Access to education in Latvia

Nurseries / kindergartens

Children of Ukrainian citizens can receive free preschool education in municipal educational institutions at their place of residence. If the child is already one year and six months old and the self-government body does not provide places in the relevant educational institutions, the local self-government compensates for the costs of attending a private preschool education institution.

Minor citizens of Ukraine are provided with the opportunity to receive preschool in the state or minority language.

Consultation on school and kindergarten registration is available at the following institutions:

• The Main Support Center for Ukrainian Residents (single coordination centre) in Riga at: Kalku Street 1, Riga. The centre is open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00. For more information, please visit riga.lv or call +37180000800.
• Information on educational opportunities in Riga for children of Ukrainian refugees (schools, kindergartens, music, sports, art schools, etc.) can be found here.

Primary and secondary education

Minor citizens of Ukraine, as well as adult citizens of Ukraine who have already completed secondary education in 2021/2022, have the right to receive primary and secondary education in a state or municipal educational institution. Minor citizens of Ukraine could receive primary education in the state or minority language.

Higher education

Citizens of Ukraine who are enrolled in an accredited higher education program at a Ukrainian higher education institution can enroll in an accredited higher education institution or college in Latvia. Applicants will also be able to receive financial support.

A list of higher education institutions, study programs and contacts are available here.

For the recognition of educational documents, please read the information from the Latvian national competent authority, the Academic Information Center, here. 

Residents of Ukraine can continue their studies as exchange students, and researchers can work in research institutions in Latvia, receiving the same support in their studies as students in Latvia or research staff in existing cooperation programs in the field of science. A list of higher education institutions, study programs and contacts are available here.

Language courses

In the resource under the "Filter" section, select "Latvian language courses", choose the location nearest to you and contact a specific organization.

Online resources for learning Latvian Language.

Information on the procedure for passing the state language exams can be found on the website of the National Center for Education.

Citizens of Ukraine do not need to pay a state fee for the state language test. A certificate of the state language proficiency test result can be obtained by e-mail on the Latvija.lv portal or by mail.

Latvian scientific institutions included in the Register of Scientific Institutions can establish employment relations with Ukrainian scientists or offer internships at their institutions.

Assistant services for children with functional disabilities are available in preschool and general education institutions.

Information on state-funded camps within the framework of the project "Support for Children and Youth Camps in Ukraine and Latvia" is available here.