Latvia 2016/17 - student fees and grants

National student fee

 There are two types of financial status for students: state-funded and self-financed. Students studying on state subsidised places do not pay fees. These places are allocated on the basis of academic merit – currently available in priority areas; natural sciences, computer sciences and engineering.

49.4 % of 1st cycle students and 38.4 % of 2nd cycle students (full-time and part-time together) are self-financing and pay fees. Almost all part-time students also pay fees.

Each higher education institution (HEI) sets its own fees, tending to be lower in regional HEIs and highest in Riga. In the first cycle, annual fees range from EUR 720 to 6 403 for full-time and from EUR 800 to 2 600 for part-time studies, while in the 2nd cycle, from EUR 1 080 to 12 800 for full-time and EUR 980 to 14 500 for part-time studies.

43.6 % short-cycle tertiary or college programmes students pay fees ranging from EUR 700 to 3 800 for full-time studies per year and EUR 555 to 7 400 for part-time studies per year.

Fees in programmes provided in English language are usually higher than programmes in Latvian.

Fees for international students (non-EU/EEA) are higher, ranging from EUR 1 600 to 15 000.

Student grants

Public grants, primarily based on academic merit, are available only to full-time students studying on state- subsidised study places. Recently, more need-based criteria are taken into account. Disabled or orphaned students with families, from large families or in economic need are treated favourably. The amounts are EUR 99.60/month (per 10 months) for the first and second cycle. Approximately 13 % of 1st cycle students, 8 % of 2nd cycle students and 8 % of short-cycle students studying receive this funding support.

Loans

Two types of loans exist, the first to cover tuition costs and the second, capped at EUR 170.74/month to cover living costs. Repayment needs to start 11 months after the end of the degree programme. In 2015/16, 12 % of fee- paying students benefited from loans, and this percentage is in decline since 2009. The state covers loans for students studying in fields considered significant for national economic development.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Tax benefits of EUR 213.43 per year are awarded to parents and students (payers of personal income tax). A parent has additional personal income tax relief for a child under 24 studying in higher education.

Family allowances

No family allowances.