Preparatory Courses in Medicine for International Appli

Take the first step towards successful medical studies at Rīga Stradiņš University!

These intensive preparatory courses are specifically designed for international applicants to improve and solidify their knowledge, preparing them for the undergraduate study programme "Medicine". The courses are developed and led by RSU academic staff, ensuring a high standard of instruction aligned with university expectations. The course level corresponds to the final year of high school/secondary school in the Latvian educational system which is compatible with high school final study year level in other EU/EEA countries.

Course objectives and benefits

The final course grade (cumulative course results) is to be used as the competition grade for admission to Rīga Stradiņš University’s (RSU) undergraduate study programme "Medicine".
A structured opportunity to prepare for the admission process and improve your chances of receiving an Offer of Study Place.
In-depth learning of chemistry and biology covering the essential content required to successfully begin medical studies.
First-hand experience of the RSU study environment and study culture to better understand how studies are organised and take place. The classes will take place in actual RSU classrooms where such subjects as Medical Chemistry and Molecular Biology are taught.

Programme content (Total: 120 academic hours)

The curriculum is highly focused and divided into two main blocks both of which are mandatory:

Biology (60 academic hours, including anatomy, 25.05.2026–05.06.2026)

This 10-day high school/secondary school biology course provides a concise introduction to core concepts, building from foundational principles to complex systems.
Emphasising interactive learning, it incorporates laboratory sessions, discussions and assessments.
The course covers the following themes: cell structure, genetics, microbes, the immune system and human anatomy.

Course programme directed by the RSU Department of Biology and Microbiology, and the Department of Morphology of the Faculty of Medicine.

Chemistry (60 academic hours, 08.06.2026–19.06.2026)

This 10-day chemistry course covers essential concepts of high school/secondary school chemistry curriculum at an intermediate level.
Combining theory, practical tasks in laboratory sessions and daily assessments, it builds the knowledge needed for the first-year of undergraduate study programme "Medicine" students at RSU – with a particular focus on the human body, physiological and biochemical processes, medication and everyday substances.

Course programme directed by the RSU Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry of the Faculty of Medicine.

Attendance and participation

Students must arrive on time and participate actively in all group activities. Attendance is strongly recommended, as daily tests are completed during the scheduled class time only.

At the end of each day or topic, students must complete a daily test:

Daily tests consist of multiple-choice questions.
15-30 minutes time limit.
All tests are graded.
Each test can be taken once only (no retakes).
Tests take place on the scheduled day and time. If a student is absent and does not take the test, the grade for that test is 0%.
The combined results of all daily tests contribute 10-15% to the final grade.
Test results will be discussed after evaluation or on the following day.

Mid-course test

At the end of each thematic topic or group of topics, students will take a mid-course test.

The test will consist of multiple-choice questions and open type questions.
30-60 minutes time limit.
Tests may be taken once only (no retakes).
Tests take place on the scheduled day and time. If a student is absent and does not take the test, the grade for that test is 0%.
The mid-course tests contribute 85-90 % to the final cumulative grade.

Final grades

Upon completion of the course, students obtain two independent grades – one for Biology and one for Chemistry.
Each subject is graded in range from 0% to 100%.
The final grade in each subject is based on a combination of daily tests and mid-course tests.
Each course week grants ~50% of the corresponding subject final assessment grade.

The two final grades (cumulative percentage scores) obtained in biology and chemistry separately shall become the Admission Competition grade in the equivalent subjects Biology and Chemistry. Achieving a cumulative percentage score of 70 % or higher in each of the two subjects significantly improves your chances of passing the competitive admission process. All other standard admission criteria still apply and must be met independently.

After completion of preparatory courses

Upon completion of the preparatory courses, RSU internally exchanges information about the course results. RSU International Admissions Office updates the online application of the course participant with the two final grades (cumulative percentage scores) obtained in biology and chemistry. RSU International Admissions Committee proceeds with reevaluating the application of the course participant and takes the decision about the study place. The course participant is informed accordingly.

Course organisation

Dates: 25.05.2026–19.06.2026
Format: Intensive, on-site classes held on workdays.
Location: Rīga Stradiņš University main building (16 Dzirciema Street, Riga, Latvia, Faculty of Medicine)
Certificate: Upon completion of the preparatory courses, participants receive a certificate stating their final course grade (cumulative course results) in biology and chemistry.

Application and tuition fee

Tuition fee: 980 EUR for the full preparatory programme, including laboratory materials and examination.
Application deadline: 30.04.2026.
Availability: Preparatory courses are organised in small groups and the number of places is limited.
Application form

Before you start the preparatory courses

RSU would like to invite you to participate in the RSU Open Days for international applicants taking place on 22 May 2026, that is, the Friday before the preparatory courses start! Open Days are an excellent way to see the entire RSU campus, meet our students, have a guided tour and get all of your questions answered while exploring the opportunities RSU offers for our international students!

Should you have any further questions about the preparatory courses, please do not hesitate to contact us at precoursersu[pnkts]lv.

FAQ

Are study materials and laboratory equipment included in the fee?
Yes, the tuition fee fully covers all necessary study materials and equipment for laboratory work.
Who can apply for the courses?
RSU Admissions Committee has the right to offer applicants the opportunity to take preparatory courses. This requires a submitted application for studies at RSU undergraduate study programme “Medicine”.
Can I apply for preparatory courses if I do not live in an EU/EEA member state?
Since RSU cannot process immigration procedures for course participants, only EU/EEA citizens or students with residence permits in EU/EEA member states can participate in preparatory courses.
Does achieving passing final grades guarantee admission to the "Medicine" programme?
The two final grades (cumulative percentage scores) obtained in biology and chemistry separately shall become the Admission Competition grade in the equivalent subjects Biology and Chemistry. Achieving a cumulative percentage score of 70% or higher in each of the two subjects significantly improves your chances of passing the competitive admission process. All other standard admission criteria still apply and must be met independently.
Are the final grades recognised by other universities, or are they exclusive to Rīga Stradiņš University?
The grades are recognised exclusively by RSU. They are evaluated solely as part of your application for our undergraduate study programme "Medicine" and cannot be transferred to other institutions.
What happens if I fail the preparatory courses?
If you do not achieve the required passing grade, you are welcome to apply for the next available preparatory course. However, please note that you will need to retake the full course from the beginning, as previous progress or partial grades cannot be carried over.
Does the 980 EUR tuition fee include accommodation and living expenses?
No, accommodation and daily living expenses are not included. However, we have compiled useful information about housing options and rentals for you here.

Preparatory Courses in Medicine for International Applicants