EKA University of Applied Sciences

What EKA University of Applied Sciences does

EKA University of Applied Sciences (Ekonomikas un kulturas augstskola SIA) is a private Latvian higher education institution founded in 1997 and headquartered at Pernavas iela 62 in Riga. It is accredited by the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science and operates as a limited liability company (SIA), employing 101–250 staff. The institution delivers bachelor's, master's, and college-level programs across business administration, law, information technologies, design, computer game development, and cultural management, with selected programs marketed as unique-in-Latvia offerings (Circular Economy and Social Entrepreneurship; International Cultural Project Management). Program accreditations currently extend through 2026–2029, and English-language delivery supports an international student intake alongside the domestic Latvian base.

The academic platform is anchored by specialized facilities that differentiate individual programs: the digLAB (Mac and Windows workstations, Oculus Rift VR, mobile devices, and mobile-export software) supports the Computer Game Design bachelor; a Training Courtroom supports Law; a Logistics Auditorium with dangerous-goods design software supports International Trade and Logistics; a Black Auditorium with lighting and projection supports entertainment and culture management; a Painting Hall supports interior and game design; and five computer auditoriums support general IT and business coursework. A Business Incubator provides entrepreneurship support, and a Research Department maintains a publication repository, data repository, and EURAXESS contact point for researcher mobility.

Commercially, EKA generates revenue primarily through tuition fees structured as recurring semester payments, with annual fees ranging from EUR 1,125 (college-level logistics, part-time) to EUR 3,800 (English-language master's). Domestic applicants pay a EUR 30 application fee; international applicants pay a EUR 300 non-refundable registration fee covering document authentication and AIC recognition. Supplementary streams include European Social Fund (ESF) subsidized learning, accommodation referral partnerships, and grant/stipend programs (six individual study grants plus the 'Studetgods' award). Distribution combines a self-serve online application portal, a physical admissions office, an international 6-step admission pipeline, and partnerships with the Study in Latvia agency and third-party recruitment agents. Customer logos (HansaMatrix, AirBaltic, Latvijas Banka) function as guest-lecture and student-project partners rather than revenue anchors, consistent with a B2C tuition model serving 3,000+ alumni across 30 countries.

Name

EKA University of Applied Sciences

Legal name

Ekonomikas un kultūras augstskola SIA

Website

https://augstskola.lv

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

EKA University of Applied Sciences is a private Latvian higher education institution founded in 1997, headquartered in Riga, offering accredited bachelor's, master's, and college-level programs in business, law, IT, design, and cultural management to domestic and international students via tuition-based revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities (EDAHAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online For-Profit Career Universities (EDAHALAJ), Online International & Cross-Border Universities (Global/Transnational Providers) (EDAHALAL)

Keywords

• Higher education programs
• Business administration degrees
• Law degree programs
• Information technology studies
• Applied sciences university

Headquarters

HQ city

Riga

HQ country

Latvia

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition fees: Primary revenue stream from tuition fees charged per semester for various study programs including bachelor, master, and college-level programs. Fees vary by study format (full-time, part-time, distance learning) and language of instruction.
2. European Social Fund support: European Social Fund (ESF) backed learning opportunities providing subsidized education for eligible students.
3. Registration fees: 300 EUR registration fee for international students covering document processing, AIC diploma recognition, and invitation issuance.
4. Accommodation services: Partnership-based student accommodation services through affiliated providers including Colorful Apartments, Fuse, TOMO hostel, Duck Republik, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

EKA University of Applied Sciences is a private Latvian higher education institution offering accredited bachelor's, master's, and college-level programs across business, law, information technology, design, and cultural management. Programs are delivered in full-time, part-time, and distance learning formats, with instruction available in Latvian and English to serve both domestic and international students. The institution combines academic theory with practical training through specialized facilities including a game development lab, training courtroom, and business incubator.

Product overview

EKA University of Applied Sciences (Ekonomikas un Kultūras augstskola) is a higher education institution in Latvia offering a portfolio of bachelor's, master's, and college-level study programs across business, law, IT, design, and culture. The offering is structured as a platform of academic degree programs with specialized facilities (digLAB, Training Courtroom) and a Business Incubator supporting student entrepreneurship. Bachelor's programs include Law, Marketing, Business Economics, Management, Information Technologies (accredited until 2029), Computer Game Design, Interior Design, Culture Management, and Accounting and Finance. Master's programs include Business Administration (combining management, finance, law, marketing, and research), Circular Economy and Social Entrepreneurship (the only such program in Latvia), International Cultural Project Management, and Brand Design. A distance learning format is also available as an alternative delivery mode.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Law (Tiesību zinātne) An academic bachelor's program in law providing comprehensive knowledge of constitutional, civil, criminal, administrative, EU, and international law, with practical skills in legal document drafting and court process simulations. Accredited until April 22, 2027.
• Business Administration (Biznesa vadība) A master's program combining five core business competency areas: management, finance, law, marketing, and research, providing a comprehensive understanding for strategic decision-making. Accredited until September 2, 2026.
• Circular Economy and Social Entrepreneurship (Aprites ekonomika un sociālā uzņēmējdarbība) The only master's program in Latvia combining circular economy principles with social entrepreneurship values, preparing professionals to create sustainable, innovative initiatives with positive societal and environmental impact. Accredited until August 26, 2027.
• International Cultural Project Management (Starptautisko kultūras projektu vadība) The only program in Latvia providing an academic master's degree in business with deep cultural specificity, preparing professionals for international project management, branding, intellectual property, cultural diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication.
• Brand Design (Zīmola dizains) A master's program focused on brand design and visual branding strategies within the broader marketing and management curriculum.
• Marketing (Mārketings) A bachelor's program covering marketing strategy, consumer analysis, segmentation, positioning, and digital marketing practices.
• Business Economics (Biznesa ekonomika) A bachelor's program covering business economics, financial planning, and business analysis fundamentals.
• Management (Vadības zinības) A bachelor's program covering management science, organizational leadership, and strategic management.
• Information Technologies (Informācijas tehnoloģijas) A professional bachelor's program covering programming, databases, web development, system analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Accredited until December 7, 2029.
• Computer Game Design (Datorspēļu dizains) A bachelor's program focused on game development and design, utilizing the digLAB facility for practical work with specialized gaming and VR equipment.
• Interior Design (Interjera dizains) A professional bachelor's program covering interior design principles, drawing, painting, and spatial design skills in a creative atmosphere.
• Culture Management (Kultūras vadība) A professional bachelor's program covering arts and cultural management, event production, and cultural project leadership.
• Accounting and Finance Management (Grāmatvedība un finanšu vadība) A bachelor's program covering accounting, financial management, and financial reporting standards.
• International Trade and Logistics (Loģistika) A college-level program covering international trade, logistics operations, and supply chain management.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3000+ graduates working in 30 countries across 20+ industries
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• ENCATCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2025European network for cultural management and policy education. EKA participates in ENCATC congresses and events. International cultural project management program director Arturs Homins represented EKA at ENCATC 2025 congress in Barcelona discussing cultural education and international cooperation.
• Alberta CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Alberta College for joint organization of student conferences including the annual 'INVENTIO' international scientific-practical student conference. Collaboration on academic programs and research activities.
• CapitalsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology hardware partnership offering EKA students preferential pricing on laptop equipment suitable for studies. Discounts up to 15% on devices and accessories. Provides personalized consultation on technical equipment requirements.
• EURAXESSsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean research network providing support for researcher mobility and collaboration. EKA maintains EURAXESS contact point for researchers.
• EUMMAS Academic ConsortiumsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEKA joined the EUMMAS Academic Consortium for collaboration in academic research and education development.
• LIAA (Latvian Investment and Development Agency)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with LIAA for support programs and business development initiatives. Students benefit from LIAA-supported projects and activities.
• ESF (European Social Fund)supportingOthersEuropean Social Fund supported learning opportunities available to eligible students. Multiple ESF-supported training rounds mentioned in archive.
• DEMOLA LatviasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with DEMOLA for student innovation projects and real-world problem solving with companies.
• Various companies (HansaMatrix, SIA SILJA, SIA Aitrade, Deep White, Krassky)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompanies that host student visits, provide internship opportunities, and collaborate on real projects. Marketing students develop marketing plans for these companies as part of their studies.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• University of Latvia: Largest state university in Latvia offering broad bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes across business, law, humanities and social sciences—an incumbent benchmark for the domestic student market EKA addresses.
• Aalto University: Finnish public university formed through the merger of three universities including the Helsinki University of Technology and Helsinki School of Economics; a leading European applied-sciences and business institution whose programmes overlap with EKA's business, IT, and design domains.
• Riga Technical University: Large state technical university in Riga offering engineering, IT, and architecture programmes including IT-related degrees that overlap with EKA's IT programme; broader portfolio but established incumbent in the same geography.

Emerging players

• Modul University Vienna: Private Austrian university of applied sciences focused on business, technology, and tourism with English-language programmes and an international student mix—an analogue to EKA as a small private applied-sciences school attracting international students in Europe.

Direct peers

• RISEBA University of Applied Sciences: Private applied-sciences university in Riga offering bachelor's and master's programmes in business, communications, design, and IT with English-language tracks for international students—closely overlapping EKA's model, scale, and recruitment geography.
• Turiba University: Private Riga-based university offering applied bachelor's, master's, and college-level programmes in business, law, tourism and IT, with international recruitment—mirroring EKA's structure as a Latvian private higher-education institution.
• ISMA University of Applied Sciences: Private Riga applied-sciences institution with bilingual (Latvian/English/Russian) business, IT, and management programmes—comparable in mission and structure to EKA.
• BA School of Business and Finance: Riga-based higher-education institution focused on business, finance, and management programmes with both Latvian and English tracks—competes directly with EKA's business and management bachelor's/master's offerings.
• Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga): Riga-based private business school (affiliated with SSE) offering bachelor's and master's programmes in business and economics—competes for the same English-speaking student pool targeting an EU business degree in Latvia.

Regional players

• Alberta College: Riga-based first-level professional higher-education college that already partners with EKA to host combined study pathways; competes for part of the same applicant pool seeking vocational and professional programmes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 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 EKA University of Applied Sciences