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 study places for admission in 2026/2027: State-funded study places - 0, study places for tuition fee - 20
Tuition fee per year: 2700 EUR for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, EU Long-term resident 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.
Prof. Baiba Šavriņa
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.
- Previous education:
- 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
- Bachelor’s degree or second-level professional higher education (or an equivalent qualification) in a related field: Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering; - Language proficiency:
- English language proficiency (for foreigners);
*Latvian nationals are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. This may be confirmed through internationally recognised English language test results, other evidence of English proficiency at a minimum of B2 level, or a grade in English on a previous educational certificate (the grade must be no lower than 6 on a 10-point scale), except where previous education was obtained in English. - Other requirements:
- At least two years of professional experience in business or economics (detailed description of your professional activity must be included in your CV); - Passed entrance examination in International Economics, which is being held via online tools
*Applicants whose previous education was completed outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or the Swiss Confederation must submit one of the following recognised standardised test results issued within the past five years:
- SAT: minimum score of 1200
- GMAT: minimum score of 595
- GRE: minimum score of 320
If applicants submit SAT and GMAT or GRE results with equivalent scores, and the number of study places is limited, preference will be given to applicants with GMAT or GRE scores.
*Additional admission requirements for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and non-EU long-term residents
The average grade in study courses must be 60% of the maximum;
All grades must be passing (at least 4 in a 10 point grading system);
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss applicants, except University of Latvia graduates, will be required to take part in an online interview as part of the admissions process.
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 online videoconference and covers the following topics:
1. International trade theory
2. International trade policy;
3. International trade organisations;
4. International monetary system;
5. International mobility of production factors;
6. International economic integration;
7. Globalisation 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, skilfully used economic terminology will be considered as an advantage.
*Information on 10 points grading scale
Admissions open: 1 December 2025 (Foreign applicants)
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 18:15 to 21:30 and on Saturdays.
Contact the UL Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences: eszf@lu.lv
Information about admission:
Email: studies@lu.lv
Information about studies:
Methodologist Inese Ranka
Email: inese.ranka@lu.lv
Phone: +371 67034986
Absolventu atsauksmes
“I must admit that before setting my foot in Latvia I knew nothing about the country. I was, however, happily surprised to discover a vibrant and culturally rich environment. I joined the University of Latvia with the goal to explore new ways of learning, and above all, the professional Master’s degree in Business Administration has provided me with what I can literally call an international education. Professors and professionals from all over the world, e.g., United States, France, Italy, Austria, not only teach you but also share their own experience. Participating in realistic case assignments and events such as international conferences and videoconferences, was also a good way to share and put into practice what had been learned and observed. At the end of the two-year study period, this has been quite a challenging, rewarding experience, and a huge opportunity for personal growth and development, not to mention obtaining a large contact list from worldwide student participants.”