Various types of practical information for prospective students
The academic year begins in September and ends in June. It comprises 40 weeks and is divided into 2 semesters. In some faculties, students have practical training in summer.
Latvian credit point is defined as a one-week full-time study workload. An average workload of a full-time study year in most higher education programmes is 40 credit points. Latvian credit point system is compatible with ECTS. The number of ECTS credits is found by multiplying the number of Latvian credit points by a factor of 1.5.
Semester Examinations
Examination sessions take place at the end of each semester - in January and in June.
Final Examinations
Final examinations are usually arranged as joint examinations covering several subjects, which are relevant to the main field of study.
Assessment of Knowledge
Theoretical examinations are held in a written or oral form. Students are examined by a single examiner or by an examination board. If the student is successful in all the examinations of the session, he/she is allowed to continue the following semester.
In Latvia's higher education a ten-point grading system is used, where 10 is the maximum and 4 is the pass mark. Explanation of the grading system and approximate comparison to ECTS grades are provided below.
| Grade | Meaning | Comments | Estimated corresponding grade (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | izcili (with distinction) | Knowledge of the student is substantially higher than the estimated normal level. | A |
| 9 | teicami (excellent) | Knowledge of the student is higher than the estimated normal level. | A |
| 8 | ļoti labi (very good) | Knowledge corresponds to the highest expected level. | B |
| 7 | labi (good) | The student has mastered the subject deeply and with understanding, is progressing within the expected limits, but makes minor mistakes. | C |
| 6 | gandrīz labi (almost good) | The student has generally succeeded in the course within the required limits, but he or she is either merely reproducing the knowledge rather than actively using it, or making more substantial mistakes. | D |
| 5 | viduvēji (satisfactory) | Awarded to students, who are progressing within the limits of their individual abilities, generally are not behind the appropriate age group, but make substantial mistakes and reproduce the facts rather than analyse them. | E |
| 4 | gandrīz viduvēji (almost satisfactory) | The very last positive grade. Awarded to students, who do their best but still make grave mistakes and just reproduce most of the relevant material. | E/FX |
| 3-1 | neapmierinoši (unsatisfactory) | Marks of different levels for students whose records are below the expected. | Fail |
A diploma of higher education is a state-recognized education document certifying the higher education acquired by its holder after the completion of an internationally- accredited study programme corresponding to a certain level of higher education.
The Diploma Supplement is produced according to standards agreed by the European Commission, The Council of Europe, educational, science and culture organization of the United Nations (UNESCO/ CEPES). It provides objective information and ensures academic and professional recognition of the degree in Latvia and abroad.
The Diploma Supplement provides a standardized description of the nature, level, content and status of the studies completed by its holder.
The Diploma Supplement is a document accompanying a higher education diploma providing a standardised description of the acquired study programme and results. It provides thorough, easily comprehensible, and comparable information.
Diploma supplements in Latvian and English are issued to every graduate of Rezekne Academy of Technologies free of charge.
Courses offered for exchange students you can find in the ECTS catalogue.
Please use the Course catalogue only to select the available courses. Not all courses listed in the Course catalogue are offered for exchange students.
EU/EEA citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Latvia. There are also additional visa-free countries whose citizens do not need visa to enter Latvia. However, citizens of these countries may reside in Latvia only max. 90 days within a 6 months period, therefore, students are required to undergo a certain immigration procedure before or after their arrival to Latvia. The citizens of other countries need to apply for visa prior to their arrival to Latvia.
Exchange students are advised to apply for long-term (D-type) visa at the Embassy/Consulate of Latvia according to its territorial competence or, for citizens of visa-free countries, at the Embassy/Consulate of Latvia or at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Rezekne.
Please, read carefully information about the steps you need to take in order to fulfill the immigration requirements.
A registration certificate is not necessary if the Exchange student who is a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area States or the Swiss Confederation has a valid travel document and is planning to stay in the Republic of Latvia not longer than 12 months.
Additional information: www.mfa.gov.lv or www.pmlp.gov.lv
How to apply for a long-term visa (D-visa)?
1. See the list of countries that DO NOT require VISA to enter Latvia. If you are a citizen of a country stipulated in this list, you need to undergo the following procedure.
2. If you are a citizen of a country that is NOT mentioned in the list in Paragraph 1, you need VISA to enter Latvia and you need to undergo the following procedure.
3. If you study at a partner University in one of the Schengen countries, however, you are a citizen of a country that requires VISA to enter Latvia, (e.g., you are a citizen of Algeria living/studying in France with a valid residence permit issued in France), you need to undergo the following procedure.
Since you do not need a visa to enter Latvia, you may come to Latvia and apply for the long-term (D-type) visa in person in the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). Please, note that you may reside in Latvia (Schengen area) no longer than 90 days within a half year. It is advisable to apply for the long-term visa within the first 30 days of your stay in Latvia.
It is possible to apply for the long-term (D-type) visa also before arriving to Latvia. In this case you will need to apply for the visa at the Embassy of Latvia.
In order to apply for the long-term (D-type) visa you should take the following steps:
Step 1. Contact the International coordinator of your faculty international@rta.lv and submit a reference which confirms student status at the home university. A visa invitation will be prepared and you will receive a visa invitation number. Please note that in the invitation the visa will be requested until the end of your study semester/academic year.
Step 2. Go to OCMA or Embassy of the Republic of Latvia, show the invitation number and submit the following documents:
Step 3. Wait for the decision (approx. 2 weeks) and go to OCMA or Embassy of Latvia to receive visa (by presenting your passport).
Step 4. Bring or send a scanned copy of your long-term visa to the International Office.
Since you need visa to enter Latvia, you will need to apply for the long-term visa at the Embassy of Latvia before coming to Latvia. Please contact the International Office of Rezekne Academy of Technologies international@rta.lv to receive detailed information regarding the territorial competence for visa issue of Embassies of Latvia as not all countries have an Embassy of Latvia and not all Embassies are issuing visas.
How to apply for long-term visa?
Step 1. Contact the International coordinator at the Rezekne Academy of Technologies international@rta.lv and submit a reference which confirms student status at the home university. The coordinator will provide you with an invitation for visa (you will receive an invitation number). Please note that in the invitation the visa will be requested until the end of your study semester/academic year.
Step 2. Go to Embassy of Latvia, show the invitation number and submit the following documents:
Step 3. Wait for the decision and go to Embassy of Latvia to receive visa in your passport.
Step 4. Bring or send a scanned copy of your visa to the International Office
Students (non EU citizens) who have a residence permit issued in another Schengen country, do not need to apply for the long term (D-type) visa in Latvia and they are entitled to enter and reside in the Republic of Latvia for a period of up to 360 days within the period of validity of the referred temporary residence permit.
Please remember that you need a valid residence permit issued by the Schengen country where you study/live, therefore, please, check its expiry date. If the residence permit will expire before you will leave Latvia, you need to prolong it before coming to Latvia. If you have any doubt please do not hesitate to contact International Office of the Rezekne Academy of Technologies international@rta.lv.
Since January 1st, 2014, the official currency of Latvia is the Euro. The price levels in Latvia for many groups, including restaurant and hotel services, are lower than the average for European countries, though price levels may vary in the capital and regions of Latvia.
In Latvia, money can be exchanged at banks or exchange offices. Some banks offer the option of exchanging money at multiple currency ATMs.
Currency exchange rates can vary considerably based on location, so it is recommended to compare rates before settling for the best deal.
Latvia has a solid network of accessible ATMs, but, when venturing outside the cities, taking cash out in advance is advised, before your trip. ATMs accept credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and others).
Banks are open on working days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Approximate prices of goods and services:
The Student Union of Latvia (LSA) represents the interests of all students of Latvia on the national and international scale. The organization is an essential partner of the higher education policy makers regarding student-related questions.
LSA home page: https://www.lsa.lv/language/en/organization/
Rezekne is a continuously developing city. One of the sectors that has been improved a lot over the past decade is sports.
At the Ice Hall of the Olympic Centre of Rezekne you can enjoy a magical winter sport regardless of the time of year. The Ice Hall is available for everyone – both passionate skaters and those who have never skated before. Do not have your own skates? No worries! Skate rentals available. Come and enjoy skating!
In winters, depending on the outdoor temperature, the skating rink of Rezekne Sports Department is available for skating enthusiasts.
Like swimming, but it is too cold outside? It`s not a problem in Rezekne! There are two indoor swimming pools in our city. Moreover, here is the only outdoor swimming pool of Latgale. Opened in May of 2017, a 25-meter pool with six lanes is located near the Olympic Centre of Rezekne. Water slide, jacuzzi, and other elements of recreation available.
It is easy to stay active in Rezekne as the city is velo-friendly and several outdoor gyms are available.
All students of RTA are welcome to join our basketball, football, or volleyball group. They can also use a modern and well-equipped gym for free.
Rezekne is a city where people from different origins and cultures live peacefully together. It`s a place where history meets contemporary life.
The city is not only the historical and spiritual center of Latgale, but it is also the geographical center of the region. Therefore, Rezekne is called the heart of Latgale.
The same as Rome, Rezekne lies on seven hills. The Rezekne River flows through the city joining the biggest lakes of Latvia – Razna and Lubans.
Rezekne suffered severe bombing during World War II and, as a result, historical buildings were destroyed. But we never give up. We continue to put our effort to make our city attractive and guest-friendly.
The best places and buildings to see in Rezekne are GORS – the regional multifunctional arts center/concert hall, also known as the Embassy of Latgale, ZEIMUĻS - Eastern Latvia`s center of creative services, ruins of the Rezekne castle hill, the Monument United for Latvia, also known as Latgale`s Māra, Latgale Culture and History Museum, Art Exhibition House, craft skills workshop Lāde.
Rezekne is also known for its sacral heritage. Explore the diversity of our churches and visit them!
Culture has always been an integral part of our students` life. Choral music fans are welcome to joint the RTA choir Sonitum. To add some colours to everyday life, the RTA Student Council organises various cultural activities and is always open for new ideas. Come, get involved, participate!
Visit Sarkaņkalns - the highest point in the nature park “Adamovas ezers”. In a winter season, Sarkaņkalns awaits all lovers of active recreation. It is located around 10 kilometers from Rezekne and offers two ski-lifts and various tracks in a flat slope and floor slope, including sled slope. From here, you can see Lielais liepu kalns (Large Linden Hill) and Mākoņkalns (Cloud Hill), which are located in Rāzna National Park around 35 kilometers from Sarkaņkalns.
For more information on fascinating and lovely places in Latvia, visit: https://www.latvia.travel/en/top-10-attractions-latvia
If something happens to you, please inform your embassy/consulate and the International Office of RTA.
In case of emergency call 112
The call is free of charge. You can make calls at any time of the day, including without a SIM card. With just 1 call you can reach: police, medical service, firefighters, gas emergency service.
In addition to the phone 112, each service in Latvia also has its own direct phone number. (All of the above numbers are free.)
The airport “RIGA” is located 13 km southwest of Riga. The public transport stop is located just 300 metres from the Arrivals Hall, right past the parking area. You can get to/from the Airport to the city by bus No. 22. On bus No. 22, you can buy a one-way ticket from the driver. Price per ticket – 2.00 EUR. This ticket can only be purchased with a bank payment card.
A taxi can take you to the Riga city center in 15 - 20 minutes. Prepare to pay 25-35 EUR. Allow extra time, if traveling by bus or taxi during the rush hours.
Airport inquiries service: calls from Latvia 1187, calls from abroad +371 29311187
The central railway terminal is located in the central part of Riga.
Information service phone: (+371) 1181
There are bus connections with all the neighbouring countries. The main route from Western Europe runs to Riga from Berlin, via Warsaw and Vilnius. The bus terminal is also situated in the center of Riga, next to the railway terminal.
Information service phone: 1188 (local); +371 90000009 (international).
It will take approximately 4 hours by bus (9.35-10.50 EUR) or 3 hours by train (7.40 EUR) from Riga to Rezekne.
In Rezekne, you will be met by a representative of our Student Council. The public bus from Rezekne bus station costs 0.50 EUR. From the bus station, it is approximately 20 minutes walk to RTA, from train station - 15 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride 5.00 -7.00 EUR.
The public transport system in Rezekne consists of buses. A ticket (0.50 EUR) can be purchased from the driver.
When travelling around Latvia, most of the towns and cities are easily accessible by regional transportation systems – trains or buses. Tickets can be purchased at bus and train station, or from the driver on a bus shortly before departure, as well as online. Information on intercity bus and train timetables and prices: www.1188.lv
Latvian mailboxes are yellow with the word "Pasts" written on them. Postage stamps can be purchased at any post office or Narvesen store.
Telephone numbers in Latvia have eight digits. The numbers of most mobile phones start with 2, 6, 8, or 9.
The international dialing code for Latvia is +371.
All International students must have a life and health insurance:
1) For EU citizen – at least European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
2) For non EU citizens – life and health insurance policy which is valid in Latvia and in all Schengen countries and which ensures at least the following health care services:
The insurance policy shall be valid for a period not less than student’s residence permit validity in Latvia. If the validity date of the policy expires during student’s stay in Latvia, the existing policy shall be extended or a new policy shall be purchased.
In case of emergency call 112.
The call is free of charge. With just 1 call you can reach: police, medical service, firefighters, gas emergency service.
Rezekne Hospital is located on 18. novembra iela 41; phone (+371) 68 805 050.
Pharmacies are called "Aptieka" in Latvia.
For regular students, the official language of instruction is Latvian. Courses, offered for exchange students, are taught in English. Individual studies can be organized by the faculties for international exchange students.
To find out more about the available courses taught in English, prospective exchange students should contact the international coordinator in advance.
Upon receiving the application documents from all prospective exchange students, International Office contacts the RTA faculties in order to obtain their acceptance/approval. The admission decision will be made by the director of the chosen study programme at the faculty.
Approximately one month after the application deadline, the accepted ERASMUS+ exchange students receive an official acceptance letter by email.
Application deadlines