CONFERENCEProgramme level: Bachelor's Degree Programme
Language of instruction: English
Study form and duration: full-time - 6 semesters
Credits: 180 ECTS
Obtainable degree or qualification: Bachelor of Natural Sciences in Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Number of study places for admission in 2026/2027: State-funded study places - 2, study places for tuition fee - 38
Tuition fee per year: 3600 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, EU Long-term resident permit holders and their family members. 4200 EUR for citizens of other countries
Study location: Riga
If you are looking for a field of study where science meets innovation and theory is closely linked to practice, the joint study programme “Biotechnology and Bioengineering”, offered by the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University, may be the right choice for you. This interdisciplinary, modern, and future-oriented programme provides the opportunity to study in English at two leading universities simultaneously, alongside fellow students from around the world.
The programme combines knowledge of the functioning of living organisms with an engineering perspective. Students gain insights into molecular processes, gene engineering, biochemical mechanisms, and cell biology, while also developing skills in bioprocess modelling and analysis. Practical training, laboratory work, and research are integral parts of the programme – more than 50% of the courses include laboratory work in state-of-the-art facilities using the latest technologies. Elective courses allow students to deepen their knowledge in medical biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, and agrobiotechnology.
Studies take place in a modern and inspiring environment where research, innovation, and academic development are closely integrated. Students have extensive opportunities to engage in research projects, collaborate with leading industry experts, and participate in international exchange programmes.
Graduates of the programme are competitive both in Latvia and internationally. They pursue careers in biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, food technology, environmental sciences, and other biotechnology-related fields, develop innovative products and start-ups, or continue their studies at the master’s level.
Programme director
Anete Borodušķe
Students receive a solid foundation in the natural sciences—including chemistry, physics, and mathematics—combined with specialised courses that introduce key concepts and techniques in microbiology, microbial physiology, bioreactor design, and the planning of biotechnological processes.
In the third year, students can select one of three specialisation tracks:
- Medical Biotechnology(with courses such as medical biotechnology, genetic engineering, and large data analysis)
- Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology (including biomolecule production and in vitro systems for cytotoxicity testing)
- Agrobiotechnology (covering plant genome editing and plant in vitro cell culture technologies)
To gain a broader perspective and develop interdisciplinary skills, students may also combine courses from different specialisation areas.
Graduates of the program have the opportunity to work in scientific laboratories of universities and institutes, in existing companies (in the fields of food, agriculture, medicine, waste processing, etc.) or to create their own startups. Biotechnology and bioengineering is an interesting and dynamically growing field that continues to create new job opportunities.
Perspectives for pursuing further studies
Graduates of the study program "Biotechnology and Bioengineering" are awarded a Natural Sciences Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology and bioengineering, which allows for pursuing studies in natural science master's programs in Latvia and abroad. Several substantive follow-up master's study programs are offered by universities in Latvia, enabling the in-depth and specialized enhancement of the knowledge gained during bachelor's studies, such as the University of Latvia's master's program in "Biology" and "Chemistry," Riga Technical University's master's program in "Materials Science and Nanotechnology," "Chemistry and Chemical Technology," as well as related study programs offered by other universities.
Admission Requirements for Foreign Nationals with Secondary Education Completed Outside Latvia:
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and EU long-term residents:
- General secondary school diploma;
- English language proficiency;
- Grades in Biology or Natural Sciences, Mathematics or Physics or Chemistry must be no less than 8 on a 10-point grading scale;
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, EU long-term resident status holders and Ukrainian civilians can compete for a state-funded study place (application deadline 5 July 2026)
Admission to a state-funded study place is determined according to the following criteria, with places awarded to candidates achieving the highest overall scores:
1. Final grade in English language (20%);
2. Final grade in Biology or Natural Sciences(30%);
3. Final grade in Mathematics or Physics or Chemistry (30%)
4. Grade point average (20%).
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and Non-EU long-term residents:
- General secondary school diploma;
- English language proficiency;
- Grades in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology must be no less than 8 on a 10-point grading scale;
- The average grade on the secondary education certificate across all subjects must be at least 6 on a 10-point grading scale;
- All grades must be passing (at least 4 on a 10-point grading scale);
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) overall score no lower than 1200
*Information on 10 points grading scale
As part of the admission process, applicants will be required to participate in an online interview.
Admissions open: 1 December 2025
Admission Requirements for Latvian Citizens/Non-Citizens and Foreign Nationals with Secondary Education Completed in Latvia:
Admission criteria for individuals who obtained their secondary education from 2004 onwards:
- CE in Mathematics*;
- CE in English language at least level B2;
- CE in Physics, CE in Chemistry or CE in Biology;
- CE in Latvian language;
- Average score of all CEs completed by the individual
* For individuals who have completed secondary education before 2008, the centralised examination in mathematics may be replaced by the average mark in mathematics indicated in the secondary education document (or the average mark in algebra and geometry)
Admission criteria for individuals who completed their secondary education up to and including 2003 and individuals with special needs:
- final grade in Mathematics (or the average grade of Algebra and Geometry), final grade in Chemistry or final grade in Physics;
- final grade in Biology or Natural Sciences must be no less than 8 on a 10-point grading scale;
- final grade in English language no less than 6 on a 10-point grading scale (can be substituted with an internationally recognised English-language test result at a minimum of level B2);
- final average grade in mandatory subjects
Special Conditions:
- Grades in Biology or Natural Sciences, Mathematics or Physics or Chemistry must be no less than 8 on a 10-point grading scale;
or - The overall score in the optimal level of the CE (Central Examination) must be at least 70%, or the overall score in the higher level of the CE must be at least 52%.
* Advantages for graduates of RTU Secondary School of Engineering.
Students are eligible to participate in Erasmus+ exchange studies with partner universities across the EU. As this is a joint study programme, students can take advantage of Erasmus+ opportunities offered by both partner institutions: the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University.
Information about admission:
Email: studies@lu.lv