Location of academy

Art Academy of Latvia is located in the very centre of the city at Kalpaka bulvaris 13, Riga. Sculpture department and Metal design department studios are located at the separate building in the city centre: Avotu iela 36a, Riga.

Accommodation

Art Academy of Latvia does not offer student accommodation services, however we will help with information on finding accommodation opportunities in Riga and will assist with links to accommodation websites. Here are some options: FlatshareRiga  www.academicguesthouse.com, www.globalhome.lv and www.rigastudentsrent.com, www.studentroomsriga.lv, www.pbrieza3.lv, coliving-residences.com

Insurance and health care

Students are obliged to have a sufficient health insurance valid in Latvia during their stay as exchange students. Students must have European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), this card confirms the rights to receive state-funded emergency and necessary healthcare services. The EHIC card is issued free of charge and valid for three years, it only covers emergency treatment, and students are advised to take additional health insurance before they travel.

Citizens of EU, EEA and Switzerland - without visa

Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland may enter the Republic of Latvia without visa and stay for 90 days within a 6 months period. If the duration of the stay is longer, student must apply for a residence permit in the Department of Citizenship and Migration in Latvia minimum 1 month prior termination of 90 days period. Students must have a valid passport or ID card during their stay in Latvia. Document’s term of validity should be at least 6 months longer than your planned duration of stay in Latvia. Info of The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs: www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/visas-and-invitations.

Citizens of other countries - visa requirements

Student need to submit to the regional Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs the following documents: a valid travel document; a visa application form filled out and signed; a photograph; a copy of a document confirming that the applicant has valid travel medical insurance policy; documents, including  the purpose of the journey and documents in relation to accommodation, or documents indicating that a letter of invitation has been approved  (the invitation is valid for 6 months from the date of approval); documents indicating that the applicant possesses sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to his country of origin or residence, or for the transit to a third country into which he is certain to be admitted. Info of The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs: www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/visas-and-invitations.

Teaching language

Main instruction language at Art Academy of Latvia is Latvian, exchange students are supervised in English.

Student ID card

Student get the student identity card which provides discounts for the public transport tickets, free entrance or discount in museums, exhibitions, shops, etc.

Public transport card

Student get the electronic card for Riga public transport - buses, trolleys, trams, mini-buses. Information about public transport routes, timetables and prices in Riga: www.rigassatiksme.lv/en/.

Transport links

Information about train routes, timetables and prices: www.pv.lv/en/. Information about bus routes, timetables and prices: www.autoosta.lv

Internet and computers

Wi-Fi connection is available in the academy and also in many spots in the city. Access to the computers, as well the copy, scan and print options are available at the library of Academy.

Library

The library has a collection of publications focused on art, design and art history in Latvian, English, German, Russian and other languages. It provides books, periodicals, catalogues, journals, etc.

Shop of materials

Art shop beside academy provides a large scale of items for creative activities and students get 10% discount for certain items with Academy’s student ID card.

Erasmus+ student network

Join the Erasmus student network in Latvia www.esn.lv or network in Riga www.riga.esn.lv Interests, trips, events and activities and integration into the local community.