agreements with universities across Europe and beyond, supporting exchange and joint research
- Active participant in EU-funded research projects, including the establishment of national Competence Centres and Research Centres
- Works directly with industry, state, and local government bodies on applied research, not purely theoretical academic work
Popular Programmes
RTU's academic identity is built squarely around engineering, technology, and the applied sciences:
- Computer Science and Cybersecurity Engineering — among its most in-demand English-taught Master's tracks
- Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Technology
- Electronics, Smart Electronic Systems, and Telecommunication Technologies
- Architecture and Engineering Economics
- Business Informatics and Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Published Master's tuition for English-taught programmes generally runs in the range of roughly €3,200 to €5,890 a year depending on the specific course, though the exact current fee for a given programme — and whether it applies in full to non-EU applicants — should always be confirmed directly with us or RTU before budgeting, since the university's own published figures vary by programme and intake. RTU also lists several merit-based Latvian State Scholarships and independent awards, worth checking for current non-EU eligibility.
Career Opportunities & Student Value
Because every RTU student completes a mandatory internship, graduates move into the job market with practical, hands-on experience built directly into their degree rather than arranged separately. That structure, combined with RTU's direct partnerships with industry and government institutions, is reflected in the sharp recent improvement in its QS graduate employability indicator — a specific, measured outcome rather than a general careers claim.
RTU's 200+ international cooperation agreements also give engineering and technology students a realistic route into a semester or research placement elsewhere in Europe during their degree, through established exchange partnerships rather than ad hoc arrangements.
Why Students from Kerala Are Looking at RTU
For Kerala students weighing Latvia as a study destination, RTU is the clear choice for anyone specifically interested in engineering, IT, or architecture — fields where the country's two existing private listings on this site (Baltic International Academy and Turība University) don't really compete. As Latvia's top-ranked university and the Baltic region's oldest technical institution, RTU offers a public-university credential with a genuine engineering pedigree, at tuition levels well below equivalent technical degrees in the UK, US, or Western Europe, inside the EU and the Schengen area.
The mandatory internship structure is also worth highlighting directly to engineering-focused families: it means the degree itself guarantees practical work exposure, rather than leaving students to arrange that separately.
Is RTU Right for You?
RTU could be a strong fit if:
- you're specifically interested in engineering, computer science, IT, or architecture, and want Latvia's top-ranked university in these fields
- you'd value a mandatory internship built into your degree, rather than optional or self-arranged industry exposure
- you're looking for a public-university, EU-recognised engineering degree at a lower cost than the UK, US, or Western Europe
- you want access to 200+ international partner universities for exchange or research opportunities
- you're comfortable being one of around 5,000 international students at a large, long-established technical university rather than a small private college
Interested in Studying at Riga Technical University?
IRS Study Abroad, Kottayam can walk you through RTU's English-taught programme options, current tuition and scholarship details, and the Latvia student visa process from start to finish.
📞 +91 96561 21000
📍 IRS Study Abroad, 3rd Floor, Vettiyil Endow, Opp. Pvt Bus Stand, Nagampadom, Kottayam
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