Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
University of Latvia English minimums
From the University of Latvia's language proficiency page for international degree applicants.
| Test | General minimum | MA English Studies |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 (4 after 21 Jan 2026) | 100 (5 after 21 Jan 2026) |
| TOEFL Essential | 9 | 10 |
| PTE Academic | 55 | 67 |
| Cambridge | B2 First grade B or above; C1, C2 any level | C1, C2 (B2 First not accepted) |
| LanguageCert International ESOL | B2 Communicator | C1 Expert |
Exemptions
If you completed previous studies in English in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the UK or the USA, you do not need separate proof. EU, EEA and Swiss applicants can use a school or degree certificate that shows B2 (C1 for English Studies).
Duolingo is not on the list. If a bachelor's competition requires an English grade, that still applies even if your previous education was in English.
Free test: are you at the University of Latvia's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
How to check
The university also publishes country-specific requirements and academic information for degree applicants. Read both alongside the language page.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your University of Latvia programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Latvia publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS does the University of Latvia need?+
IELTS 6.0 overall for most English-taught programmes, and 7 for the master's in English Studies.
Does the University of Latvia accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo is not on its list of accepted tests.
How old can my IELTS be?+
The test must have been taken within the last five years.
Does the University of Latvia accept PTE?+
Yes, PTE Academic 55, or 67 for English Studies.
Keep reading
Related
- Riga Stradiņš University IELTS requirement
- Riga Technical University IELTS requirement
- How long is IELTS valid?
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy