International Business - Professional Master's Degree Programme

Programme level: Professional Master's Programme
Language of instruction: English
Study form and duration: full-time - 4 semesters
Credits: 120 ECTS
Obtainable degree or qualification: Professional Master's Degree in Business Administration, qualification: Head of Organization
Number of students accepted each year: State-funded study places - 0, study places for tuition fee - 20
Tuition fee per year: 2700 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, permanent residence permit holders and their family members. 3200 EUR for citizens of other countries
Study location: Riga, city centre

The MBA study programme "International Business (with Specialization in Export Management)" is designed to meet the requirements of a businessperson on a global scale and to address managerial issues that are relevant to implementation of trade across the national boundaries necessary for a successful adaptation and competition in the global market. The program concentrates on the more detailed aspects of international marketing, management and finance. Study language is English.


Students have a unique opportunity to receive a second diploma by studying in France, at the University Paris-Est-Créteil. They have a prospect to study in an international environment, where guest lecturers with eminent international business experience are involved in teaching.

State Support to the Entrepreneurship and Export, International Business Economics, International Financial Business Environment, Multinational Enterprise and the Global Economy, Quantitative Methods of Decision Making etc., internship, master thesis; Internship is divided into 4 parts an option to pass the main part of internship during the summer.

As a result of a successful mastering of the study program, the students obtain the capacity to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and the graduates are able to prove themselves as qualified, creative and professional managers. Consequently, the students have a good comprehension of the various aspects that characterise modern economy, connections among them, are capable to evaluate the significance of different economic agents affecting each other. Accordingly, their professional competence is useful in the enterprises involved either in international economic activities in Latvia or abroad.


The graduates can continue their studies to obtain a doctorate degree.

Admission requirements for international applicants:

  1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or a diploma proving equivalent level of education from an institution of higher education in Economics, Business Administration, or in other Social Sciences or related sciences: Mathematics, Computer Sciences, Information Technology, Physics or Engineering
  2. The average grade in study courses must be 60% of the maximum.
  3. All grades must be passing (at least 4 in a 10 point grading system).
  4. English language proficiency.
  5. At least two years of professional experience in business or economics (detailed description of your professional activity must be included in your CV);
  6. Pass of entrance examination in International Economics, which is being held via online tools. 

Entrance examination

All applicants will be required to pass entrance examination in International Economics. Applicants without documents confirming the English language proficiency will be invited for an interview. Decision on enrolment will be made by the Commission on the basis of the entrance examination results.

The entrance examination is being held via Skype video teleconference and covers the following topics:

1. International trade theory
2. International trade policy;
3. International trade organizations;
4. International monetary system;
5. International mobility of production factors;
6. International economic integration;
7. Globalization and integration influence on national economy.

Academic literature  on International economics from authors such as Krugman, Salvatore, Samuelson etc. is recommended to prepare for the examination.

The examination consists of two parts. The first part is the true/false question session, where applicant has to answer whether the statement provided by the examiner is correct or not. Questions cover the topics given previously above. The aim of this part is to evaluate applicants knowledge in theory of International economic relations. The maximum score of this part is 600.

In the second part applicant states the reasons and motivation, why he/she desires to participate in the master degree program, the maximum score of this part is 400. Logistic and clear thoughtful sentences, wide word-stock, skillfully used economic terminology will be considered as an advantage.

During a single cycle of studies, students have the opportunity to spend up to 12 months abroad for studies or internships. Currently, the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences has over 320 Erasmus+ cooperation agreements with universities across Europe and beyond. Students can participate in exchange studies in countries such as Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia, Malta, and many others.

In addition, students may take part in exchange programmes based on bilateral agreements, which allow for study opportunities in 53 countries worldwide — including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and more.

Short-term mobility options are also available through the FORTHEM Alliance, offering students the chance to gain new knowledge and skills in Germany, Poland, Norway, Romania, Italy, France, Finland, and Spain.

Additional information and study plan

The classes take place on four weekday evenings from 6:15 PM to 9:30 PM and on Saturdays.

Contact the UL Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences: eszf@lu.lv 

Information about admission:
International student advisor Gunita Ēķe
Email: studies@lu.lv

Information about studies:
Methodologist Inese Ranka
Email: inese.ranka@lu.lv
Phone: +371 67034986