Last Updated: August 2026 |Former Name: ISMA University of Applied Sciences |Current Name: Riga Nordic University |Country: Latvia |City: Riga | Study Areas: Information Systems, Management and related professional programmes |2026/27 Example Tuition: €2,700/year for the listed Information Systems programme |Verification: Latvia’s official education database and AIKA accreditation information.
ISMA University 2026: Explore Courses, Admission, Fees & Career Opportunities
ISMA University was founded in 1994 and become one of the most popular and demanded higher education institutions in Latvia. ISMA students are provided with an opportunity to make their dreams come true by obtaining the required knowledge in the five directions, which are accredited by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Latvia. University provides its students with the most modern technical equipment and access to all information bases to make their studying process effective and interesting.
The number of students is more than 3000, and the number of full-time staff reaches 100. ISMA actively develops international relations and contacts. University provides comprehensive assistance with questions concerning the studying process and practical classes. The academic staff consists of lecturers with Doctor Degrees and prominent professionals in the field of applied sciences.
ISMA is developing successfully and continuously, which makes it possible to prepare highly qualified specialists with practical experience who are competitive in the labor market. The innovative training system involves providing deep theoretical knowledge with the possibility of applying it in practice.
If you’re looking to study in Latvia, Isma University of Applied Sciences stands out as a dynamic institution offering high-quality education in business, IT, and management fields. Located in the heart of Riga, Latvia’s capital city, ISMA is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue career-oriented degrees in a multicultural environment.
With a strong focus on practical learning, international exposure, and affordable tuition, ISMA is often regarded as the best university for IT programs in Latvia, as well as a top choice for business and management studies.
ISMA University of Applied Sciences Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Former Name | ISMA University of Applied Sciences |
| Current Name | Riga Nordic University (RNU) |
| Country | Latvia |
| City | Riga |
| Type | Higher Education Institution |
| Main Areas | Information Systems, Management and Related Fields |
| Study Levels | Professional Bachelor’s and other higher-education programmes |
| Study Modes | Full-Time / Part-Time, depending on programme |
| International Students | Eligible subject to admission and Latvian requirements |
| Current Status | Operates as Riga Nordic University since 2025 |
Why Choose Isma University of Applied Sciences?
- Â Career-focused programs in Business, IT, Tourism, and Management
- Â Affordable tuition fees for international students
- Â English-taught courses with global recognition
- Modern campus in Riga with state-of-the-art facilities
- Â Excellent support system for international students
Study Business at Isma University of Applied Sciences
Business education at ISMA is built on real-world skills, global business models, and innovation. From Bachelor’s to Master’s level, students gain knowledge in entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and international business strategy.
Whether you’re aspiring to be a startup founder or a corporate leader, ISMA provides a strong academic foundation through its Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Administration programs.
ISMA University Admission
Admission requirements depend on the programme and applicant category.
Previous ISMA admission regulations stated that applicants needed a recognised previous education qualification that met the requirements of the chosen higher-education programme. Full-time admission to first-cycle programmes could be competitive based on mandatory centralised examination results, while different rules applied to some part-time applicants.
General Admission Process
Choose Programme → Check Eligibility → Submit Application → Upload Documents → Academic/Qualification Assessment → Admission Decision → Enrolment
International applicants may have additional requirements relating to:
- Recognition of previous education
- Immigration requirements
- Residence/visa requirements
- English-language proficiency
- Programme-specific eligibility
Previous ISMA regulations specifically required foreign applicants studying in English to provide evidence of English-language knowledge through an international testing institution, subject to the applicable rules.
ISMA University Eligibility
Eligibility varies according to the programme.
For undergraduate/professional higher-education admission, applicants generally need a secondary education qualification recognised in Latvia and must meet the requirements of the selected programme. Latvia’s higher-education system allows institutions to establish programme-specific admission requirements.
International Students
International students should additionally verify:
- Academic qualification recognition
- English-language requirements
- Passport requirements
- Visa/residence requirements
- Programme-specific prerequisites
- Application deadlines
- Tuition and payment requirements
ISMA University Fees
Tuition fees depend on the programme, study mode and academic year.
For example, the current Latvian education database lists €2,700 per year for the Information Systems professional bachelor’s programme for 2026/27.
Students should not apply one fee to all programmes.
| Fee Component | Status |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Programme-specific |
| Registration/Application Fee | Check current admission rules |
| Examination Fees | Programme/institution-specific |
| Accommodation | Separate |
| Visa/Residence Costs | Separate for applicable international students |
| Living Expenses | Separate |
ISMA University Accreditation & Recognition
Accreditation is particularly important when researching an overseas university.
Latvia’s Academic Information Centre/AIKA reported that the study field covering Information Technology, Computer Hardware, Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Management and Computer Science at ISMA was accredited in 2024 for a two-year term ending August 29, 2026.
AIKA also reported a separate accreditation decision in 2024 for the Management, Administration and Management of Real Property study field, with a six-year term ending September 19, 2030.
Because ISMA transitioned to Riga Nordic University in 2025, students enrolling in 2026–27 should verify the current accreditation and programme status under the current institution name through Latvia’s official education databases. Latvia’s Ministry of Education and Science directs students to the AIKA platform for information on registered higher-education institutions, study fields and programmes.
Why Choose ISMA / Riga Nordic University?
Students considering the institution can evaluate:
- Professional higher education programmes
- Information technology-related studies
- Management programmes
- English-language study options where available
- Full-time and part-time study possibilities
- International student opportunities
- Riga location
- Practical/professional orientation
However, students should compare the current 2026 programme catalogue and accreditation status before making an admission decision.
ISMA University Study Modes
The previous ISMA admission regulations stated that the institution offered different study and acquisition formats, including full-time, part-time and distance studies, depending on the programme.
Current availability should be checked programme-by-programme because study modes can change.
ISMA University for International Students
International students should consider:
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Programme | Current programme under RNU |
| Language | English/Latvian availability |
| Qualification | Recognition of previous education |
| English | Programme-specific requirement |
| Visa | Latvian immigration requirements |
| Tuition | Current annual fee |
| Accommodation | Availability and cost |
| Accreditation | Current programme/study-field status |
| Career | Programme-specific opportunities |
ISMA University vs Riga Nordic University
| Particular | ISMA University | Riga Nordic University |
|---|---|---|
| Name Status | Former name | Current name |
| Country | Latvia | Latvia |
| City | Riga | Riga |
| Current Since | — | 2025 |
| Academic Database | Historical ISMA records | Current RNU records |
| Admission Research | Older ISMA documents | Check current RNU information |
Frequently asked questions regarding ISMA University of Applied Sciences in Riga, Latvia
1. Institution & Accreditation
Where is ISMA University located?
The main campus is located at 1 Lomonosova Street, Building 7, Riga, Latvia. ISMA also maintains international branch programs and partnerships, including a branch in Fergana, Uzbekistan.
Is ISMA officially accredited?
Yes. ISMA is accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia, and its qualifications comply with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) framework.
2. Academic Programs & Mobility
What fields of study are available?
ISMA specializes in Information Technology, Business Administration, and Tourism/Hospitality Management across Short-Cycle (1st level professional), Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels.
Are programs taught in English?
Yes, degree programs are offered in English as well as Latvian.
Are international internships or exchange semesters available?
Yes. ISMA participates in the Erasmus+ program, allowing students to study abroad or take summer internships at partner institutions and companies across Europe.
3. Admissions & Entry Requirements
What are the basic application requirements?
Bachelor’s: Secondary/high school completion certificate and transcripts (apostilled/legalized where required).
Master’s: A recognized Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
What language proficiency proof is needed?
Accepted proofs include standard standardized tests like IELTS (minimum 5.5) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 72). Applicants without formal language certificates can undergo an internal English placement assessment arranged by the university.
4. Fees, Visas & Student Support
What is the approximate cost of tuition?
Bachelor’s degrees: ~€3,000–€3,800 per year.
Master’s degrees: ~€3,300–€4,000 per year.
(Exact fees depend on the selected program and nationality/citizenship status).
Does ISMA assist with student residence permits (TRP)?
Yes. The university provides necessary documentation (invitation letters and study agreements) required by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) of Latvia for Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) processing.
Is campus accommodation guaranteed?
ISMA does not directly operate dormitory rooms, but coordinates with nearby partner student accommodations (such as the Apalenis and Prima residence facilities).
