The history of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) dates back to 1 September 1950. On that day in Riga, at 12 Z. A. Meierovica bulvāris (at that time named Padomju bulvāris), in the building that was donated by the pre-war patron Kristaps Morbergs for educational purposes, the forerunner of the RSU – Rīga Medical Institute (RMI) opened its doors for the first time. The RMI was established on the basis of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Latvia, which is the direct successor of the pre-war Faculty of Medicine at the University of Latvia. 

RSU is the only university in Latvia that has traditionally been closely integrated within the health care system, providing preconditions for the successful operation of Latvian medical institutions. Currently nine faculties at the RSU offer Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degree, professional and continuing education programmes. Anyone, starting from a high school graduate to a PhD, can gain a new qualification, improve their knowledge, as well as give their contribution to the creation of new knowledge and technologies. The high quality education provided by the RSU gains more and more popularity among foreign students.