Latvia’s higher education institutions continue to hold their ground on the international stage, with four leading universities securing positions in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 and the QS World University Rankings 2026. These comprehensive assessments evaluate thousands of universities worldwide, providing valuable insights into institutional excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.

Performance in the QS World University Rankings 2026

The QS World University Rankings 2026, published in June 2025, feature more than 1,500 ranked institutions across over 100 countries and territories. Among Latvian higher education institutions, Riga Technical University (RTU) emerges as the top performer, placing in the 761 – 770 range globally – representing a notable achievement in an increasingly competitive international landscape.

The University of Latvia (LU) positioned within the 801–850 bracket, demonstrating consistent recognition within the global academic community. Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) and the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) also secured places in the global rankings, positioned in the 1001–1200 and 1201–1400 ranges respectively. Notably, this marks the first time that LBTU has been included in the QS World University Rankings, reflecting the university’s growing international visibility and academic development.

The QS rankings employ a rigorous methodology combining multiple indicators. The assessment framework evaluates universities across five key performance areas: Research and Discovery (50%), Employability and Outcomes (20%), Learning Experience (10%), Global Engagement (15%), and Sustainability (5%). Within these categories, metrics such as academic reputation, citations per faculty member, employer reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, and international diversity play crucial roles in determining the final rankings.

Latvian Performance in the THE World University Rankings 2026

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, released in early October 2025, assessed 2,191 universities across 115 countries and territories – an increase on previous editions. The THE methodology evaluates research-intensive universities across five core pillars: Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook, and Industry.

In this comprehensive assessment, both Riga Technical University and the University of Latvia achieved positions in the 1001–1200 range, placing them among global leaders across multiple dimensions of academic excellence. Rīga Stradiņš University improved its standing this year, rising to the 1201–1500 bracket from the 1501+ range in the previous edition – demonstrating measurable progress in teaching and research quality. The Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies appeared in the 1501+ category.

The THE rankings employ 18 performance indicators distributed across the five pillars, with research reputation carrying the greatest weight at 18% of the total score. Teaching reputation (15%) and citation impact (15%) also contribute substantially, reflecting the methodology’s emphasis on both educational quality and research influence.

Significance for International Students

For prospective international students, these rankings provide valuable reference points. The consistent presence of Latvian universities across both major global ranking systems underscores the quality and recognition of higher education in Latvia. The diversity of its institutions – spanning technical, medical, and life sciences specialisations – offers students multiple pathways to internationally recognised education.

Riga Technical University’s strong performance highlights the global demand for engineering and technology education, particularly in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, where the institution has also earned distinction in subject-specific rankings. Similarly, the University of Latvia’s broad research portfolio across numerous disciplines demonstrates its capacity to compete internationally across diverse academic fields.

Looking Ahead

As global higher education continues to evolve – with Asian universities steadily rising and international competition intensifying – Latvia’s universities demonstrate both resilience and strategic focus. The continued presence of Latvian institutions in both the THE and QS global rankings reflects decades of academic investment and institutional development. For students seeking high-quality education with international recognition and strong career prospects, Latvian universities present compelling opportunities grounded in verified global performance and a commitment to continuous improvement.