Financing for equity in higher education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students
4. Support for students' living costs
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
According to the UNESCO UIS, in 2023, the gross enrolment ratio for tertiary education in Latvia was 85.74%, a drop from a high of 94.86% in 2019. The initial government funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 16.85% in 2021. The initial household funding per tertiary student as a percentage of GDP per capita was 5.2% in 2021.
Tuition-free status
Higher education in Latvia is managed by the Public higher education institutions are not free, though the state does cover the costs for a set number of students per year.
Governance
Financing of state higher education institutions is controlled by the Ministry of Education and Science.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Local governments are able to found and therefore, fund, their own higher education institutions. However, there is no specific funding mechanism for transferring resources from the central government to local governments to be used for higher education.
2. Education resources to institutions
Funding for private universities in the absence of public institutions
The state does not fund private universities in Latvia.
Allocation and equity
Higher education institutions are primarily funded by the founders, whether it be through the state, municipality, or private organization. Financing of a state higher education institution is planned and approved by the Ministry of Education and Science and a sectoral ministry if applicable. Funds primarily come from the state and tuition fees. There are no funds which target equity for specific groups.
3. Education resources to students
Admission for vulnerable groups
There are no specific admission criteria for vulnerable groups.
Scholarships, grants and loans for vulnerable groups
The number of study places to be financed by the state is determined by the Minister for Education and Science. The rules for these types of scholarships are found in Regulation No. 818. State-funded students receive EUR 140-300 per month. When applying, students with disabilities, orphans, and persons from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds have some advantages.
Students have the right to apply for a state study loan to cover tuition fees. The procedures by which the loans are granted, repaid, and extinguished are outlined in the Regulations (No. 231) Regarding Lending of Studies and Students for Studies in Latvia from the Funds of Credit Institutions Guaranteed from the State Budget and Funds of International Financial Institutions.
Support measures for disadvantaged students are determined by higher education institutions.
Students have the ability to apply for a student loan, which is used to cover living costs. The loan is guaranteed by the state budget, EU funds, or other international financial institutions.
Since 2021, Latvia has been providing a social scholarship to help students offset living costs. The scholarship targets students who are a part of large families (three or more children), students who have three or more children, students who are orphans, or students with a disability. Applicants must be 25 years old or under. From September 1, 2025, students who are a part of a household with the status of needy or low-income may also apply. Those who receive the scholarship receive EUR 180 per month.
4. Support for students’ living costs
Transportation
Information was not found.
Accommodation
Information was not found.
Textbooks
Information was not found.
