Riga Technical University (RTU) is the oldest and at present the second largest institution of higher education in , offering advanced study programs in Engineering, Technology, Natural Sciences, Architecture, and Business Administration. RTU was established in 1862.

Currently the RTU comprises the following 8 faculties:  Faculty of Architecture Faculty of Building and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Faculty of Electrical and Power Engineering, Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications,  Faculty of Engineering Economics,  Faculty of  Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Transport and Mechanical Engineering. All  study programs are developed with the aim to qualify for the status of  a high-standard European university. At  present the number of students in different engineering majors has reached the level - 13000

The RTU Research Program covers a broad spectrum of research conducted in natural sciences and various fields of engineering and technology, including   architecture, engineering economics, ergonomics and environmental engineering.

Research is closely connected with post-graduate programs encouraging research by post-graduate students under the guidance of experienced academic and research staff. RTU scientists are involved in various international projects financially supported by the European Union (COPERNICUS, 5 FW, LIFE, EUREKA) and the International Science Foundation, as well as in many joint research projects with partner universities of other countries.

The Distance Education Study Centre of Riga Technical University is a unit of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications. It was founded within the framework of the PHARE “Multi-country Co-operation in Distance Education” Programme in 1997. The Centre is participating in several EU projects in development and delivery of distance courses using collaborative Virtual Environments, videoconferencing and computer conferencing using it’s expertise in CD-ROM production, methodology for distance course development including quality issues.

The RTU Grid clusters are hosted by the faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications.