Dual career at RSU – an opportunity to combine high-performance sports with academic studies

For more than 10 years, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has offered student athletes the opportunity to combine their academic education with professional sports, thereby implementing a dual career approach. In the 2026/2027 academic year, the university will continue to support high-performance athletes by providing tuition fee discounts, individual approach, and a comprehensive support system. 

RSU goal is to create an environment where athletes can simultaneously develop both their athletic and professional future without compromising quality in either of them.  

 New regulations on dual career support  

Diāna Laipniece, Director of the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education, emphasises that the development of a dual career is one of the university’s priorities. 

RSU has long supported student athletes, and we are now taking the next step by developing regulations on dual career support for students. The goal is to more clearly define support mechanisms for high-level athletes, ensuring a flexible study process while maintaining high academic standards. We want every talented athlete to know that RSU is a place where they can develop both their athletic and professional careers.    

Diāna Laipniece, Director of the RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education

The intended regulation will establish the procedures by which the university provides support to students who combine their studies with professional or high-standard sports. It will be based on the principles of equal treatment, academic quality, expected learning outcomes, and proportionality.  

Tuition fee discount up to 100%  

One of the most significant support measures is the Sports Excellence tuition fee discount.  

Applicants and current students who compete at a high-level individual or team sports are eligible for this discount. 

The discount can cover up to 100% of the tuition fee, not exceeding EUR 3,500 per academic year or EUR 1,750 per semester. 

 Priority is given to:  

•  Members of Latvian national teams in individual sports
• Candidates for and members of Latvian national teams in team sports
• Students who are trained by the RSU Sports Club coaches  
• Athletes with outstanding achievements who promote RSU in Latvia and internationally 

How to apply for dual career support  

To be eligible for the Sports Excellence tuition fee discount for the 2026/2027 academic year, applicants or current students must apply by August 15 via the MyRSU Student Portal or at the Student Services.  

Following submission, all documents are reviewed by a specially established committee. 

Support goes beyond tuition fee discounts  

RSU student athletes have access to much broader support than financial assistance alone.  

Benefits offered by the university  

• Health insurance (subject to selection)
• Physiotherapy services during training and competitions, as well as medical examinations when necessary
• Full sports equipment - competition uniforms, training uniforms, sportswear etc.  
• Coverage of travel expenses when participating in sports competitions (when possible)
• Eligibility for the RSU Foundation scholarships
• Meal support for RSU team athletes
• Opportunity for top athletes to receive housing in student hostels  

This support model helps students focus on their goals in both sports and academic studies.  

New sports centre, more opportunities for student athletes  

This September will mark the beginning of a new stage in the RSU sports development, as the construction of the new RSU Sports Centre will soon be completed at 3 Cigoriņu iela, in Torņakalns.  

The new centre will become a major hub for sports, healthy living, and community building for students and staff. It will feature modern and multifunctional sports facilities available to both high-performance athletes and anyone who wishes to maintain an active lifestyle. 

The new RSU Sports Centre will be one of the most significant investments in the university’s sports development in recent years. It will allow our student athletes exercise in even more modern facilities, while strengthening the university community and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Our aim is for RSU to be a place where athletes can fully develop their potential in both sports and studies, and the new centre will be an important part in supporting this. 

Laura Ritova, Manager of the RSU Sports Club  

Experience stories  

Paula Cirša is a student in the RSU International Business and Start-Up Entrepreneurship bachelor’s study programme and represents the RSU women’s basketball team and the Latvian 3x3 national basketball team. 

Paula emphasises that the university’s flexible approach to organising studies is particularly important. 

Whenever I needed to adjust my studies to the competition schedule, the lecturers were always supporting and responsive. This is particularly significant during periods when exams and preparations for international tournaments overlap. 

Atvars Ozoliņš is a student in the Health Sports Specialist/ Sports Coach (Fitness) short-cycle programme and in 2026, together with his volleyball teammates, he earned the opportunity to represent RSU at the European Universities Games in Salerno, Italy. 

An athlete’s career eventually comes to an end, but education stays, which is why I am grateful to my university for the opportunity to pursue my education alongside sports and continue to develop professionally. I represent the RSU volleyball team and also assist Inguna Minusa, Head Coach of the RSU women’s volleyball team. This gives me the chance to gain experience not only as an athlete but also as a prospective coach. 

Agija Ankevica is an RSU graduate, a health sports specialist, coach, captain of the RSU women’s volleyball team, and a three-time Latvian champion.  

When I started receiving the RSU Foundation scholarship, it changed a lot. I no longer experienced the emotional pressure about the financial concerns and also felt appreciated. Sometimes it seems impossible to balance everything, but discipline and the desire to grow help achieve more than you might think at first. Sporting builds character, while education provides a solid foundation for the future.