Study location	Latvia, Riga
Type	Doctoral, full-time
Nominal duration	3 years (216 ECTS)
Study language	English
Awards	Doctorate (Doctoral Degree of Science Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Social Sciences)
Accreditation	Study programme is accredited (to be revised in 2027)

Tuition fee	€3,370 per year Please note that the tuition fee may change in 2025.
Application fee	€170 one-time The application fee is 170.00 EUR. The application fee is non-refundable. Payment of the application fee and the diploma recognition fee should be paid only after the receipt of the invoice and must be paid BY the deadline of the invoice, if for any reason you have failed to pay the fees by the said deadline please contact the admission coordinator. The application will be processed only after the payment receipt (the official receipt issued by the bank) has been uploaded in the Apply system, take note: in the event of any changes made in the application, you are to resubmit the application to confirm and save the changes.
Deposit	€500 one-time A one-time payment for students coming from third countries outside the EU/EEA is to be paid in full together with the full-year tuition fee payable upon arrival. The deposit is intended for coverage of possible immigration expenses and paid back upon request after graduation.

Entry qualification

Postgraduate diploma (or higher) 1) Master’s degree in management science, economics and business, or comparable education; 2) Master’s degree in other social sciences, education sciences or comparable education, for person with at least two years of professional experience in management of enterprises and institutions; 3) Master’s degree in other natural sciences, engineering sciences or comparable education, for person with at least two years of professional experience in management of enterprises and institutions. Please also add your Bachelor’s degree diploma and its supplements The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Latvian. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. Diplomas and transcripts issued outside EU must be legalized with legalization stamps or Apostille. More information available HERE You must take the original entry qualification documents with you when you finally go to the university.

Language requirements

English English Applicants must prove their English language knowledge. University accepts the following international language tests: LanguageCert International ESOL at least Level Communicator B2 (Written and Spoken exams); TOEFL IBT – at least score 72 TOEFL Essential – at least 8 points IELTS – at least score 6.00 PTE General – at least level B2 FCE – at least level B CPE – Proficiency/C2 Proficiency: any level CAE – C1 Advanced: any level If your previous studies have been obtained in English but not in the country listed below, then you have to present an official letter from your previous educational institution (University, etc.) where is stated that all your studies were in English (medium of instruction is English), and you have to pass interview where the University of Latvia will evaluate your language skills. Applicants who have obtained previous education in English in one of the bellow listed countries do not need to provide separate language proficiency: • Australia • The Bahamas • Canada • Ireland • New Zealand • St Vincent and the Grenadines • United Kingdom • United States of America

Other requirements	Successful pass of entrance examination where applicants will be invited to an interview via Skype. Applicants are obligated to upload: 1) A justification and framework (3-5 pages) for the chosen dissertation (no specific form defined); 2) Filled out Curriculum Vitae in Europass format

More information	lu.lv/..-programmes/economics-and-business

Overview

1. To master research methodology, theoretical concepts, latest research methods in economics and business.
2. To develop independent original research in the field of economics and business, using state-of-the-art methods of analysis and data processing, obtaining scientifically original and verifiable results at the level of internationally quoted publications, thus demonstrating their competence in carrying out research work and introduction of innovations, presenting research results at conferences and seminars, being able to produce and publish scientific articles on the results of scientific research.
To develop critical, analytical thinking, creativity, leadership, ability to independently articulate research ideas, plan, structure and lead large-scale scientific projects also in an international context, conduct research / development tasks in companies, institutions and organizations that require extensive research knowledge and skills, ability to work in a team, working with professionals from different sectors.
To develop pedagogical skills to independently perform and conduct pedagogical work in higher education institutions.
To develop the ability to continuously improve one’ scientific qualification.

Career opportunities

A PhD is a well-respected qualification that prepare a student for a range of careers – both within and outside academia. Many students do go on to careers in higher education, but these include administration and leadership positions as well.