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Originally from Colombia, Dilan Ortiz first came to Riga Technical University (RTU) for a bilateral exchange programme. He enjoyed being in RTU so much he decided to stay and finish his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and soon, a PhD here.
While many of his peers chose to study in Spain or Germany, Ortiz set his sights on a more unique and exciting destination: Latvia.
“I didn’t really want to go to places everyone goes,” says Ortiz, who is also currently employed at RTU. “I wanted something more unique, and Latvia seemed like a great option.”
RTU’s strong academic reputation, affordability, cutting-edge facilities, and the international community seemed like the most attractive option for his bachelor’s degree then. It turned out to be the best option for his entire academic journey.
Shaping global careers with over 160 years of expertise
Established in 1862, RTU is the oldest technical university in the Baltic region and one of the top technical universities in Northern Europe. With over 160 years of experience, it has built a strong reputation for quality education and hands-on learning.
Here, students gain real-world experience with advanced technology, preparing them for careers in engineering, science, and beyond. The university also focuses on research-based learning, ensuring graduates have the skills and knowledge to succeed.
RTU’s strong academic foundation has earned it global recognition. Ranked in the 201st–250th band in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022, the university stands out for effectively preparing graduates for the job market. Through strong industry ties and practical learning experiences, RTU ensures its students are ready to meet real-world challenges.
The university provides over 50 study programmes in English, covering high-demand fields such as computer sciences, mechanical engineering, marine and chemical engineering, electronics, architecture, business studies, and many more. Students from eligible countries can also apply for state scholarships, making these programmes even more accessible. No matter which programmes they choose, graduates leave with internationally recognised diplomas, giving them a distinct advantage in the global job market. Engineers can be confident that their expertise will be valued abroad.
Riga Technical University offers state-of-the-art laboratories and modern lecture halls, providing students with next-gen facilities and resources for success from day one. Source: Riga Technical University
Innovating, the RTU way
To enrich learning, RTU ensures students have access to the best facilities and equipment. The university provides advanced resources, including modern lecture halls and high-tech laboratories, setting them up for success from day one. Notable facilities include the Science and Innovation Centre, Design Factory, High-Performance Computing Centre, and Scientific Library.
As part of the Design Factory Global Network, RTU has one of the best prototyping workshops in the Baltic states. Here, students can experiment with next-generation technology, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and engraving, to bring their ideas to life.
These resources empower teams like «Neamo», made up of RTU students and graduates, to bring their ideas to life. They developed an integrated sensor system for autonomous vessels to monitor fish farms automatically, boosting efficiency and reducing risks. The project was part of the EIT JumpStarter programme, where the team came out on top in the final. The EIT JumpStarter, by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), is a prestigious pre-acceleration programme supporting early-stage innovations in areas like health, food, agriculture, energy, urban mobility, manufacturing, and the “New Bauhaus for Europe.”
RTU’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the classroom and competitions. The university is actively advancing sports science by collaborating with the Latvian Luge Federation to enhance the performance of winter sports Olympians. Together, they are exploring exciting new sports technologies developed by RTU scientists. To support this research, RTU plans to construct a novel tribometer on its Ķīpsala campus — a facility of a scale rarely found worldwide, the kind that can enable world-class experimental studies.
Building on this momentum, RTU recently opened the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence. This new facility strengthens the university’s research infrastructure and propels the growth of biomaterials science and personalised medicine, further cementing RTU’s role as a leader in innovation.
Riga Technical University offers an enriching multicultural experience with a diverse community of students and faculty from across the globe. Source: Riga Technical University
Experience excellence at RTU
Located in the heart of Riga, Latvia’s capital, RTU offers students a vibrant, modern campus experience. The city is of architectural and historical significance, home to one of the largest Art Nouveau collections in the world, has a lively cultural scene, and is just a 30 minute ride from the beach.
With 4,500 international students from almost 100 countries, RTU creates a multicultural environment that enriches the academic experience. Beyond the classroom, students can immerse themselves in local culture and build lasting friendships through a wide range of extracurricular activities. The on-campus Olympic-size swimming pool, numerous sports clubs, and the Culture Centre — home to choirs, a brass band, student theatre, dance groups, and more — provide ample opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
RTU is equally committed to sustainability. Ranked 40th greenest in the GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024, the university stands out as the top-ranked Latvian and Baltic institution for its sustainable campus initiatives.
To many students, RTU offers a solid foundation for academic and career success for those pursuing degrees in engineering, computer science, business, or other fields. Just ask Adolat Khamraeva, an international student. “My time at RTU has been a fantastic educational experience,” she says. “Learning is made rewarding and fun by the university’s committed faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and active campus life. Anyone looking for a top-notch education should definitely consider RTU because of its dedication to academic quality and innovation.”
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