The education system in Latvia

Moving to Latvia with children or planning your studies? Understanding the local education system can help make your transition smoother.

Latvia offers a wide range of public, private and international education options, from preschool to higher education. Compulsory education begins with preschool preparation and continues through nine years of basic education, followed by general or vocational secondary education. Higher education institutions in Latvia also offer a growing number of programmes in English, attracting students from around the world.

Whether you are enrolling your child in school, exploring international education opportunities or considering university studies, you'll find essential information about the structure of the education system, admission requirements and available learning pathways in Latvia on this page.

Pre-school educational institutions

There are two types of kindergartens in Latvia: state-run and private kindergartens. Please note that availability is limited, and because the demand for kindergartens exceeds the supply so you might be forced to wait for a place to become available.

State-run kindergartens:

1. No monthly fee, but meals and supplies need to be paid for;
2. Children over 1.5 years are accepted;
3. To register a child at a Riga kindergarten, the parent must be declared as residing in Riga;
4. Registration for the waiting list is also possible, but due to high demand this does not guarantee a place in the kindergarten once a child turns 1.5 years old;
5. The state has to ensure pre-school education for children who turn 5 years old, so you will be contacted regarding an available spot at the kindergarten for your 5-year-old child;
6. To check availability, contact the Board of Education of Riga Council (use the Translate to English option).
    

Private kindergartens:

1. A monthly fee has to be paid (ranging from EUR 250-450 per month) as well as catering;
2. Some kindergartens accept children younger than 1.5 years;
3. Each year, Riga Council provides financial support to parents whose child/children is/are enrolled in private kindergartens;
4. To check availability, contact the kindergarten directly. Contact information can be found on the website of the Latvian Association of Private Kindergartens.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in an international pre-school, here are some to start your search: 

• NOVAkids
• Laimes Lācis 
• International School of Riga 
• Exupery International School 
• 6 Senses International Pre-school  
• German School of Riga
• Jules Verne Riga French School

Primary and secondary education institutions

Primary education in Latvia is mandatory for all children from the age of 7 years (study programme duration: 9 years). Secondary education (study programme duration:  3 years) is not mandatory. Additionally, there is the option of studying at a vocational education institution rather than a secondary education institution. In this case, the student would acquire a degree combined with a qualification in a specific field. As with pre-school, there are two types of primary and secondary education institutions. 

State-run primary and secondary education institutions

Primary and secondary education in Latvia is free-of-charge and this is a fully state-run sector. To obtain detailed information about primary and secondary education institutions in the municipality that you are interested in, you are welcome to reach out to the representatives of the Board of Education in the respective municipality. Contact details are available here (use the Translate to English option)! Alternatively, you can search for primary and secondary education institutions in the state-run catalogue here (use the Translate to English option)!

Private primary and secondary education institutions

Enrolling your child in an international primary or secondary education institution will entail payment of certain fees including monthly fees, enrolment fees, and annual fees, etc.

Here are some of the international primary and secondary schools available:
 

• International School of Riga 
• International School of Latvia
• King’s College, The British School of Latvia
• Exupery International School 
• German School of Riga
• Jules Verne Riga French School

Higher education in Latvia

Latvia offers a diverse range of higher education opportunities for local and international students. The country is home to public and private universities, specialised academies and colleges offering bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across a wide range of disciplines.

Many higher education institutions provide study programmes in English, particularly in fields such as business, engineering, information technology, medicine and social sciences. Latvian universities actively participate in international exchange programmes, including Erasmus+, making it easy for students to gain international experience.

Among the largest and most recognised higher education institutions in Latvia are the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University and Riga Stradiņš University. Admission requirements vary depending on the institution and programme, but international applicants are typically required to submit previous academic records, proof of language proficiency and relevant application documents.

For detailed information about study programmes, tuition fees, admission procedures and scholarship opportunities, prospective students should contact their chosen institution directly.

Language of instruction

The primary language of instruction in Latvia's public education system is Latvian. However, many schools offer additional support programmes to help children whose native language is not Latvian adapt to their new learning environment.

For international families seeking multilingual education options, a range of private and international schools offer programmes in English, French, German and other languages. Several institutions follow internationally recognised curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), British and French education systems, making the transition easier for students moving from abroad.

When choosing a school, parents are encouraged to consider not only the language of instruction but also the curriculum, extracurricular activities and available language support services.

School year and holidays

The academic year in Latvia typically begins in September and ends in June. It is divided into two semesters, with regular breaks throughout the year.

Students usually enjoy holidays during autumn, winter, spring and summer, allowing families to plan travel and activities well in advance. Exact holiday dates may vary slightly each year and between educational institutions, particularly in the case of private and international schools.

As school places in some areas can be in high demand, especially in Riga, families relocating to Latvia are encouraged to start the enrolment process early and check important application deadlines in advance.

Other useful education-related resources:

• Interactive map of schools created by the Ministry of Education and Science (use Translate to English option);
• Rating of Latvian schools (use the Translate to English option);
• Educational system in Latvia.