Programme is designed for professionals from public administration, NGOs and academia with at least 2 years of professional experience.

•    12 weeks of training 
•    Programme divided into 3 sections: legal, economic and political
•    Participants can choose 6 courses out of 20
•    Morning and afternoon online sessions mixed with independent work on individual assignments
•    Certificate of participation received upon completion

The following courses are offered:

•    Economic Development and International Trade
•    European Political Economy
•    EU Law and Integration
•    Fundamental Rights
•    National Policy Development and Good Governance
•    Anti-Corruption
•    Economic Crisis Management
•    Budget Planning and the Rule of Law
•    Legal Drafting and Legal Certainty
•    Modern Taxation, Health and Social Policy
•    International Law and Multicultural Environments
•    Humanitarian Law and Humanitarian Action
•    Regional Monetary Integration
•    Negotiation Techniques
•    International Conflict and Dispute Settlement
•    Transparency in the Public Sector
•    Challenges to Democracies

The following documents have to be submitted in the online system to apply:

•    CV, containing a description of present job function
•    Motivation letter
•    Copies of university diplomas
•    Recommendation letter from current employer
•    Confirmation of the ability to undertake studies in English (IELTS/TOEFL or other)
•    A short video (up to 1 minute) where the candidate states the reasons for applying

Please note that the applications submitted outside of the online application system are not considered.

Participating countries or specific regions are decided upon by the Programme donors.
Please check the Key Information section for an updated list. 
 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Q: I am a national of a country that is not on the list of eligible countries. Can I apply?
A: Unfortunately, no. The list of eligible countries is exhaustive. However, it is regularly reviewed, and your country might be eligible for one of the future intakes.

Q: Is there an age limit for the programme?
A: No, no age limits are applied.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Q: What is the minimum IELTS/TOEFL score?
A: The required minimum level is 525 points for TOEFL (for a computer test: 196; Internet-based test: 69-70) and 5.5 for IELTS.

Q: I have taken IELTS/TOEFL test several years ago, and the result might be outdated. Do I have to re-take it?
A: No, you can submit the score that you have. All short-listed candidates will have to pass an interview by Skype/phone to show their level of English.

Q: I don’t have an IELTS/TOEFL score. Could I prove my English proficiency by some other means?
A: If you have studied in English or have been working using English, you may submit a letter explaining how and where you learned/used English and how you personally would evaluate your knowledge.
In addition, all short-listed candidates will have to pass an interview by Skype/phone to show their level of English.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Q: I am an undergraduate student. Can I apply?
A: Candidates can apply to the programme if they have obtained at least a first-level University degree at the time of application.

Q: I have a University degree, but not in Law. Can I apply?
A: Yes, you can. Having a degree in Law is not required.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Q: What kind of professional experience is required?
A: Applicants should have recent professional experience (at least past 2-3 years) in the public sector (government and municipal institutions, public offices), non-governmental organisations or academia.

Q: I am working at a law firm / banking sector / limited liability company. Can I apply?
A:  Regretfully, applicants working in the private sector are not eligible.

Q: I am not working at the moment. Can I apply?
A: All applications are reviewed individually. Candidates with no job experience for the past few years are not eligible. However, candidates who have recently discontinued employment could apply if they have recent work experience (at least 2-3 years) in a position related to the public administration, NGOs or academia.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Q: Where can I apply?
A: Applications for participation can be submitted via RGSL online admission platform here: https://apply.rgsl.edu.lv/  

Q: Can I send you some documents after the application deadline?
A: No new documents will be accepted after the application deadline.

DIPLOMA
Q: Do I have to translate my diploma to English? Do I have to legalize my documents?
A: For this Programme, RGSL does not formally require translation and legalization of diplomas.
Translation of the diploma itself (not the transcript) would be advisable (but not mandatory) for diplomas issued in languages other than English or Russian.

Q: I will get my Masters diploma a few days after the application deadline. Can I send it then?
A: Unfortunately, no new documents will be accepted after the application deadline, but there are several actions you could take.
First, you can mention this degree in the application form with a comment that the diploma is expected on a certain date. Second, your University can provide you with a reference letter stating that you have finished your master’s studies and the diploma will be awarded to you in the immediate future.
In any case, your Bachelor diploma makes you eligible for application, and during the evaluation process, the selection committee will place emphasis on the applicants’ current job positions.

RECOMMENDATION LETTER
Q: How can I submit my recommendation letter?
A: You need to indicate your referee’s e-mail in the application form. Then, he/she would submit a recommendation letter directly to the application system. For the reasons of confidentiality, recommendation letters submitted by the applicants themselves are not admitted.

Q: The referee has received a link to the application system. How much time does he/she have to submit the reference?
A: The referee has to submit a reference until the application deadline.

Q: Who has to submit a recommendation letter for me: former university professor or current employer?
A: Priority is always given to a recommendation letter from your current employer.

Q: Can I submit a recommendation letter from my previous employer?
A: As an exception, a recommendation from a previous employer is accepted where the employment relationship has terminated recently (no longer than 3 months).

Q: I am the chief executive of my organization. Who can provide my recommendation letter?
A: For persons holding the highest positions in their organizations, a recommendation from a partner organization will be sufficient, especially if the said organization is a reputable long-term partner.

PROGRAMME COSTS
Q: What costs will be covered for participants?
A: The Programme is fully covered.

Q. I received an Invoice “Riga Graduate School of Law application processing fee”, should I pay it?
A. The invoice was issued to you because you applied to one or more of the full-time programmes (Bachelors, Masters or PhD) offered by the Riga Graduate School of Law. If the intent is to apply only to the Online Intensive Programme, you are not required to pay the invoice.