INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS

Types of higher education institutions:

Universitāte (University)

Neununiversitätes tipa augstskola (non-university higher education institution)

School leaving and higher education credentials:

Atestats par arodizglītību

Atestāts par Vispārējo Vidējo Izglītību

Diploms par Vidējo profesionālo izglītību

Tehnikum (T) Diploma

Diploms par pirma limena augstāko profesionālo izglītību

Bakalaurs

Ärsta grāds

Diploms par Augstāko profesionālo izglītību

Zobārsta Grāds

Magistrs

Doktors

STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM

Pre-higher education:

Duration of compulsory education:

Age of entry: 7

Age of exit: 16

Structure of school system:

Basic

Type of school providing this education: Pamatskola (Basic School)

Length of program in years: 9

Age level from: 7 to: 16

Basic Vocational

Type of school providing this education: Arodpamatskola (Vocational basic school)

Length of program in years: 2

Age level from: 16 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Apliecība par profesionālo pamatlzglītību (Certificate of basic vocational education

General Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Vidusskola (General Secondary School), Gimnazija (Gymnasium)

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 16 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: Atestāts par Vispārējo Vidējo Izglītību (Certificate of General Secondary Education)

Vocational Secondary

Type of school providing this education: Arodvidusskola (Vocational Secondary School)/Arodgimnazija (Vocational Gymnasium)

Length of program in years: 4

Age level from: 15 to: 19

Certificate/diploma awarded: Diploms par profesionālo vidējo izglītību (Diploma of Secondary Vocational Education)

Vocational

Type of school providing this education: Arodskola (Vocational  School)

Length of program in years: 3

Age level from: 15 to: 18

Certificate/diploma awarded: Atestats par Arodizglītību (Certificate of Vocational Education)

School education:

After nine years of basic education, secondary education is provided in general secondary schools (3 years), vocational schools (2 to 3 years), and vocational secondary schools (4 years). General secondary schools award the Certificate of General Secondary Education (Atestāts par Vispārējo Vidējo Izglītību). Vocational schools (2-3 years) award Certificates of Vocational Education. Vocational secondary schools award a Diploma of Vocational Secondary Education which is also valid for university entrance.

Higher education:

There are four universities and a number of other higher education institutions in Latvia. The main split between university and non-university higher education is between the programmes rather than between the institutions since the law allows academic and professional programmes to be organised within the same institution. All universities and 17 other institutions are state run. In addition, there are a number of private institutions of which 10 are state-recognized. All the recognized institutions enjoy autonomy. Recognition of higher education institutions and programmes is based upon quality assessment, which is carried out as self-assessment followed by an evaluation visit with the participation of foreign experts. Higher education institutions confer academic degrees and professional higher education qualifications.

Main laws/decrees governing higher education:

Decree: Law on Education Year: 1999

Concerns: General educational regulations

Decree: Law on General Education Year: 1999

Concerns: General education institutions, programmes, credentials

Decree: Law on Higher Education Establishments (amended 2000) Year: 1995

Concerns: Higher education institutions, programmes, credentials, autonomy of higher education institutions, relations between state and higher education.

Decree: Law on Professional Education Year: 1999

Concerns: Vocational education institutions, programmes, credentials

Decree: Regulations of Accreditation Year: 1995

Concerns: Procedures of quality assurance and accreditation of programmes and institutions

Academic year:

Classes from: Sep to: Jun

Long vacation from: Jul to: Sep

Languages of instruction: Latvian/Lettish, Russian, English

Stages of studies:

Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):

Non-university level:

Since 1999, studies in "college programmes" of two- to three-years' duration leading to a first-stage higher professional education Diploma are available. These lead to Level IV professional qualifications. Holders are eligible to continue their studies towards the Bakalaurs Degree or a (full) Higher Professional Education Diploma.

University level studies:

University level first stage: Undergraduate:

The first cycle leads to the award of a Bakalaurs (Bachelor' degree), which in most cases includes the preparation of a thesis. The duration of studies varies from three to four years. Holders are eligible for further studies towards a Magistrs degree or higher professional education qualifications.

University level second stage: Postgraduate:

The second cycle leads to the award of the Magistrs (Master's degree), a terminal qualification of higher education awarded one to two years after the Bakalaurs. This degree also includes the presentation of a thesis. The total duration of the course of study is no less than five years. In Medicine and Dentistry, studies are not divided into two stages but the degrees Ārsta grāds (degree in Medicine) - six years - and Zobārsta grāds (degree in Dentistry) -  five years-  are considered equivalent to the Magistrs.

University level third stage: Doktors (Doctorate):

Doctoral studies are available at both higher education institutions and research institutes. A Doctor's degree is awarded three to four years after completion of the Magistrs and following the public defence of a thesis.

Teacher education:

Training of secondary school teachers

Secondary school teachers (skolotajs) follow either a teacher training course parallel to their academic studies  towards a Bakalaurs degree or a one- to two-year professional teacher training programme following completion of the Bakalaurs programme.

NATIONAL BODIES

Administration & co-ordination:

Responsible authorities:

Ministry of Education and Science (Izglītības un Zinātnes Ministrija)

Head: Kārlis Greiškalns, Minister

Administrative officer: Jānis Čakste, Head, Department of Higher Education and Research

International relations: Māra Katvare, Head of International Relations Division

Valnu iela 2
LV 1050 Riga
Latvia

Tel: +371(7) 047-810

Fax: +371(7) 213-992

EMail: izm@izm.gov.lv

WWW: http://www.izm.gov.lv

Role of governing body: Responsible for long-term planning of higher education, as well as for assessment, organization and administration and funds allocation

Higher Education Council (Augstakas Izglitibas Padome)

Head: Baiba Rivza, Chairwoman

Meistaaru iela 21
LV-1050 Riga
Latvia

Tel: +371(7) 223-392

Fax: +371(7) 220-423

EMail: aip@latnet.lv

WWW: http://www.aip.lv

Latvian Rectors' Council (Latvijas Rektoru Padome)

Head: Andrejs Rauhvargers, Secretary General

Raina Bulv. 19
LV-1586 Riga
Latvia

Tel: +371(7) 034-338

Fax: +371(7) 243-091  +371(7) 034-368

EMail: andrejs.rauhvargers@aic.lv

WWW: http://www.aic.lv/rp

Higher Education Quality Evaluation Centre (Augstakas Izglitibas Kvalitates Vertesanas Centrs)

Head: Juris Dzelme, Director

Valnu iela 2
LV1098 Riga
Latvia

Tel: +371(7) 213-870

Fax: +371(7) 212-558

Association of University Professors (Universitates Profesoru Apvieniba)

Head: Juris Krûminð, President

Raina bulvāris 19
LV 1050 Riga
Latvia

Tel: +371(2) 223-894

Fax: +371(2) 820-113

EMail: kurmis@latnet.lv

ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Admission to university-level studies

Name of secondary school credential required: Diploms par Vidējo profesionālo izglītību

Name of secondary school credential required: Atestāts par Vispārējo Vidējo Izglītību

Numerus clausus/restrictions: At the level of the institution

Other admission requirements: Access is regulated by examinations, by ranking of secondary diplomas or by interview, or a combination of these methods. Institutions can define which of the elective secondary education courses have to be taken by the applicant to enter a particular programme.

Foreign students admission

Definition of foreign student: A student who is resident of another country and pursues studies in Latvia.

Quotas: No

Admission requirements: Foreign students must present a School-Leaving Certificate (original) with a transcript which can be recognized as being equivalent to the Latvian secondary education certificate .

Entry regulations: Students must hold a residence permit. Latvian diplomatic missions abroad provide all the necessary information to the applicants, make an initial recommendation and issue entry visas to candidates who have been accepted.

Health requirements: A health certificate is required.

Language requirements: Students must prove proficiency in Latvian for programmes offered in Latvian.

Recognition of studies & qualifications:

Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): Credentials awarded upon completion of studies in accredited programmes of State-recognized institutions are recognized by the State.

Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials):

Latvian ENIC-NARIC Academic Information Centre (Latvijas ENIC-Akademiskas Informacijas Centrs)

Head: Baiba Ramina, Director

Administrative officer: Ieva Brensone, Head of Credential Evaluation

Valnnu iela 2
LV-1050 Riga
Latvia

Tel: +371(2) 225-155

Fax: +371(2) 221-006

EMail: baiba@aic.lv; ieva@aic.lv

WWW: http://www.aic.lv

Services provided & students dealt with: Recognition of foreign higher education credentials; consultations of Latvian higher education institutions on foreign educational systems.

Special provisions for recognition:

For access to university level studies: ENIC/NARIC evaluates a credential and issues a statement which serves as a recommendation for universities and other higher education institutions which take the final decision upon recognition for further studies.

For access to advanced studies and research: The Science Council of Latvia recognizes doctoral degrees awarded abroad.

For the exercise of a profession: ENIC/NARIC evaluates a credential and issues a statement which serves as a recommendation for employers (in non-regulated professions) or competent professional bodies (in regulated professions) which take the final decision upon recognition for professional purposes.As a candidate country for the EU, Latvia is introducing the EU directives for professional recognition.

Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies

Name of agreement: Agreement between the Republics of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania on the recognition of qualifications in the Baltic Education Space

Year of signature: 2000

Name of agreement: Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in the European Region (Lisbon Convention)

Year of signature: 1997

Name of agreement: ETS No 15 Council of Europe Convention on the recognition of secondary education certificates for university admission

Year of signature: 1996

References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies

Title: Higher Education in Latvia

Author: Latvian ENIC

Year of publication: 1999

Title: Study Abroad 2000-2001

Publisher: UNESCO/IBE

Year of publication: 1999

STUDENT LIFE

National student associations and unions

Students' Association of Latvia (Latvijas Studentu Apvieniba)

Kramu iela 2
LV-1050 Riga
Latvia

Tel: +371(7) 08-94-30

Fax: +371(7) 82-01-13

EMail: lsa@latnet.lv

Student expenses and financial aid

Student costs:

Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (Latvian Lat)

Maximum: 1100 (Latvian Lat)

Foreign students tuition fees: Maximum: 4500 (US Dollar)

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES

Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education:

Ministry of Education and Science

Head: Māra Katvare, Head of International Relations Division

Valnu iela 2
1098 Riga
Latvia

Tel: +371(7) 222-415

Fax: +371(7) 213-992

EMail: izm@izm.lv

WWW: http://www.izm.lv

Participation of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes

Name of exchange programme: BALTIC PILOT PROJECT

Name of exchange programme: BALTIC SEA PROJECT

Name of exchange programme: LEONARDO DA VINCI

Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES

Name of exchange programme: TEMPUS

GRADING SYSTEM

Usual grading system in secondary school

Full Description: 10:izcili (with distinction); 9:teicami (excellent); 8:@5loti labi (very good); 7:labi (good); 6:gandrīz labi (almost good); 5:viduvēji (satisfactory); 4:gandrīz viduvēji (almost satisfactory); 3-1:neapmieriniši (unsatisfactory).

Highest on scale: 10

Pass/fail level: 4

Lowest on scale: 1

Main grading system used by higher education institutions

Full Description: All higher education institutions use a 10-grade scale. Some use it in the same way as in secondary education: 4: pass mark; 8 highest "normal" grade, 9-10 special grades reserved for students who perform with distinction. To obtain grades 9 and 10, students usually have to fulfil additional (and more complicated) tasks in the examination.Some institutions however use grades 9 and 10 as normal highest marks and some use 5 or 6 as the pass mark

Highest on scale: 10

Pass/fail level: 4

Lowest on scale: 1

NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

According to the amendments (1999) to the Law on higher education establishments in addition to the academic Bakalaurs and Magistrs degrees, Bakalaurs and Magistrs degrees will be introduced as from 2001.

Data for academic year: 2001-2002

Source: Academic Information Centre (Latvian ENIC), Riga, 2001