Riga Technical University
Riga Technical University is the first technical university in the Baltic countries – its history dates back to 1862 when Riga Polytechnic was founded. Long lasting traditions, advanced teaching methods, new technologies and innovative approach provide the University with the opportunity to ensure research excellence and offer exciting full-time or part-time studies in RTU in Engineering Sciences, Technologies, Natural and Environmental Sciences as well as in Architecture and Engineering Economics.
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HISTORY
RIGA POLYTECHNIC
The history of Riga Technical University dates back to 14 October 1862 with the establishment of the Riga Polytechnic (RP), which was the first multi-branch technical tertiary education establishment in the former Russian Empire. The RP was established following the model of the most progressive technical higher schools of that time. As a private educational establishment it was financially supported by the Baltic nobility. The RP originally incorporated six departments: Engineering, Chemistry, Agriculture, Mechanics, Commerce, and Architecture. Admission was open only to male students for a tuition fee, irrespective of nationality, religion or social status. There were no entrance examinations. The language of instruction was German.
The records have kept the name of the first student of the RP – it was Leons Kulbahs, a representative of local landlords from Vidzeme. Until 1896, the Riga Polytechnic has been an alma mater for 4941 student.
RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY since 1990
On 19 March 1990, theRiga Technical University got its present name. Since then the University has been successfully reorganising its study processes to ensure compliance of academic and professional tertiary education focused on the branches typical for the national economy of Latvia with the requirements of the European Union.
The academic performance of the RTU has received positive evaluation by international experts and the University is accredited by the Tertiary Education Council of the Republic of Latvia. The study programmes offered by the RTU have undergone international expertise and are officially accredited.
To date the RTU comprises 8 faculties: Architecture and Urban Planning, Building and Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology, Electronics and Telecommunications, Power and Electrical Engineering, Engineering Economics, Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, and Transport and Mechanical Engineering. There are also part-time and correspondence departments. The RTU has affiliations in the largest towns of Latvia – Daugavpils, Liepaja, and Ventspils.
Faculties
- Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning
- Faculty of Civil Engineering
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology
- Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications
- Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management
- Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry
- Faculty of Power and Electrical Engineering
- Faculty of Transport and Mechanical Engineering
Study Programmes in English
Riga Technical University offers degree programmes in English. The programmes taught in English lead to undergraduate degree (B.Sc.) in three or four years and to graduate degree (M. Sc.) in two years.
The postgraduate PhD programme is individualised and requires minimum four years of combined course work and research.
RTU academic year runs from the beginning of September until mid June. The year is divided into two semesters:
- the first from September to January
- the second from February to June
You can choose the start of your program in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Contact
Riga Technical University
Foreign Students Department
1 Kalku street, room 318 Riga,
LV-1050, LATVIA
Ms. Zane Purlaura
Deputy Director
Ph.:(+371) 67089084
Fax.: (+371) 67089020
E-mail: zane@rtuasd.lv, zane.purlaura@rtu.lv
Ms. Anna Lejiņa
International Coordinator
Ph./Fax.: (+371) 67089020
E-mail: anna.lejina@rtu.lv
Ms. Agnese Savicka
International Coordinator
Ph./Fax.: (+371) 67089020
E-mail: agnese.savicka@rtu.lv
