Every citizen of Latvia, non-citizen of Latvia, citizen of the European Union, citizen of the European Economic Area or citizen of the Swiss Confederation, permanent resident of the European Community who has a valid residence permit in the Republic of Latvia, stateless person who has a valid travel document for a stateless person issued in the Republic of Latvia, another country, who is not a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation, a national (hereinafter - a third-country national) or a stateless person who has a valid residence permit in the Republic of Latvia, a refugee or a person who has obtained an alternative status, a person who has received temporary protection in the Republic of Latvia have equal the right to receive education in Latvia. A minor child of an asylum seeker and a minor asylum seeker have the right to primary and secondary education, as well as the right to continue their education after reaching the age of majority.

1. Education system in Latvia
1. General description
Right to education
Every citizen of Latvia, non-citizen of Latvia, citizen of the European Union, citizen of the
European Economic Area or citizen of the Swiss Confederation, permanent resident of the
European Community who has a valid residence permit in the Republic of Latvia, stateless
person who has a valid travel document for a stateless person issued in the Republic of
Latvia, another country, who is not a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic
Area or the Swiss Confederation, a national (hereinafter - a third-country national) or a
stateless person who has a valid residence permit in the Republic of Latvia, a refugee or a
person who has obtained an alternative status, a person who has received temporary
protection in the Republic of Latvia have equal the right to receive education in Latvia.
A minor child of an asylum seeker and a minor asylum seeker have the right to primary and
secondary education, as well as the right to continue their education after reaching the age
of majority.
Language of education acquisition
In state and municipal educational institutions, education is obtained in the national
language. Education in another language can be obtained in private educational institutions,
as well as in state and municipal educational institutions, if they implement educational
programs for minorities. Anyone who learns basic education or secondary education in
another language also learns the national language at the same time and takes the national
language test in accordance with the procedures and scope determined by the country.

2. Basically, the works required for obtaining an academic (bachelor's, master's) and scientific
(doctor's) degree must be developed and defended in the national language, except for other
cases provided for by legislation.
Qualification upgrading and retraining takes place in the national language, if it is financed
from the state or local government budget.
Fee for education
Fees for pre-school education, basic education and secondary education in a state or
municipal educational institution, as well as in a state university secondary education
institution, are covered from the state budget, municipal budgets or state university budgets
in accordance with the procedures determined by the Cabinet of Ministers. A private
educational institution can set a fee for education.
In higher education programs, the state covers the fees for obtaining education for a certain
number of study places in accordance with the state order in the relevant academic year, the
relevant students can (possibly) receive a state scholarship. For other study places, each
higher education institution can set a fee for education.
Any student can receive a state loan for studies in higher education programs. A foreigner or
a stateless person pays for education in accordance with the contract concluded with the
relevant educational institution.
For citizens of European Union countries and their children who receive education in Latvia,
fees for education are determined and covered in the same manner as for citizens and
permanent residents of Latvia.
2. Pre-school education (ISCED level 0)
Pre-school education in Latvia, like compulsory basic education, is offered by general
education institutions. Children learn the preschool education program from 1.5 to 7 years of
age. Depending on the state of health and psychological readiness, the study of the
preschool education program can be extended or shortened by one year according to the
wishes of the parents and the opinion of the family doctor or psychologist. The main goal of
preschool education is to promote the child's general development and readiness to enter
the primary school stage of basic education. Preparation of five- and six-year-old children for
starting primary education is mandatory. Pre-school education for children with special
needs is carried out in special pre-school educational institutions.
3. Basic education (ISCED level 1 and 2)
The child usually starts learning the basic education program in the year in which he turns 7
years old and lasts until he is 16 years old. In special cases, the acquisition of basic
education can continue until reaching the age of 18. Basic education in Latvia is mandatory,
the duration of the program is 9 years. The mandatory content of basic education is
determined by the national standard of basic education, which also includes primary school.
The purpose of primary education is to create opportunities for the acquisition of basic
knowledge and basic skills necessary for society and individual life, for the formation of value
orientations.

3. Names of educational institutions
The full basic education program is implemented by an educational institution called a basic
school . The educational programs of the first six (or in some cases four) classes, or the first
stage of basic education, can be implemented by a primary school . Secondary schools can
also implement a full basic education program. Similarly, basic education can also be
implemented in a vocational school, a special education institution, an evening (shift) school,
a boarding school, an educational institution for social or pedagogical correction, or in a
classroom, or in another educational institution, such as a gymnasium, if full or part of the
basic education program is implemented there.
Evaluation of educational results and documents certifying education
In primary school in the 1st grade, the knowledge and skills acquired by children are not
assessed with a grade, but descriptively. In the 2nd-4th grade, there is a gradual transition to
evaluation on a 10-point scale: in the 2nd grade, grades are given in mathematics, Latvian
language, minority languages; In the 3rd grade – in Latvian, mathematics and English.
Starting from the 4th grade, students' acquired knowledge and skills in all subjects are
assessed on a 10-point scale. At the end of primary school, students take state tests - in
Latvian, mathematics, a foreign language and Latvian history. The centralized exam is for
graduates of minority schools in Latvian. Learners who have obtained a positive assessment
in all subjects of the basic education program in the year and in state tests receive a
certificate of basic education and a transcript of results. Assessments in the subject, in which
the centralized exam is organized, is confirmed by the certificate of basic education. These
basic education documents give the right to continue education in any secondary education
programs. If the learner has not obtained an assessment or it is insufficient in one of the
subjects and/or in one of the state tests, he is issued a certificate. The certificate gives the
right to enroll in basic professional education, vocational education programs, or to study
again in the 9th grade.
4. Secondary education (ISCED level 3)
There are two types of programs at the secondary level: general secondary and vocational
secondary education. General secondary education programs are academically oriented,
their main task is to prepare for further studies, while vocational secondary education
programs are more oriented towards obtaining professional qualifications, ie entering the
labor market. When admitting students to secondary education programs, educational
institutions have the right to hold entrance exams according to the standard of basic
education, except for subjects in which students have received a certificate of basic
education.
GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The mandatory content of general secondary education programs is determined by the
national general secondary education standard. The general secondary education programs
are in the following directions:
The general educational direction determined by the group of educational programs without
specially emphasized subjects;
Humanitarian and social direction, which is determined by a group of educational programs
with special emphasis on humanitarian and social science subjects;

4. The direction of mathematics, natural sciences and technology, which is determined by a
group of educational programs with specially emphasized subjects of mathematics, natural
sciences and technical sciences;
The professional direction, which is determined by a group of educational programs with a
particularly accentuated professional orientation (eg in art, music, business studies, sports).
Names of educational institutions
General education programs are implemented in secondary schools or gymnasiums.
Secondary schools are educational institutions that also implement a full basic education
program. The gymnasium basically implements only the general secondary education
programs, but it can also implement a part of the basic education program, starting from the
7th grade. Gymnasiums must necessarily offer at least 2-3 directions of educational
programs. Pupils of one class learn the educational program of one direction. The status of
state gymnasium is granted to an educational institution by the Cabinet of Ministers. In
addition to the implementation of general secondary education programs, the state
gymnasium performs the functions of a regional methodical center and a teacher's further
education center.
Evaluation of educational results and documents certifying education
The number of mandatory exams is 4 - three of them are determined as mandatory by the
state (Latvian language, foreign language and mathematics), one must be chosen by the
student himself.
Learners who have obtained grades in all subjects of the general secondary education
program and state tests receive a certificate of general secondary education and a transcript
of results. The grade in the subjects in which the centralized exam is organized is confirmed
by the general secondary education certificate, in which the grades are reflected as a
percentage.
These documents certifying general secondary education give the right to continue
education in any higher education programs. If the learner has not obtained or obtained an
insufficient assessment in one of the subjects or in one of the state tests, he is issued a
certificate. If the learner after the 12th grade wants to obtain or improve the annual
assessment in a subject and has submitted an application for this to an educational
institution that implements an appropriate educational program, the learner is admitted to the
educational institution as an external student. The obtained annual assessment is confirmed
by the extract of the exam protocol
VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION
The task of vocational education is to create opportunities for obtaining education with
incomplete basic education, when the student simultaneously learns a profession and
obtains basic education, as well as for continuation after graduation from elementary school
or secondary school, in order to acquire initial professional qualifications, develop abilities for
further professional education, and obtain the right to continue education at a higher level of
education. Vocational educational institutions offer educational programs in all areas of
economic activity.
Good communication skills and the ability to work in a team, comprehensive knowledge, the
ability to communicate in several foreign languages, the ability to use ICT, as well as a

5. driver's license are a requirement of the modern labor market, therefore the acquisition of
these skills is included in educational programs. In addition, during professional education,
attention is paid to the development of entrepreneurship, understanding of environmental
protection and intercultural issues, self-development of young people, which would promote
professional development, natural development of personality and sequential change of
occupation throughout the entire working life. for learning in school workshops, laboratories,
later courses also in companies or institutions.
The content of the vocational secondary education program is determined by the national
vocational secondary education standard and the profession standard. Vocational secondary
education programs are developed and implemented in accordance with all directions of
activity of national economic sectors in Latvia.
Names of vocational education institutions
Vocational primary school (educational institution that implements vocational primary
education programs that provide the opportunity to obtain the first level of professional
qualification);
Vocational school (educational institution that implements vocational education programs
that provide the opportunity to obtain the second level of professional qualification.
Vocational secondary school (educational institution that implements vocational secondary
education programs that provide the opportunity to obtain the third level of professional
qualification
Technikum (educational institution that implements professional secondary education
programs that provide the opportunity to obtain the third level of professional qualification,
and which has been granted the status of a professional education competence center);
College (educational institution that implements first-level professional higher education
(college education) programs and gives the opportunity to obtain the fourth level of
professional qualification.
Professional qualification levels
1) the first level of professional qualification — theoretical and practical preparation, which
gives the opportunity to perform simple tasks in a certain sphere of practical activity
(corresponds to the second level of the framework structure of Latvian qualifications);
2) the second level of professional qualification — theoretical and practical preparation,
which gives the opportunity to independently carry out qualified work as a performer
(corresponds to the third level of the framework structure of Latvian qualifications);
3) the third level of professional qualification - increased theoretical preparation and
professional mastery, which gives the opportunity to perform certain duties of the executor,
which also includes planning and organizing the work to be performed (corresponds to the
fourth level of the framework structure of Latvian qualifications);
4) the fourth level of professional qualification - theoretical and practical preparation, which
gives the opportunity to perform complex work as an executor, as well as to organize and
manage the work of other specialists (corresponds to the fifth level of the framework
structure of Latvian qualifications);
Vocational education programs and admission conditions

6. A person is admitted to professional basic education and vocational education programs
without prior education restrictions and no earlier than in the calendar year in which he turns
15. Duration of basic professional education - no more than two years (with pedagogical
correction and in programs for students with mental disabilities - no more than three years);
duration of vocational education - no more than three years;
A person is admitted to professional secondary education programs after obtaining general
basic education or professional basic education. duration of vocational secondary education
after basic education — three to four years, after vocational education — one to two years;
In first-level professional higher education programs, a person is admitted after obtaining
general secondary education or vocational secondary education. duration of first-level
professional higher education — two to three years
Evaluation of the results of professional education
The basic principles and procedures for evaluating the acquired education are determined
by the educational standard. During the study of the program, evaluation takes place in
theoretical and practical lessons, seminars, laboratory works, project consultations,
independent study works, subject/course exams or tests based on the 10-point system. The
qualification practice and the tests specified in the educational program are evaluated on a
rating scale - "passed" or "failed" - or with a mark on a 10-point rating scale. Various
methods are used in assessment: tests, projects, individual and team work, practice reports.
The national final exams of vocational secondary education programs are a qualification
exam and 4 centralized exams in general education subjects. The national final examination
of vocational education programs is a qualification examination.
Documents certifying the education obtained
A state-recognized professional education document is issued after completion of an
accredited professional education program, professional qualification and other final
examinations specified in the state professional education standard. In accordance with the
vocational education program, the following state-recognized vocational education
documents are issued: certificate of basic vocational education; certificate of vocational
education; diploma on vocational secondary education.
Only a diploma of vocational secondary education gives the right to continue education in
higher-level college or university vocational education programs.
5. Post-secondary education (ISCED level 4)
Also, after obtaining general secondary or vocational education, you can learn professional
continuing education programs (duration from 1 year to 3 years) or professional
development programs (duration not less than 160 hours of study, which can be part of the
qualification). Internationally, this level of education is called post-secondary, but not higher
education. In Latvia, this education was classified as secondary level education. These
programs are focused only on the acquisition of professional knowledge and skills in
accordance with the requirements of the level of professional qualifications. The educational
process, evaluation of educational results is organized similarly to other secondary
professional education programs.

7. 6. Higher education (ISCED levels 5, 6 and 7)
Admission conditions
A certificate of general secondary education or a diploma of vocational secondary education
gives the right to continue education at a level of higher education, where academic or
professional higher education programs can be studied.
In full-time and part-time bachelor's and professional study programs, in which the
admission requirement is previously obtained secondary education, students are admitted in
an open and equal competition based on the results of centralized examinations, with the
exception of persons who obtained secondary education before 2004, as well as persons
who received secondary education abroad or persons with special needs. The university can
set additional requirements regarding special previous education, special suitability and
preparation (for example, in art, music, sports).. Universities and colleges notify the State
Education Content Center and the public (also on the website) admission requirements by
November 1 of the current year in study programs for the next academic year. Selection
procedures are different in different universities and also in different programs. These
procedures basically depend on how much competition there is for available places (both
publicly funded and fee-based). The selection procedure is a certificate/diploma competition
in which grades in subjects and centralized examinations may be taken into account. In
some cases, the selection procedures also include an interview with representatives of the
admissions committee.
If the secondary education certificate/diploma has been obtained abroad, in accordance with
the Higher Education Law, this document must be submitted for examination to the
Academic Information Center (More information on the Internet: http://www.aic.lv/ )
Names of educational institutions
Higher education can be obtained at a college or university.
The college is an educational institution that implements level 1 professional higher
education programs. Colleges are formed both as independent educational institutions and
as study programs in universities. Despite the different names of educational institutions, the
status of graduates of college educational programs is equivalent both in the labor market
and for continuing education, since the conditions for creating and implementing educational
programs are uniform.
University is a higher education institution that implements academic and professional study
programs (level 1 and 2 professional higher education programs). Universities are divided
into university-type and non-university-type universities.
University-type higher education institutions are those in which education is oriented towards
scientific and research work in the fields of science, therefore they basically implement
academic education programs and professional programs related to them.
Non-university-type higher education institutions are those in which studies are oriented
towards the acquisition of professional knowledge and skills. In such universities, research is
carried out in certain fields of science, economics or art.
Study programs

8. Academic higher education programs give the right to obtain a bachelor's academic degree
in a certain branch of science (8 groups of branches of science are distinguished -
educational sciences, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering sciences,
agricultural sciences, health sciences, environmental sciences. Each of the groups includes
several sciences industries).
The bachelor's degree program lasts 3-4 years. After obtaining a bachelor's degree, studies
can be continued in a master's degree or in professional education programs of a university.
The master's program lasts 1-2 years, the degree takes a total of 5-6 years. The duration of
the professional education program after obtaining a bachelor's degree is 1-2 years.
The master's degree gives the right to enroll in a doctoral program that lasts 3-4 years.
Professional higher education programs give the right to obtain a professional qualification
as well as a bachelor's professional degree. A bachelor's degree of professional higher
education is awarded if the duration of full-time study of the program is at least four years.
After obtaining a bachelor's professional degree, studies can be continued in a master's
degree program to obtain a master's professional degree. The master's degree of
professional higher education will be awarded if the total duration of studies is at least 5
years.
Individuals who have obtained a master's degree are eligible to continue their studies in a
doctoral program to obtain a doctorate degree. The duration of the study program in doctoral
studies is 3-4 years. Those who are thinking about further scientific or research work can
also continue their studies in the master's program for obtaining a master's academic
degree.
However, the division of higher education programs into academic and professional is not
the only one. There is another division of professional higher education. The Law on
Universities and the Law on Professional Education define two levels of professional higher
education - first-level professional higher or college education and second-level professional
higher or university education .
First-level higher education programs offer to learn a complex profession (bank employees, ,
business specialists, information technology specialists, legal assistants, engineering
workers), but neither studies nor further activities are related to scientific research. The
qualification obtained by the graduate corresponds to the 4th level of professional
qualifications ( Fourth level - preparation that gives the opportunity to perform complex work
as an executor in changing situations, take responsibility for the distribution of resources,
organize and manage the work of other specialists and/or workers), which allows him to
compete in the labor market or to continue his studies in a subsequent university program for
obtaining a higher professional qualification. Duration of study programs of the fourth
professional qualification level 2-3 years after secondary education These programs are
counted among "non-university type" higher education programs.

9. The qualification obtained in the second-level professional higher education programs
corresponds to the level of the 5th professional qualifications. (Fifth level - the highest
qualification of a specialist in a certain field, which gives the opportunity to independently
analyze, make decisions, design and/or plan, organize, manage, control, and/or carry out
scientific research work in the relevant field). Usually, at the same time as the qualification, a
bachelor's professional degree in a certain field of economy is also obtained. These
programs count as "university-type" higher education programs.
There may also be so-called "short" second-level professional study programs (1-2 years), in
which a qualification is obtained based on previously obtained first-level higher education or
a bachelor's academic degree.
The duration of study programs of the fifth professional qualification level is generally not
less than 4 years after secondary education and not less than 2 years after obtaining a
college education.
7. Postgraduate studies (ISCED level 8)
The master's degree entitles you to study for a doctoral degree, which lasts 3-4 years. In
Latvia, it is possible to study doctoral programs in various directions.