Spring Welcome Week 2026 Successfully Concludes
The Spring intake orientation event Welcome Week 2026, held from 27 to 31 January, has successfully concluded. Over four days, new international students were introduced to Rīga Stradiņš University’s academic environment and study process, student life, as well as the culture of Riga and Latvia. The programme also gave students the chance to get to know each other and build connections before the start of the spring semester.
During the opening ceremony, students were welcomed by RSU management and departmental representatives. In his address, RSU Chancellor Toms Baumanis highlighted that studying at the university will be challenging but highly rewarding professionally. He expressed confidence that RSU provides a high-quality study and research environment while prioritising student well-being, and noted that their diploma will open doors to future career opportunities and be a source of well-earned pride.
Each of the four days focused on a specific theme — introduction and networking, academic information, student life and sports activities, and Riga Day, which offered cultural experiences and integration opportunities. More than 15 presentations were delivered, featuring academic staff, university employees, and international students themselves.
As is tradition, Welcome Week pays special attention to students from more distant countries. This year, participants came from Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, Ghana, and the Philippines. Many students said that choosing RSU was influenced by the positive experiences shared by international alumni. Koki Oshima from Japan noted that his goal of becoming a trauma and orthopaedic specialist can be realised at RSU, as in his home country it is only possible to specialise in one of these fields.
For the first time, this year’s Spring Welcome Week programme included a broader range of sports and leisure activities. The most popular sessions, with the highest number of participants, were Pilates and table tennis, while students also enjoyed Zumba, bachata, and yoga classes for movement, and chess sessions for a mental workout. Despite the cold weather, some participants took part in an outdoor photo-orienteering activity. The dance workshop led by the folk dance group “Ačkups” received particular applause — although Latvian folk dance steps initially seemed challenging, students enthusiastically learned three dances.
Surveyed students highlighted the event’s high added value. Clara Dōrrschuck from Germany remarked that, compared to similar experiences in her home country, RSU Welcome Week stands out for its successful balance between fun, social bonding, and academic orientation.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all RSU staff involved in organising and supporting the event. Special thanks go to Aula Manager Astra Puriņa, Technical Specialist Edgars Sējējs, and the Infrastructure Department for their significant contribution to the smooth running of the programme.
As previously reported, in February 2026 Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) welcomed 262 new international students from 31 countries who began their studies in the February intake. Of these, 230 chose Medicine and 32 Dentistry. A total of 621 applicants from 80 countries applied, demonstrating strong global interest. Demand for RSU’s medical study programmes remains high, reflecting the university’s growing international reputation. On average, there were 2.28 applicants per place in Medicine and 3.10 in Dentistry. The largest groups of students came from Sweden (29.4 %), Germany (14.9 %), Finland (13.7 %), and Norway (8.4 %).
The new semester for international students begins on 2 February. We wish both our new students and academic staff a successful, inspiring, and rewarding start to their studies.
