Riga Business School

What Riga Business School does

Riga Business School (RBS) is a structural unit of Riga Technical University, a state university in Latvia, operating as a public higher education institution. Founded in 1991 in collaboration with SUNY Buffalo and the University of Ottawa, RBS was the first institution in the Baltic region to offer MBA programs in English and remains the only state institution in Latvia with CEEMAN IQA accreditation. It serves individual learners and corporate-sponsored professionals across the Baltic region, Nordic countries, and internationally, delivering degree programs (BBA, Bachelor of IT Leadership, Materials Engineering, Professional MBA, Executive MBA, MERIT Master's) along with executive education, pre-university preparation, and EU-funded workforce development programs.

The school's core methodology is North American-style case-based learning, with intensive use of Harvard Business School and IESE cases, an exclusive Leadership Development Practicum in the EMBA, and double-degree pathways to BI Norwegian Business School and SUNY Buffalo. Technology is integrated into the curriculum through AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and data analytics modules rather than a proprietary teaching platform. Operations are supported by the DreamApply admissions system, the school's website (rbs.lv), and a network of 2,000+ alumni.

RBS generates revenue through tuition fees (BBA at EUR 5,800-7,550/year, MERIT at EUR 12,000/program, Professional MBA at EUR 850 per course, EMBA at premium 20-month pricing), executive short courses (EUR 390-3,200), application fees differentiated by EU/non-EU status, state-funded study places, and EU grants (Digital Europe program and Recovery and Resilience Facility). Customer acquisition is driven by open door events, alumni testimonials, a 3-week RBS Greenhouse pre-bachelor program, and online channels. The Master of Business Administration, Executive MBA, and Bachelor of Business Administration programs are accredited through May 2027.

Name

Riga Business School

Legal name

Riga Business School

Website

https://rbs.lv

Company type

Public

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Riga Business School is a public business school under Riga Technical University in Latvia, offering bachelor's, MBA, and executive programs in English to students across the Baltic region and internationally, with a 2,000+ alumni network and double-degree pathways to BI Norwegian and SUNY Buffalo.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education / Business School

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Business Schools and Computer and Management Training (6114), Computer Training (611420)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Services (8741)

akta.pro primary industry

International Business & Global Management Schools (EDAHAHAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Undergraduate Business Schools (BBA/BSBA Programs) (EDAHAHAA), Executive Education & Corporate Programs (Non-degree) (EDAHAHAN), Professional & Executive Short Courses (Non-Degree, International) (EDAIAIAH)

Keywords

• Business education programs
• Executive MBA programs
• Undergraduate business degrees
• IT leadership studies
• Professional development courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Riga

HQ country

Latvia

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - Bachelor Programs: Annual tuition fees charged to students for undergraduate business and IT leadership programs. EU residents pay 5800 EUR per year for BBA; non-EU residents pay 7550 EUR per year. Payment can be spread over 3-4 years.
2. Tuition Fees - Executive MBA: Premium executive education fees for 20-month EMBA program designed for C-suite managers. Program includes leadership practicum and two international study trips.
3. Tuition Fees - Professional MBA: Modular MBA with pay-per-course model (850 EUR per course). Program spans 2.5 years with 15 courses (9 core, 6 electives) plus Master Thesis. Four specializations available: Marketing, Finance, IT, FinTech.
4. Tuition Fees - MERIT Master's Program: European-funded master's program (Digital Europe program) charging 3000 EUR per semester or 12000 EUR full program for both EU and non-EU residents.
5. Executive Education Courses: Short professional development courses ranging from 390 EUR to 3200 EUR + VAT, including Development Academy for New Managers (790 EUR), General English (700 EUR), Negotiation Skills (790 EUR), ACAMS Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (3200 EUR), Crisis Management (490 EUR), and Financial Statements course (390 EUR).
6. Application Fees: Non-refundable application fees: 40 EUR for EU citizens and those with previous education in Latvia; 150 EUR for non-EU citizens and those with previous education outside Latvia.
7. Materials Engineering Program: State-funded program with 30 state-funded study places. Private paid places available for domestic and international students in collaboration with RTU Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Riga Business School delivers accredited higher education programs in business and IT, including Bachelor's degrees (Business Administration, IT Leadership, Materials Engineering), Master's degrees (Professional MBA, Executive MBA, MERIT), and executive/professional short courses. Programs are delivered in English using North American-style case-based learning at the Riga campus, with double-degree pathways to BI Norwegian Business School and SUNY Buffalo.

Product overview

Riga Business School operates as a comprehensive educational platform offering multiple degree programs alongside specialized short courses and corporate training initiatives. The core portfolio includes: three Bachelor's programs (Business Administration, IT Leadership, and Material Engineering), two MBA programs (Professional MBA and Executive MBA), and the MERIT Master's program. These are complemented by executive education short courses, pre-university preparation programs, and workforce development initiatives including LIFT (digital skills), AI Studio, and Innovation Academy. The school also hosts specialized centers including the Baltic Finance Center and delivers academic partnerships enabling double degrees with BI Norwegian Business School and SUNY Buffalo. All programs follow North American MBA standards with case-based learning methodology, with the Executive MBA featuring unique leadership practicum components. Programs integrate AI, digital transformation, and fintech content across business and technology disciplines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) A 3-year full-time English-language program leading to a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Management and Administration, featuring four focus areas (AI & Data, Marketing, Finance, Entrepreneurship), North American study style with continuous assessment and project-based learning, and double degree opportunities with BI Norwegian Business School and SUNY Buffalo.
• Bachelor of IT Leadership (Computer Science and Organizational Technologies) A 4-year program combining IT and business management fields, creating IT specialists with broader skill set and developed soft skills. Features two areas of focus: Artificial Intelligence and Data Representation, and General Management. Created in collaboration with Riga Technical University.
• Materials Engineering Bachelor's Program A 3-year Bachelor's programme developed in collaboration between Riga Business School and RTU Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology. Combines materials science with AI, programming, data analytics, innovation & entrepreneurship, and technology leadership. Leads to Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Engineering degree.
• Executive MBA (EMBA) A 20-month program divided into 4 semesters designed for C-suite managers. Features unique Leadership Development Practicum, case-based learning from Harvard and IESE, and two global study trips (European and transcontinental). Leads to internationally accredited MBA degree with certificates from University at Buffalo and University of Ottawa.
• Professional MBA Latvia's most prestigious and well-established MBA, designed for managers who lead teams and drive business transformation. 2.5-year minimum duration with flexible pay-per-course model. Offers 4 specializations: Marketing, Finance, Information Technology, and FinTech. Delivered in weekday evening sessions with North American MBA standards.
• MERIT Master's Program (Management of Smart, Resilient, and Interconnected Systems) A 2-year English-language Master's program offered by RTU in collaboration with RBS and RTU Faculty of Computer Science. Combines technical IT rigor with strategic MBA mindset. Features three specializations: Professional Services, Non-IT Manufacturing, and Healthcare. Co-funded by EU Digital Europe program. Covers AI, IoT, and Cybersecurity.
• Executive Education Short Courses Short professional courses for experienced executives and emerging leaders, including Development Academy for New Managers, General English Language Course, Negotiation Skills, ACAMS Anti-Money Laundering Specialist Course, Understanding Financial Statements, Crisis Management, and Psychological Resilience for Leaders. Prices range from 390 EUR to 3200 EUR + VAT.
• Pre-University Programs Preparation courses for school students including 11th and 12th Grade Math Exam Prep and English Exam Prep, as well as Puzzle Day (logic-development event adapted from Harvard's CS50).
• LIFT (Digital Skills Training) Digital skills training initiative enhancing workforce competitiveness through practical courses in AI, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and more. Supported by EU Recovery Fund with courses offered at reduced costs.
• Mini MBA Project-based program focusing on company's path to digitization, use of technology, improvement of production processes and products for digital transformation. For businesses registered in Latvia with participation funded by LIAA.
• Innovation Academy 24-week practical pre-acceleration program fostering creation of globally competitive start-ups. Guides teams from early idea stage to readiness for initial investments and rapid growth.
• AI Studio Pioneering initiative by Riga Business School in collaboration with IT Cluster. Demystifies AI for SMEs across various sectors, enabling them to harness AI for growth, innovation, and competitive edge.
• Baltic Finance Center Independent regional research and education center of the Baltic financial sector. Carries out Anti-Money Laundering, Financial Sector Technology and Analysis projects funded by EC Recovery and resilience facility.
• CS50x Latvia Program Brings Harvard University's CS50 computer science course to high schools in Latvia, adapted for secondary school students with logic-developing puzzles.
• Buffalo Program (Faculty Training) Faculty training program in cooperation with University at Buffalo. Latvian higher education educators study IT courses, student project management, and interdisciplinary academic approach over 4 months.
• Professional Development for Tech Educators Professional development courses for technology educators featuring four programs focused on computer science, programming, design and technology, and tailored teaching methodologies. Partnership with National Centre for Education and Learn IT.

Quantifiable outcome

• Top 20 in Eastern Europe - Eduniversal Masters Ranking
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• Baltic Finance CentermajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Independent regional research and education center of the Baltic financial sector established in 2023. Carries out EC Recovery and Resilience Facility project on AML, financial technology and analysis.
• MIT J-WEL Program (Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019RTU joined as newest member of MIT J-WEL Higher Education Collaborative. International center for education and innovation established to promote educational excellence, digital transformation, and introduce reforms in Latvian higher education. Activities implemented by RBS in cooperation with MIT.
• National Centre for Education and Learn ITminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership for Professional Development for Tech Educators, offering four programs focused on computer science, programming, design and technology, and tailored teaching methodologies.
• ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership established in cooperation with Finance Latvia Association to offer training preparing individuals for ACAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) certifications.
• Education USAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2000RBS hosts the only official Education USA Information Center in Latvia, providing information about educational institutions in the United States.
• BI Norwegian Business SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing double degree partnership allowing RBS students to spend final year abroad at BI in Norway and earn two diplomas. Students complete 2 years at RBS and third year at BI, writing thesis remotely at RBS with graduation in June in Latvia. BI participates in Financial Times Ranking and Eduniversals Top Business Schools Worldwide.
• State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner since 1991; largest campus in 64-campus SUNY system; member of Association of American Universities; AACSB-accredited School of Management. Students complete 3 years at RBS and fourth year at UB in US, writing thesis remotely with graduation in Latvia.
• University of OttawacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner since 1991; provides certification recognition for RBS graduates alongside SUNY Buffalo. Part of the North American MBA standards certification that RBS programs adhere to.
• Harvard Business SchoolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCase study provider for EMBA program; cases used extensively in case-based learning methodology. Part of extensive selection from leading institutions including Harvard, IESE, and The Case Centre.
• IESE Business SchoolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCase study provider for EMBA program using case-based learning methodology.
• The Case CentremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary source of case studies for EMBA program, providing extensive collection of business school cases for experiential learning.
• Harvard University CS50x ProgrammajorTechnology or IntegrationRBS brings CS50x, Harvard's Computer Science course developed by Professor David J. Malan, to high schools in Latvia through CS50x Latvia Program, adapted as Puzzle Day for secondary school students.
• European UniversitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with three European universities, various SMEs, digital innovation hubs, and research centers as part of MERIT project framework.
• RTU Faculty of Natural Sciences and TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Materials Engineering bachelor's program; combines materials science with AI, programming, entrepreneurship, and technology leadership.
• RTU Faculty of Computer Science, Information Technology and EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on MERIT master's program combining technical rigor of IT degree with strategic MBA mindset.
• Finance Latvia AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for ACAMS certification program and Baltic Finance Center research and education initiatives.
• IT ClustermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on AI Studio initiative to demystify AI for SMEs across various sectors, enabling them to harness AI for growth and innovation.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga): Operates in the same city (Riga, Latvia) offering Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and executive programs in English. Direct competitor for the same Latvian C-suite and high-school graduate segments, with a stronger Scandinavian brand positioning.
• BI Norwegian Business School: Double-degree partner of RBS that also offers BSc, MSc, MBA, and Executive Education across the Nordics. Comparable as a non-university specialized business school with strong case-based learning and FT/Eduniversal rankings, but operating at significantly larger scale from a Norwegian base.
• ISM University of Management and Economics: Lithuania's leading business school offering Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and executive programs in English. Comparable as a Baltic-region English-language business school competing for similar international student pipelines and corporate training clients.
• Estonian Business School: Tallinn-based private business school offering Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and executive education in English. Direct Baltic-region competitor for international students, with similar positioning around innovative curricula and corporate partnerships.
• University at Buffalo School of Management: Founding partner of RBS and AACSB-accredited; RBS programs adhere to its North American MBA standards. Comparable through shared curriculum standards, case methods, and double-degree pathway, though operating at significantly larger US scale.

Broad incumbents

• Copenhagen Business School: Large Nordic business school offering broad Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and Executive MBA programs in English. Comparable as a higher-education institution delivering North American-style business education with international accreditation, though at materially larger scale.
• IESE Business School: Case-study partner of RBS's EMBA program; global top-ranked business school delivering MBA, Executive MBA, and custom programs. Comparable through shared case-based methodology and C-suite executive education focus, though at global rather than regional scale.
• INSEAD: Global business school with campuses in Europe, Asia, and Middle East offering MBA, Executive MBA, and executive education. Competes for the same international executive-student pool as RBS's EMBA, especially in emerging markets.
• MIT Sloan School of Management: Partner via RTU's membership in MIT J-WEL Higher Education Collaborative, with activities implemented by RBS. Comparable as a leader in digital transformation and executive education, though operating at vastly larger scale from the US.

Others

• Finance Latvia Association: RBS partner for ACAMS AML certification training and Baltic Finance Center. Industry association that co-develops and hosts compliance training programs with RBS — comparable as a stakeholder in RBS's corporate training vertical rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RBS_LV
• Facebookfacebook.com/Riga-Business-School
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/riga-busines-school

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Riga Business School