Latvia - Education system
INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types
of higher education institutions:
Universitāte
(University)
Akadēmija
(Academy)
Augstskola
(Higher Education Institution)
Institüts
(Institute)
Koledža
(College)
School
leaving and higher education credentials:
Atestats par arodizglītību
Atestāts par vispārējo vidējo
izglītību
Diploms par vidējo profesionālo
izglītību
Tehnikuma (T) diploms
Diploms par pirmā līmena augstāko
profesionālo izglītību
Bakalaura diploms
Ärsta diploms
Augstākās profesionālās
izglītības diploms
Zobārsta diploms
Magistra diploms
Augstākās profesionālās
kvalifikācijas diploms
Doktora diploms
STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 5
Age of exit: 18
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: 15
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
34 state recognized higher education institutions in Latvia. 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. Academic higher education (ISCED
level 5A) programmes are based upon fundamental and/or applied science; they
usually comprise a thesis at the end of each stage and lead to the degrees of
Bakalaurs (Bachelor) and Maģistrs (Master). The Bachelor degree is awarded
after completion of the first stage of studies. Since 2001, professional
Bakalaurs and Maģistrs can also be awarded. The degree of Maģistrs
(or its equivalent) is required for admission to doctoral studies. According to
the Law on Professional Education and the Law on Higher Education
Establishments there are several types of higher professional education
programmes in Latvia - first-level professional higher education programmes
(also called college programmes) and second level professional higher education
programmes which are considered as "completed" professional higher
education and lead to the second-level professional higher education.
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Law
on Education Year: 1999
Concerns: 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. Second level professional higher
education comprises professional higher education study programmes lasting
between four and six years.
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 Šadurskis, Minister
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 (Augstākās izglītības
kvalitātes novērtēšanas centrs)
Head: Juris
Dzelme, Director
Valnu iela 2
LV-1098 Riga
Latvia
Tel: +371(7)
213-870
Fax: +371(7)
212-558
WWW: http://www.aiknc.lv
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: Laine Veite, Evaluator
Valnu iela 2
LV-1050 Riga
Latvia
Tel: +371(2)
225-155
Fax: +371(2)
221-006
EMail: baiba@aic.lv;laine@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 (www.aic.lv)
Year of
publication: 2002
Title: www.aiknc.lv
: information on accredited institutions
Author: Augstākās
izglītības kvalitātes novērtēšanas centrs
STUDENT LIFE
National student associations and unions
Students'
Association of Latvia (Latvijas Studentu Apvieniba)
Baznīcas iela 5-20
LV-1010 Riga
Latvia
Tel: +371(7)
03-46-73
Fax: +371(7)
82-01-13
EMail: lsa@latnet.lv
Student expenses and financial aid
Student costs:
Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 700 (US Dollar)
Maximum: 5000
(US Dollar)
Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 700 (US Dollar)
Maximum: 5000
(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:loti
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, profesional Bakalaurs
and Magistrs degrees have been introduced as from 2001.
Data for academic year: 2003-2004
Source: Academic Information Centre (Latvian ENIC), Riga, April 2004