Education Latvia

In Latvia, the process of enrolling a child in kindergarten and school has its specific features, which are important to consider when planning education for your child.

Enrollment in kindergarten

Parents can register a child in a preschool educational institution from birth until the age of 7. Children are admitted to kindergartens from the age of 1, and preparation for school from the age of 5 is mandatory.

Ways to register:

Electronic registration: Since April 1, 2022, registration in kindergartens is carried out through the government services portal www.latvija.lv (authorization via eID card, internet banking, or mobile identifier). 

Personal application submission: Parents can visit the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports of the Riga City Council, service centers in city neighborhoods, one of the Riga civil registry offices, or the education department of their municipality or chosen kindergarten to submit an application in person.

Required documents:

- Child’s birth certificate.

- Identity document of the parent or guardian.

When forming groups, the following priorities are considered:

- Children registered in the kindergarten's neighborhood.

- Children who have siblings already studying in the kindergarten.

- Children of the educational institution's employees.

It is recommended to register a child in the queue as early as possible, as places in kindergartens are limited.

Enrollment in school

Compulsory primary education in Latvia starts at the age of 7. However, parents can enroll their child in school starting from the age of 5.

Ways to register:

Personal application submission: Parents can visit the chosen school and submit an application for the child's admission. They need to have a passport and the child's birth certificate with them.

Electronic application submission: The application can be submitted through the government services portal www.latvija.lv by selecting the service. In this system, the application is submitted without an electronic signature.

Application submission deadlines:

Applications for enrollment in the 1st grade are recommended to be submitted by May 15 of the year preceding the start of studies. Schools form lists of first-graders by June 1.

When forming 1st-grade classes, the following priorities are considered:

- Children registered in the school's neighborhood.

- Children who have siblings already studying in the school.

- Children of the educational institution’s employees.

It is recommended to familiarize oneself with the school neighborhoods in advance and submit applications to several educational institutions to increase chances of enrollment.

Additional recommendations

Queue check: Parents can find out the child's place in the queue by contacting the respective institution or checking information on the portal www.latvija.lv.

Co-financing: In case there are no places available in municipal kindergartens, parents can use the services of private kindergartens with co-financing from the municipality.

Preparation for school: Some schools offer free introductory classes for future first-graders, helping children adapt to the new environment.

In Latvia, there are several educational institutions offering education in foreign languages, which is particularly relevant for expat families and representatives of national minorities.

International schools

Exupery International School:

Language of instruction: English.

Features: Strong native language support (Latvian, Russian, French), modern campus, and diverse extracurricular activities.

 

International School of Riga:

Language of instruction: English.

Features: Multicultural environment with students from more than 47 countries.

 

International School of Latvia:

Language of instruction: English.

Features: Located in Piņķi, near Jūrmala, with a modern campus and students from more than 35 countries.

 

Schools with advanced foreign language studies:

Riga State German Grammar School:

Languages of instruction: Latvian with advanced German studies.

Features: Center for German language diploma examinations.

 

Riga French Lyceum:

Languages of instruction: Latvian with advanced French studies.

Features: The only school in Latvia where French can be studied at an advanced level from primary school.

 

Preschools with foreign language instruction:

In Latvia, preschools with instruction in foreign languages or bilingual programs are also available. For example, in Riga, private preschools offer instruction in Russian or bilingual programs.

Important to consider:

According to the state language law, the official language of Latvia is Latvian. However, educational programs for national minorities are offered in seven languages: Russian, Polish, Hebrew, Ukrainian, Estonian, Lithuanian, and Belarusian.

When choosing an educational institution, it is recommended to consider the language of instruction, offered programs, accreditations, and the reputation of the school or preschool.

Public educational institutions

Preschool institutions:

Availability: Public preschools provide services for children aged 1 to 6 years. Education is free, but parents pay for meals and additional services.

Language of instruction: The main language is Latvian. Some preschools have bilingual groups.

Queues: Due to high demand in major cities, especially in Riga, there may be waiting lists for admission. It is recommended to register the child in advance.

Schools:

Availability: Education in public schools is free. The school year starts on September 1 and ends in early June.

Language of instruction: The main language is Latvian. There are minority schools where some subjects are taught in Russian, Polish, or another language, but the share of subjects in Latvian is gradually increasing.

Quality of education: Public schools follow the national curriculum, providing a basic level of education. Quality can vary depending on the specific school.

Private educational institutions

Preschool institutions:

Availability: Private preschools offer more flexible admission conditions and smaller groups of children. Cost of education varies depending on the institution.

Language of instruction: They may offer programs in Latvian, Russian, English, and other languages.

Features: Often offer specialized programs, such as Montessori or Waldorf methods.

Schools:

Availability: Education in private schools is paid. The cost depends on the program and level of the school.

Language of instruction: They may offer instruction in Latvian, Russian, English, and other languages.

Programs: Many private schools offer international programs, such as the International Baccalaureate or the British education system.

Quality of education: Private schools often offer an individual approach, modern teaching methods, and improved conditions, such as smaller classes and additional extracurricular activities.

Popular public schools

Riga State Gymnasium No. 1: The oldest school in the Baltic countries, founded in 1211. Known for strong programs in natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science. Offers International Baccalaureate programs. Consistently ranks first in national school ratings. Students demonstrate high results in centralized exams and competitions.

Agenskalns State Gymnasium: Located in Riga, known for high-quality teaching and preparing students for international competitions. It is among the top public gymnasiums in Latvia.

Ventspils State 1st Gymnasium: Located in the city of Ventspils, known for high-quality teaching and active student participation in scientific projects. Holds high positions in national school ratings.

Popular private schools

The Exupery International School: Located near Riga, offers instruction in English in IB PYP, IGCSE, and IB DP programs. Accepts students from 1.5 to 18 years old. International faculty, modern campus, and focus on an individualized approach to education.

The International School of Riga: Offers instruction in English for children aged 2 to 18 under IB PYP, IGCSE, and IB DP programs. A multicultural environment with students from more than 47 countries.

Riga French School: Offers education in French with an in-depth study of Latvian and English. Follows the French national curriculum, accredited by the French Ministry of Education.

When choosing a school, it is recommended to consider the language of instruction, programs offered, accreditations, and the institution's reputation. Visiting the school and communicating with the administration will help make an informed decision.

In Latvia, the education system aims to provide inclusive education for children with special needs, offering them equal opportunities for development and socialization.

Inclusive Education

In Latvia, over 67% of municipal schools implement inclusive education by integrating children with special needs into mainstream classes. This allows children to learn alongside their peers while receiving the necessary support.

Special Educational Programs

Special educational programs are developed for children with various impairments, tailored to their needs. These programs can be implemented in both special and general education schools.

Specialist Support

Schools have support teams that include special educators, speech therapists, psychologists, and teaching assistants to help children with special needs in their learning process.

Adaptation of the Learning Environment:

Many schools adapt their infrastructure to ensure accessibility: installing ramps, elevators, special toilets, and other facilities for children with physical disabilities.

Vocational Education:

In vocational schools, children with special needs acquire skills necessary for future employment.

Thus, the Latvian education system is aimed at creating an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of their characteristics, receives quality education and support necessary for full development.

Specialized educational institutions offer adapted educational programs and specialized support, considering each child's individual needs:

Riga Strazdumuiza Boarding School – Development Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children:

The only educational institution in Latvia where children and young people with severe visual impairments are provided with a quality educational process adapted to the visual characteristics of each student. The school accepts children from the age of 7 and offers primary and secondary education programs. After completing the 12th grade, students receive a secondary education certificate and can continue their studies in vocational or higher education institutions.

Special Boarding Schools

Description: Latvia has boarding schools designed for children with various special needs, including medical issues, mobility impairments, disabilities, and learning difficulties. In such schools, the educational process is combined with an in-depth study of special programs adapted to the students' needs.

When choosing a suitable educational institution for a child with special needs, it is recommended to contact the local education department or social services for detailed information about available institutions and programs that meet the child's individual needs.

In Latvia, various integration programs and language courses are available for foreign children, aimed at facilitating adaptation and successful integration into the country's educational system.

Government Initiatives

Integration Programs: The Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia implements projects aimed at supporting children from migrant families. These programs include language courses, cultural events, and psychological support to aid successful integration into Latvian society.

Support in Schools: Many public schools offer additional Latvian language classes for children whose native language is not Latvian. This helps students adapt to the educational process more quickly and improve their academic performance.

Private Educational Centers

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Many language centers offer Latvian language courses for children and adults in small groups or individually. Classes are conducted both in-person and online, allowing you to choose the most convenient learning format.

Public Organizations

Integration Projects: Some public organizations implement projects aimed at integrating foreign children through cultural and educational activities.

Recommendations for Parents

Contacting Local Schools: It is recommended to contact the administration of the nearest school to get information about available support programs and additional Latvian language classes.

Participation in Cultural Events: Attending local cultural and public events can help children adapt quickly and make new friends.

In Latvia, extracurricular activities for children are presented in various forms, including after-school groups, clubs, clubs, and camps.

After-school groups:

In most public schools in Latvia, after-school groups operate, intended for elementary school students. After regular classes, children complete homework, participate in developmental games and activities under the supervision of teachers. This service is free, but parents may pay for meals or additional classes.

Clubs and Clubs:

A wide range of clubs and clubs operate in Latvia, offering activities based on interests:

Music and Art Schools: Many municipalities maintain music and art schools where children can learn to play musical instruments, sing, visual arts, and other creative directions.

Sports Sections: Various sports clubs are available, including football, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, and other sports. Activities are conducted in schools and specialized sports centers.

Technical Clubs: For children interested in science and technology, there are clubs in robotics, programming, modeling, and others. For example, the Riga Young Technicians Center offers many technical clubs and sections.

Summer Camps:

During the summer, children's camps of various orientations are organized:

Health Camps: Located in picturesque places, often on the coast, and offer programs that combine relaxation and health activities. For example, in Latvia, children's summer camps by the sea, sports, with horses, dance, English-speaking, Russian-speaking, language, daytime, and overnight camps are available.

Sports Camps: Offer intensive training in various sports under the guidance of professional coaches.

Creative Camps: Focus on developing children's creative abilities through music, drama, visual arts, and other directions.

Private Initiatives:

In addition to government programs, private initiatives actively develop in Latvia, offering additional opportunities for extracurricular activities:

Private Clubs and Studios: Offer specialized programs such as dance, foreign languages, cooking, and others.

Private Camps: Organize themed shifts, such as language courses, scientific programs, adventure tours, and others. For example, the children's camp network "AKTĪVISTS" offers day and overnight camps with creative, sports, and language programs.

Recommendations for Parents

Information in Schools: Many schools provide information on available clubs and clubs and help with enrollment in after-school groups.

Municipal Centers: Local governments often publish lists of available extracurricular activities on their official websites.

Online Resources: There are specialized sites and platforms where you can find information on clubs, clubs, and camps, as well as reviews from other parents.

In Latvia, the grading system in schools and universities is based on a ten-point scale, where 10 is the highest grade, and 1 is the lowest.

School Grading System

From September 1, 2024, a new grading system is introduced in Latvian schools, including four types of grades:

- Formative Assessment: Evaluates the student's current progress, providing feedback without scoring points.

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- Diagnostic assessment: Determines the level of knowledge and skills at a certain stage of learning.

- Monitoring assessment: Tracks the general development of a student throughout the academic year.

- Summative assessment: Summarizes learning outcomes after the completion of a topic or period, expressed in scores from 1 to 10.

The minimum passing grade is 4, which corresponds to 50% correct answers. Grades 9 and 10 are awarded for outstanding achievements. It is important to note that the new system emphasizes the student's knowledge and skills, excluding aspects such as behavior or effort from the assessment.

Grading system in universities

Latvian higher education institutions also use a ten-point system:

10: Excellent — outstanding knowledge.

9: Very good — knowledge significantly exceeds requirements.

8: Good plus — knowledge above average level.

7: Good — knowledge meets requirements.

6: Almost good — knowledge slightly below requirements.

5: Satisfactory — minimally acceptable level of knowledge.

4: Almost satisfactory — knowledge below minimally acceptable level.

3: Poor — knowledge significantly below requirements.

2: Very poor — extremely low level of knowledge.

1: Very bad — absence of knowledge.

The minimum passing grade in universities is 4, but some programs may set higher requirements. Grades 9 and 10 are awarded for exceptional achievements.

Admission to Latvian universities for foreign citizens requires meeting certain conditions and providing necessary documents. Exact requirements may vary depending on the chosen institution and program, but general criteria include:

Academic qualification

Undergraduate: You must provide a certificate of complete secondary education equivalent to the Latvian one. In some cases, an apostille and a notarized translation into English or Latvian may be required.

Master’s: A bachelor’s diploma in a relevant or related field is required. Some programs may impose additional academic performance requirements.

Knowledge of the language of instruction

English language programs: An IELTS certificate with a minimum score of 5.5 for undergraduate and 6.0 for master's, or a TOEFL with corresponding scores is required. Some universities may conduct their own language tests.

Programs in Latvian: Confirmation of proficiency in the Latvian language at a level sufficient for studying is required.

Entrance exams

Some universities conduct additional entrance exams or interviews, especially for creative or technical specialties. This may include subject-specific tests or portfolio evaluations.

Additional documents

Motivation letter: Explains reasons for choosing the program and university, as well as career goals.

Recommendation letters: From teachers or employers confirming academic or professional achievements.

Resume (CV): Contains information about education, work experience, and other relevant achievements.

Financial guarantees

To obtain a student visa, it is necessary to provide evidence of financial viability, confirming the ability to cover expenses for study and living in Latvia.

Document submission deadlines

Application deadlines vary depending on the university and program. Usually, submissions for the fall semester conclude in June-July, and for the spring — in December-January. It is recommended to check specific dates on the website of the chosen institution in advance.

Visa requirements

After receiving enrollment confirmation, a student visa must be obtained. This requires an invitation from the university, proof of tuition payment, medical insurance, and other documents indicated by the Latvian consulate.

It is recommended to carefully review the requirements of the specific university and program, as they may have additional conditions. Contacting the chosen institution's admissions office can help obtain current and detailed information.

Latvia is home to several leading universities recognized both nationally and internationally.

University of Latvia

Description: Founded in 1919, it is one of the largest and oldest universities in the country, offering a wide range of programs in various fields of knowledge.

Ranking: Ranked in the range of 801–1000 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

 

Riga Technical University

Description: Established in 1862, it is the oldest technical university in the Baltic countries, specializing in engineering and technical sciences.

Ranking: Holds positions in the range of 751–800 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Riga Stradiņš University

Description: Known for its programs in medicine and healthcare, actively participates in international scientific research.

Ranking: Ranked in the range of 501–600 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.

 

Stockholm School of Economics in Riga

Description: Established in 1994, it is a branch of the Stockholm School of Economics, offering business and economics programs in English.

Ranking: Ranked in the top 20 best business schools in Europe according to the Financial Times European Business School Rankings 2022.

These universities offer quality education and actively participate in international academic and scientific communities, making them attractive to students from both Latvia and abroad.

For admission to Latvian universities, foreign applicants must validate their diplomas and certificates to ensure that their education meets Latvian standards.

Legalization of educational documents:

If your country is a participant of the Hague Convention, you need to place an apostille on your diploma or certificate for legalization.

Academic recognition of documents:

Academic recognition of educational documents obtained in foreign countries for the purpose of further education or work in unregulated professions at the Academic Information Centre.

Submitting documents to the university:

After obtaining a statement from the Academic Information Centre, it must be submitted along with other required documents to the chosen university. The educational institution makes a decision on the admission of the applicant based on the statement from the Academic Information Centre.

Recommendations:

Timely submission: The recognition process can take up to a month, so it is recommended to start the procedure in advance to meet the document submission deadlines at the university.

Consultations: If any questions arise, it is recommended to contact the Academic Information Centre or the admissions office of the chosen university for detailed information.

In Latvia, a variety of additional courses and programs are available for adults, aimed at enhancing qualifications, acquiring new skills, and personal development.

Language courses:

English: Many language centers offer English courses for adults, including general and specialized programs.

Latvian: Latvian language courses are available for integration into Latvian society.

Other languages: Centers offer training in French, Spanish, German, and other languages.

Professional courses:

Information Technology: The LatInSoft training center offers courses in the IT field, including programming, network technologies, and cybersecurity.

Business and Management: Courses in project management, marketing, and entrepreneurship are available in various training centers.

Beauty and Health: The Professional Beauty School offers informal education programs for adults in the beauty field, upon completion of which a certificate is issued.

Advanced training courses:

Occupational Safety: The Latgale Training Center offers courses in occupational safety, designed to enhance the qualifications of specialists.

Language and computer courses: The Latgale Training Center also provides language and computer courses for adults.

Informal education:

Creative courses: Courses in arts, music, photography, and other creative directions are available in various cultural centers and studios.

Personal development: Trainings in public speaking, time management, and other personal growth skills.

Training supported by EU funds:

In Latvia, training programs for workers with 10% co-financing are being implemented, as well as training for the employed with the support of EU funds.

Thus, there is a wide range of additional courses and programs for adults in Latvia, which satisfy diverse educational needs and contribute to professional and personal development.