Additional Procedures

If you’re applying from a non-EU/EEA country and/or your educational documents are issued in a non-EU/EEA country, the application process includes three additional procedures: a motivational interview, recognition of educational documents, and document legalisation. This is in in alignment with Latvian and international law to ensure compliance with normative requirements for admission to higher education in the Republic of Latvia.

Through a motivational interview, educational document recognition, and document legalisation, we assess your fit for the program, verify your academic history, and certify the legitimacy of your documents. Read below sections for details on each part of this process to help you prepare for a successful application to RSU.

Document Legalisation

Document legalisation is a process of official certification of public documents issued in one country that will be used/submitted for various purposes in another country. This involves adding an official signature and seal from the relevant authorities in the country where the document was issued. Educational documents intended for use in Latvia for studies at RSU need to be legalised or authenticated with an Apostille by the competent institutions in the foreign country depending on the country where your documents were issued:

• Hague Convention Countries: Your documents will require an Apostille seal, which verifies their authenticity. Please see the list of Hague Convention Countries on the HCCH website.
• Non-Hague Convention Countries: You will need to have your documents approved by the foreign ministry and/or embassy of the issuing country. Once your documents are legalised and sent to RSU, we will submit them for final legalisation step at the Consular Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia. Please visit the Latvian MFA website for list of countries that require double legalisation.
• EU/EEA Countries: No legalisation is required for documents issued in the EU, European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom (excluding overseas territories).

NB! Please note all documents need to have the original stamp and signature of the authority who has legalised the document.

Motivational Interview

The motivational interview is mandatory for all applicants from non-EU/EEA countries, as prescribed by Latvian law, and is conducted online via Zoom. During the interview, RSU assesses:

• Your motivation to study in the chosen programme in English
• Your eligibility for the selected programme
• Your reasons for choosing the programme and how it aligns with your future goals
• Your knowledge of Riga Stradiņš University (RSU), Riga, and Latvia

The interview allows us to better understand your goals and ensure that you have thoroughly considered your choice of programme and university.

Applicants are eligible for motivational interview once they have completed their application by submitting the necessary documents as per the Application guide.

Educational Document Recognition

After receiving the Application fee, RSU submits your educational documents to the Latvian ENIC-NARIC (Academic Information Centre - AIC) which is a state agency that is part of the Ministry of Education.
The AIC evaluates:

• The level, content, and duration of your previous education to ensure it aligns with the Latvian education system.

This process typically takes up to 1 month, though it may take longer (up to 4 months) if additional documents or information are required. Once the evaluation is complete, the AIC will issue a recognition statement and inform RSU. We will review the statement and register its verdict. Based on the recognition statement, RSU ensures that prospective undergraduate students have completed at least secondary education, while those applying for Master's programs hold a Bachelor's degree.

If there are any missing documents or qualifications, RSU will contact you to provide further information and submit the necessary documents for re-evaluation.