The Saeima ¹ has adopted and
the President has proclaimed the following law:

Law on Higher Education Institutions

Chapter I
General Provisions

Section 1. Terms Used in the Law

The following terms are used in the Law:

1) academic hour - a unit of work time for studies the duration of which is 45 minutes;

1¹) accredited study programme - a study programme corresponding to a certain accredited study field which has been recognised to be complying with the requirements of this Law during the assessment process of the relevant study field;

2) [15 September 2022];

3) accreditation of a higher education institution or college - assessment of the work organisation and quality of resources of a higher education institution or college as a result of which it is granted the status of a State-recognised higher education institution or college;

4) branch of a higher education institution - a structural unit established by an accredited higher education institution which has a certain organisational independence, which is territorially separated from the location of the higher education institution (it is located in another state or another populated area), and the basic task of which is to implement the accredited study programmes of the relevant higher education institution;

5) representative office of a higher education institution - a structural unit established by a higher education institution which is territorially separated from the location of the higher education institution (it is located in another state or another populated area) and the task of which is to provide information regarding the higher education institution, to represent the interests of the higher education institution and to perform other organisational activities specified in the by-law thereof. The representative office of a higher education institution shall not engage in economic activities and shall not implement study programmes;

6) matriculation - enrolment of persons in the list (student register) of students at a higher education institution;

7) contact hour - the direct communication of academic staff and students which is implemented for the achievement of the goals and tasks of a study programme in accordance with the study programme plan and the duration of which is one academic hour;

8) credit point - an accounting unit which expresses the amount of study work on the basis of the learning outcomes defined in the study programme or its part and the study load related to the achievement thereof. 60 credit points correspond to the learning outcomes obtained in full-time studies in one academic year according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. Credit points are expressed in whole numbers. One credit point corresponds to the amount of study work of at least 25-30 hours;

9) part-time studies - a type of studies which corresponds to less than 60 credit points per academic year;

10) full-time studies - a type of studies which corresponds to 60 credit points per academic year;

11) awarding of the highest academic level degree - the conferral of a Doctor of Philosophy;

11¹) study course - an outline of a system of knowledge, skills and competence corresponding to the study programme, organised in a specific level and amount, for which learning outcomes have been defined for the achievement of which credit points are granted;

12) licensing of a study programme - the granting of rights to implement a specific study programme;

13) study module - a component of the study programme which is created by combining study courses or parts thereof, which have a common goal and achievable learning outcomes;

14) study period - any component of the study programme which is evaluated and documented and incorporates the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competence but is not a complete study programme;

15) learning outcomes - a set of knowledge, skills and competence to be acquired upon completion of a study programme, study module or study course;

16) accreditation of the study field - an inspection to determine the quality of the resources of a higher education institution and the ability to implement a study programme corresponding to a specific study field in accordance with the laws and regulations. The accreditation of the study field of a higher education institution gives the higher education institution the right to issue a State-recognised diploma of higher education for the successful acquisition of a study programme corresponding to the relevant study field;

17) strategic specialisation - major fields of science determined by the founder of a higher education institution in which the higher education institution specialises by implementing study programmes and performing scientific activity. Strategic specialisation shall serve as the basis for planning the strategic development of the higher education institution, determining the fields of science and study fields to be developed primarily;

18) development strategy - a strategy which is established by a higher education institution on the basis of the strategic specialisation approved by its founder and also the mission determined in the constitution of the higher education institution, the plan for the development of the study process and the plan for the development of the scientific and artistically creative activities approved at the senate of the higher education institution for planning its development and which is a development plan of the higher education institution with a limited duration of five years which includes specific objectives to be achieved and tasks in the study, science, artistically creative, and also institutional development areas of the higher education institution.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 1 February 2018; 21 June 2018; 8 June 2021; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024 / The new wording of Clause 3 shall come into force on 1 January 2025 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2025. See Paragraph 94 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 2. Application of the Law

(1) This Law shall apply to all higher education institutions registered in the Register of Educational Institutions irrespective of the procedures for the founding and financing and the specialisation thereof. It shall regulate the legal grounds for the activities of higher education institutions and determine and protect the autonomy of higher education institutions.

(2) This Law shall regulate the cooperation of higher education institutions and State authorities to coordinate the autonomy of higher education institutions with the interests of society and the State.

(3) The Ministry of Education and Science shall supervise compliance with this Law in higher education institutions and also shall be responsible for the State policy in the field of higher education. The Minister for Education and Science shall represent the interests of higher education institutions in the Saeima and the Cabinet.

[2 March 2006; 15 September 2022]

Section 3. Types and Strategic Specialisations of Higher Education Institutions

(1) Higher education institutions are higher education and science institutions implementing study programmes and also performing scientific activity and engaging in artistic creation. There shall be the following types of higher education institutions: universities of science, universities of arts and culture, universities of applied sciences, and higher education institutions of applied sciences. The type of a higher education institution shall be determined by its founder.

(1¹) The founder of a higher education institution shall determine the strategic specialisation of the higher education institution so that internationally acknowledged excellence and conformity with the needs and requirements of the society would be achieved in the study and research activity of the higher education institution in the selected scientific areas. At least three scientific areas in which universities of science specialise shall be determined for universities of science in order to ensure interdisciplinarity and development of multidisciplinary research.

(1²) The Cabinet shall determine the areas of strategic specialisation for a State founded higher education institution on the basis of the priorities of the policy planning cycle specified in the policy planning documents for the development of national economy and society, taking into account the progress assessment of the performance results of the higher education institution for the previous planning period and the development potential. If changes in the strategic specialisation previously determined for a State higher education institution are intended, the State founded higher education institution shall participate in the preparation of the relevant draft decision. In order to ensure efficient management of public resources and investments, the areas of strategic specialisation for State founded higher education institutions shall be determined in a way to preclude unjustified duplication of such areas. The Cabinet shall determine the procedures by which the strategic specialisation is determined for State founded higher education institutions.

(2) [15 September 2022]

(3) [8 June 2021]

(3¹) A higher education institution shall ensure conformity with the requirements laid down in Section 3.¹, Paragraph three, Section 3.², Paragraph three, Section 3.³, Paragraph three, and Section 3.⁴, Paragraph three of this Law not later than within three years from the day when implementation of study programmes was commenced.

(4) [2 March 2006]

(5) The word "universitāte" [university] may be included in the name of a higher education institution which conforms to the type of higher education institution laid down in Section 3.¹, 3.², or 3.³ of this Law and also in the names of bodies of such a higher education institution which implement study programmes. The word "institūts" [institute] may not be included in the name of a higher education institution.

(5¹) The name of a higher education institution shall not include misleading information contradicting the purposes of the activities of the higher education institution which are specified for the corresponding type of higher education institutions in Sections 3.¹, 3.², 3.³, and 3.⁴ of this Law.

(6) The Cabinet shall determine the classification of education in Latvia which shall also include a comparison of degrees and vocational qualifications acquired in the Republic of Latvia with the European Qualifications Framework and descriptions of the knowledge, skills and competence corresponding to the level of the European Qualifications Framework for graduates of each level of a study programme.

(7) In a higher education institution at least five per cent of the academic staff shall be visiting professors, visiting associate professors, visiting docents, visiting lecturers, professors, associate professors, docents and lecturers who have been employed in an academic position in any of the accredited higher education institutions of the European Union, European Economic Area or Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, except for Latvia, for an uninterrupted period of one year during the previous five years.

(8) The requirements laid down in this Law regarding the proportion of the academic staff with a Doctor of Philosophy in a higher education institution shall not apply to the National Defence Academy of Latvia.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 1 February 2018; 18 October 2018; 8 June 2021; 24 March 2022; 15 September 2022; 2 February 2023; 14 March 2024]

Section 3.¹ University of Science and Objectives of the Operation Thereof

(1) A university of science is an institution of science, education, and culture of national level which, according to the State higher education standard, implements three study programmes of the levels of higher education, i.e. bachelor's, master's, and doctoral study programmes.

(2) The objectives of the operation of a university of science according to the strategic specialisation determined by its founder shall be as follows:

1) to promote the concentration of nationally and internationally acknowledged academic and scientific staff in the academic and scientific study and research process implemented thereby;

2) within the scope of academic freedom, to develop internationally valued fundamental and applied studies, creating new knowledge and skills which are necessary for sustainable development of the society;

3) to ensure and continuously develop internationally competitive study processes, supporting the growth of the persons involved in the education process into enterprising, creative, responsible, and competitive members of the society, and also to ensure the processes of lifelong learning;

4) to promote research, studies, and creative activities which allow to preserve and develop national cultural values, traditions, and cultural heritage, ensuring continuity and international integration of the processes of national culture;

5) to develop the processes of research, studies, innovations, technology transfer, and business incubation which ensure dynamic development of national economy and emergence of new modern sectors of national economy;

6) orienting towards excellence in its area of activity, to ensure, both in research and study process, successful integration of the university of science in the international ecosystem of universities and scientific institutions.

(3) For the achievement of its objectives, a university of science shall:

1) cooperate with other education and scientific institutions in order to ensure the joint development and improvement of the State education, science, technological development, and innovations policy, including to ensure joint use and efficiency of the educational and research resources;

2) perform internationally acknowledged scientific activity in at least three major fields of science and implement study programmes in at least three study fields and its scientific activity has been approved with:

a) internationally acknowledged (cited) scientific publications, including in the areas of humanities (Lettonic and Baltic studies) which may be considered equivalent to the scientific reviewed issues of Latvia or Lithuania;

b) reviewed scientific monographs;

c) intellectual property objects;

3) create structural units of the university of science or scientific institutes and other institutions in the major fields of science corresponding to the strategic specialisation determined by its founder and also determined in the development strategy of the university of science;

4) implement academic doctoral study programmes in the major fields of science in which the university is able to present scientific results that have been recognised in the international evaluation of scientific institutions activity as corresponding to the requirements of international level;

5) ensure that at least 65 per cent of the academic staff have a Doctor of Philosophy;

6) ensure that each year doctoral theses are defended in doctoral study programmes and Doctors of Philosophy are awarded;

7) cooperate with industries, promote the development of cooperation platforms of different types, and also invest its resources in undertakings related to innovation or technology transfer;

8) be registered in the Register of Scientific Institutions and have obtained a positive evaluation in the international evaluation of the operation of scientific institutions.

(4) The operation of a university of science is evaluated according to internationally determined standards, providing for that the university ensures at least 1000 indexed scientific publications in "Web of Science" and "Scopus" databases within a period of five years or obtains an evaluation of at least four points in the international evaluation of the operation of scientific institutions in the areas of strategic specialisation. In the areas of humanities (Lettonic studies and Baltic studies) these may be publications considered equivalent to internationally acknowledged (cited) scientific publications in scientific reviewed issues of Latvia or Lithuania, and also individual or collective monographs which have a summary in English or another language of the European Union.

[8 June 2021; 14 March 2024]

Section 3.² University of Arts and Culture and Objectives of the Operation Thereof

(1) A university of arts and culture is an institution of higher education, science, and culture which, according to the State higher education standard, implements bachelor and master's study programmes in the thematic area of education "Arts". The university of arts and culture shall implement the vocational doctoral study programmes in arts. Academic doctoral study programmes are created if the university of arts and culture presents research results corresponding to the requirements of international level in the particular study field or creates joint academic doctoral study programmes with another partnership body.

(2) The objectives of the operation of a university of arts and culture according to the strategic specialisation determined by its founder shall be as follows:

1) to develop academic and vocational studies, programmes of lifelong learning, artistic creation, scientific and research activity in humanities and arts, and also creative industries;

2) to develop research-based study and artistic creation process, ensuring participation in artistic creation competitions of national and international scale and in other artistic creation projects;

3) to perform fundamental and applied research, ensuring the creation of new knowledge in the study fields implemented by the university of arts and culture, technological and non-technological innovations and design solutions, thus promoting the development and competitiveness of science and artistic creation of Latvia at national and international level;

4) to prepare the human resources necessary for the State and national economy in the areas of art, music, performing arts, theatre, dance, audiovisual art, cultural heritage, cultural education, culture, and creative industries;

5) to develop study, research, and creative activities allowing for the preservation, development, and popularisation of the national culture values, traditions, and cultural heritage, diversity of artistic expressions and culture, and also intercultural communication;

6) to cooperate with cultural and creative industries, promoting growth in these and other sectors of national economy and creating multidisciplinary cooperation;

7) orienting towards excellence in its area of activity, to ensure, both in research and study process, successful integration of the university of arts and culture in the international ecosystem of universities of arts and culture and scientific institutions.

(3) For the achievement of its objectives, a university of arts and culture shall:

1) implement bachelor's, master's, and academic doctoral study programmes and perform internationally acknowledged scientific activity which has been approved with internationally acknowledged (cited) scientific publications in humanities and arts and also implement vocational doctoral study programmes in the thematic area of education "Arts";

2) ensure that:

a) at least 40 per cent of the elected academic staff have a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Arts, including at least 25 per cent of the elected academic staff have a Doctor of Philosophy and at least 20 per cent of the academic staff are artists acknowledged at national and international level;

b) each year doctoral theses or doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation works are defended in doctoral study programme and a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Arts is awarded;

c) the proportion of students in the thematic area of education "Arts" is at least 70 per cent;

3) participate in competitions of fundamental and applied research and artistic creation projects of national and international level, implement artistic creation, research, and development projects and contract works in the areas of art, music, performing arts, theatre, dance, audiovisual art, cultural heritage, cultural education, culture, and creative industries and in other areas of culture, and also in other sectors according to the needs of national economy and society;

4) create structural units and institutions supporting the academic, scientific, and artistic creation activity of the university of arts and culture;

5) be registered in the Register of Scientific Institutions and have obtained an evaluation of at least three points in the international evaluation of the operation of scientific institutions in the areas of strategic specialisation;

6) cooperate with creative industries, promote the development of cooperation platforms of different types.

(4) The operation of a university of arts and culture is evaluated in accordance with internationally determined standards. The artistic and creative activity of the university of arts and culture is approved also by participation in artistic creation occurrences, projects, competitions, and festivals of national and international scale.

[8 June 2021; 14 March 2024]

Section 3.³ University of Applied Sciences and Objectives of the Operation Thereof

(1) A university of applied sciences is a higher education, research, and culture institution which, according to the State higher education standard, implements bachelor and master's educational programmes of higher education. Academic doctoral study programmes are created if the university presents research results corresponding to the requirements of international level in the particular study field or creates joint academic doctoral study programmes with another partnership body.

(2) The objectives of the operation of a university of applied sciences according to the strategic specialisation determined by its founder shall be as follows:

1) to develop study, research programmes and programmes of lifelong learning which, according to the requirements of the labour market, ensure the human resources necessary for future needs of the development of national economy, State, and society, and also to promote the growth of the persons involved in the education process into enterprising, creative, responsible, and competitive members of the society;

2) to perform applied research, and also to ensure knowledge and technology transfer in the relevant sectors of national economy via innovations and processes of lifelong learning, facilitating their ability to dynamically adapt to changes in the external environment.

(3) For the achievement of its objectives, a university of applied sciences shall:

1) implement study programmes in at least two study fields and also perform internationally acknowledged scientific activity which has been approved by internationally acknowledged (cited) scientific publications, scientifically reviewed monographs, intellectual property objects (for example, patent, plant variety) in at least two major fields of science;

2) ensure that at least 60 per cent of the elected academic staff have a Doctor of Philosophy;

3) if an academic doctoral study programme has been opened in the university, ensure that each year doctoral theses are defended in academic doctoral study programmes and Doctors of Philosophy are awarded;

4) actively cooperate with industries, promote the development of cooperation platforms of different types, and also invest its resources in undertakings related to innovation or technology transfer;

5) be registered in the Register of Scientific Institutions and have obtained an evaluation of at least three points in the international evaluation of the operation of scientific institutions in the areas of strategic specialisation.

[8 June 2021; 14 March 2024]

Section 3.⁴ Higher Education Institution of Applied Sciences and Objectives of the Operation Thereof

(1) A higher education institution of applied sciences is a higher education and research institution which, according to the State higher education standard, implements bachelor and master's educational programmes of higher education. Academic doctoral study programmes are created if the university presents research results corresponding to the requirements of international level in the particular study field or creates joint academic doctoral study programmes with another partnership body.

(2) The objectives of the operation of a higher education institution of applied sciences according to the strategic specialisation determined by its founder shall be as follows:

1) to develop study, research programmes and programmes of lifelong learning which, according to the requirements of the labour market, ensure the human resources necessary for future needs of the development of national economy, State, and society, and also to promote the growth of the persons involved in the education process into enterprising, creative, responsible, and competitive members of the society;

2) to perform applied research, and also to ensure knowledge and technology transfer in the relevant sectors of national economy via innovations and processes of lifelong learning, facilitating their ability to dynamically adapt to changes in the external environment.

(3) For the achievement of its objectives, a higher education institution of applied sciences shall:

1) implement study programmes in at least one study field and also perform internationally acknowledged scientific activity which has been approved by internationally acknowledged (cited) scientific publications, scientifically reviewed monographs, intellectual property objects (for example, patent, plant variety) in at least one major field of science;

2) ensure that at least 50 per cent of the elected academic staff have a Doctor of Philosophy;

3) if a doctoral study programme has been opened in the higher education institutions, ensure that each year doctoral theses are defended in doctoral study programmes and Doctors of Philosophy are awarded;

4) actively cooperate with industries, promote the development of cooperation platforms of different types, and also invest its resources in undertakings related to innovation or technology transfer;

5) be registered in the Register of Scientific Institutions and have obtained an evaluation of at least two points in the international evaluation of the operation of scientific institutions in the areas of strategic specialisation.

[8 June 2021; 14 March 2024]

Section 4. Autonomy of Higher Education Institutions

(1) Higher education institutions are autonomous higher education and science institutions with the right to self-governance. The autonomy of higher education institutions shall be characterised by academic freedom and allocation of power and responsibilities between State authorities and the higher education institution, between the founder of the higher education institution and its decision-making bodies.

(2) The autonomy of a higher education institution shall be expressed in its right to freely choose the ways and forms for the implementation of the tasks set forth by the founder of the higher education institution, and also in responsibility for the quality of education acquired in the higher education institution and the scientific and creative activity implemented, the conformity with the principles of democracy, purposeful and rational use of financial and material resources.

(3) A higher education institution has the right to do the following independently:

1) to develop and approve the constitution of the higher education institution;

2) to develop and approve the development strategy of the higher education institution;

3) to determine the principal directions of the scientific and artistically creative activity;

4) to determine the content and forms of study programmes;

5) to determine the organisational and managerial structure of the higher education institution;

6) to form the staff of the higher education institution;

7) for a State founded higher education institution which is a derived public entity, to develop and approve the annual budget of the higher education institution;

8) to act with its property and financial resources in order to achieve the objectives specified in the development strategy;

9) to perform other activities which are not in contradiction with the principles and tasks for the operation of the higher education institution determined by the founder thereof and this Law.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 1 December 2009; 8 June 2021]

Section 5. Tasks of Higher Education Institutions

(1) Founders of higher education institutions shall determine the tasks to be implemented by the higher education institution. The sectoral ministry shall monitor the operation of the higher education institution in strategic and financial matters. Higher education institutions shall, within the scope of their autonomy, ensure inseparability of the studies, research, and artistic creation work. In their activities, they shall cultivate and develop science, arts, and the official language. Higher education institutions shall provide students with the possibility to do sports.

(2) Higher education institutions shall develop study programmes, choose academic staff, arrange laboratories, workshops, libraries and other structures so that the students are given the opportunity to acquire knowledge, academic education and professional skills in accordance with the science development level and cultural traditions of Latvia in as concentrated and didactically wholesome a form as possible. They shall ensure such requirements for tests and examinations and such procedures so that the degrees and titles awarded, diplomas and vocational qualification acquired, as well as the acquisition of parts of the study programmes are mutually recognised in the higher education institutions of Latvia and other states.

(2¹) Higher education institutions shall implement their internal quality assurance systems within the scope of which:

1) policy and procedures for assuring the quality of higher education shall be established;

2) mechanisms for the creation of their study programmes, for internal approval, for the supervision of activities and periodic inspection thereof shall be developed;

3) the criteria, conditions and procedures for the evaluation of student results, which enable reassurance of the achievement of the anticipated learning outcomes, shall be developed and made public;

4) internal procedures and mechanisms for assuring the qualifications of academic staff and the work quality shall be developed;

5) it shall be ensured that information regarding student results, graduate employment, the satisfaction of students with the study programme, the work effectiveness of academic staff, the study funds available and the disbursements thereof, essential indicators of the activities of a higher education institution is compiled and analysed.

(3) [8 June 2021]

(4) Higher education institutions shall organise their activities in the interests of society, and also inform society of their operations and the directions and possibilities of studies and scientific research by promoting the selection of study and research work according to the interests and abilities of the individual. They shall offer to society their scientific, artistic and professional findings and the methods and results of research.

(5) Higher education institutions shall attend to the preparation of new academics and provide them with the possibility of entering global academic processes.

(6) Higher education institutions shall guarantee the academic freedom of academic staff and students, prescribing this in the constitutions thereof.

(7) [23 November 2000]

[23 November 2000; 14 July 2011; 1 February 2018; 21 June 2018; 8 June 2021]

Section 6. Academic Freedom

(1) The freedom of studies, research work and artistic creation shall be ensured in higher education institutions if this freedom does not contradict with the rights of other persons, the constitution of a higher education institution, and laws and regulations.

(2) The freedom of studies shall be expressed in the rights of students:

1) to select a higher education institution, study programme;

2) to change their study programme during their studies, choosing the same study programme in another higher education institution, faculty (department, institute);

3) to attend lectures in other higher education institutions, faculties (departments, institutes);

4) to draw up and acquire the free elective part of individual studies;

5) to be engaged in research work and artistic creation.

(3) The freedom of research work shall be expressed as the rights of academic staff to choose the topic and direction of scientific activity.

(4) Academic staff are entitled to choose study methods.

(5) The administration of a higher education institution shall have a duty to guarantee and respect the rights of students and academic staff provided for in this Section if they do not contradict with the provisions of Paragraph one of this Section.

[23 November 2000; 18 October 2018; 14 March 2024]

Section 7. Legal Status and Attributes of Higher Education Institutions

(1) State founded higher education institutions (except for the National Defence Academy of Latvia) are derived public entities.

(2) The National Defence Academy of Latvia is a State institution.

(2¹) The National Defence Academy of Latvia shall be a part of the National Armed Forces. The National Defence Academy of Latvia shall be under the supervision of the Minister for Defence in issues other than the competence of the Commander of the National Armed Forces. The Cabinet shall perform the following in respect of this higher education institution:

1) determine the competence of the National Defence Academy of Latvia and the administrative bodies thereof - council, senate, rector, and academic arbitration court - insofar as it differs from that laid down in this Law, the procedures for the appointing, approval, and dismissal of the rector of this higher education institution, the requirements in relation to the qualification of the academic staff of this higher education institution, the procedures for the determination of remuneration for the academic staff other than soldiers of the professional service, the procedures for contesting administrative acts and actual action, and also the procedures for financing this higher education institution;

2) is entitled, provided that it is required by military or professional specifics of such higher education institution, to stipulate other procedures for the determination of the number of students, admission of students and academic staff, entering into study agreements, expert-examination of study programmes before approval, and financing the self-management of students, and also different requirements for the qualification of the rector, and restrictions for the student rights and that of self-management of students laid down in this Law.

(2²) [15 September 2022]

(3) Higher education institutions founded by private individuals are commercial companies or foundations which operate in accordance with the Commercial Law or the Associations and Foundations Law insofar as they are not in conflict with this Law.

(4) A State-recognised diploma shall utilise the State coat of arms, and the Cabinet shall determine the sample of such diploma.

(5) A higher education institution shall have a seal with the full name of the higher education institution. A higher education institution also has the right to use the historical symbols of the higher education institution in the seal.

[2 March 2006; 19 April 2007; 18 February 2010; 16 October 2014; 19 May 2016; 8 June 2021; 15 September 2022]

Section 7.¹ Administration of Higher Education and Science

[14 July 2011]

Chapter II
Foundation, Reorganisation and Legal Grounds of Higher Education Institutions

Section 8. Foundation of a Higher Education Institution and the Opening of a Branch of a Higher Education Institution

(1) Higher education institutions may be founded by the State and other legal persons and natural persons, including legal persons and natural persons from foreign countries, taking into account the provisions of this Law and other laws and regulations.

(2) State higher education institutions shall be founded by the State of Latvia represented by the Cabinet based on a proposal of the Minister for Education and Science.

(3) [2 March 2006]

(4) An accredited higher education institution (also a higher education institution accredited in a foreign country) may open branches of the higher education institution (hereinafter also - the branch) and representative offices of the higher education institution (hereinafter in this Section - the representative office), taking into account the provisions of this Law and other laws and regulations.

(5) Branches and representative offices shall operate on the basis of a by-law approved by the collegial representation body of the higher education institution. The head of the branch or representative office shall act on the basis of an authorisation issued by the relevant higher education institution.

(6) In founding a higher education institution, the following provisions shall be observed:

1) the higher education institution shall implement at least five study programmes and at least 30 (in a higher education institution in the field of theology - at least 10) persons with a Doctor of Philosophy at least five of whom are persons with a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of science in which the study programme is implemented shall be involved in the implementation thereof;

2) the founder of the higher education institution shall own or have at his or her disposal premises for the implementation of the study programmes for at least eight years, and this shall be confirmed by an extract from the Land Register, as well as the plan of the premises owned or at his or her disposal or the building file in which the required area is indicated;

3) the design of a higher education institution shall ensure for the implementation of study programmes that during the time a study process is simultaneously taking place there shall be not less than 7 square metres per one student area of premises, including the premises provided for the individual work of the academic staff;

4) the higher education institution shall be able to ensure commitments for students studying in the study programmes thereof in the amount of at least EUR 711 435, and this shall be confirmed by a guarantee issued by a bank or an insurance company;

5) the value of the movable or immovable property apportioned to the higher education institution shall not be less than EUR 2 845 743, and this property shall not be pledged or otherwise encumbered with property rights, it shall not be put under a ban, and it shall be justified by the relevant documents, including statements issued by the relevant Land Registry Office and the Enterprise Register;

6) none of the founders of the higher education institution shall have tax debts or mandatory State social insurance contribution debts, and this shall be confirmed by statements issued by the relevant competent authorities; none of the founders of the higher education institution shall be declared insolvent, shall not be involved in the process of liquidation, the economic activity of any founder shall be neither suspended nor discontinued, nor shall court proceedings be initiated regarding the termination, insolvency or bankruptcy of the activities of any founder, and this shall be confirmed by a statement issued by the relevant competent authority;

7) the premises of the higher education institution in which study programmes are implemented shall be insured, and this shall be confirmed by an insurance agreement which is concluded for a period not less than one year; the material and technical provision of the higher education institution shall be in compliance with the conditions for the implementation of study programmes and hygiene requirements, and this shall be confirmed by a statement of the relevant competent authority; the higher education institution shall be provided with computer equipment which meets the requirements of the students; the higher education institution shall have a library, and access to electronic collections of Latvian and international literature and periodicals shall be ensured therein.

(7) When founding a branch of a higher education institution, the following provisions shall be observed:

1) not less than six persons with a Doctor of Philosophy shall be involved in the implementation of one study programme;

2) the founder of a branch of the higher education institution shall own or have at his or her disposal the premises for the implementation of study programmes for at least eight years, and this shall be confirmed by an extract from the Land Register, as well as the plan of the premises owned or at his or her disposal or the building file in which the required area is indicated;

3) the total area of the premises of the branch of the higher education institution and the layout thereof shall ensure the possibility for at least 100 students studying in the branch of the higher education institution to participate in the implementation of study programmes. The area of the premises during the time a study process is simultaneously taking place shall be not less than 7 square metres per one student, including the premises designed for the individual work of the academic staff;

4) the higher education institution shall be able to ensure commitments for students studying in the study programmes of the branch thereof in the amount of at least EUR 177 858, and this shall be confirmed by a guarantee issued by a bank or an insurance company;

5) none of the founders of the higher education institution shall have tax debts or mandatory State social insurance contribution debts, and this shall be confirmed by statements issued by the relevant competent authorities; none of the founders shall be declared insolvent and shall not be involved in the process of liquidation, the economic activity of any founder shall be neither suspended nor discontinued, nor shall court proceedings be initiated regarding the termination, insolvency or bankruptcy of the activities of any founder, and this shall be confirmed by a statement issued by the relevant competent authority;

6) the premises of the branch of the higher education institution in which study programmes are implemented shall be insured, and this shall be confirmed by an insurance agreement which is concluded for a period not less than one year; the material and technical provision of the branch of the higher education institution shall be in compliance with the conditions for the implementation of study programmes and hygienic requirements, and this shall be confirmed by a statement of the relevant competent authority; the branch of the higher education institution shall be provided with computer equipment which meets the requirements of the students; the branch of the higher education institution shall have a library, and access to electronic collections of Latvian and international literature and periodicals shall be ensured therein.

(8) A higher education institution and also a branch thereof shall begin its operations on the day when it is registered in the Register of Educational Institutions.

[3 June 2004; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 12 September 2013; 8 June 2021; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024]

Section 8.¹ Registration of Higher Education Institutions

(1) Higher education institutions shall be registered in the Register of Educational Institutions (hereinafter also - the Register). The Register shall be kept by an official of the authority specified by the Cabinet for the relevant purpose (hereinafter - the Official of the Register).

(2) Everybody has the right to become acquainted with the records of the Register and the documents submitted to the Register.

(3) After submission of the relevant written request, everyone has the right to receive a statement from the records of the Register as well as an extract or copy of the document which is in the file of the Register. Upon the request of the recipient, the accuracy of an extract or copy shall be certified by the signature and seal of the Official of the Register, indicating the date of issue thereof.

(4) Upon the request of the recipient, the Official of the Register shall issue a statement that a specific record of the Register has not been amended or that the specified record has not been entered into the Register.

[3 June 2004; 12 June 2009; 15 September 2022 / The new wording of the title of the Section and of Paragraph one shall come into force on 1 January 2023. See Paragraph 92 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 8.² Information to be Entered in the Register

(1) The following information shall be entered into the Register:

1) the name of the higher education institution or a branch of the higher education institution;

2) the legal address of the higher education institution or the branch;

3) the founders of the higher education institution or the branch and the rector of the higher education institution or the head of the branch;

4) the date when the decision on the foundation of the higher education institution or the opening of the branch has been made;

5) the legal status of the higher education institution;

6) the date of the approving of the constitution of the higher education institution or the by-law of the branch;

6¹) the type of the higher education institution;

7) the titles of study programmes implemented by the higher education institution or the branch and the person responsible for the implementation of the relevant programme (the director of the study programme);

8) information on the study fields accredited in the higher education institution or the branch and the accredited study programmes corresponding thereto;

9) information on the accreditation of the higher education institution or the branch;

10) information on the provision of the premises of the higher education institution or the branch and the legal status of the premises;

11) the resources and procedures for financing the higher education institution or the branch;

12) information regarding the suspension of the constitution of the higher education institution, information regarding the termination of the operation of the higher education institution or the branch, and the insolvency, liquidation and reorganisation of the higher education institution;

13) information on the appointment of a liquidator or administrator, indicating his or her given name, surname, phone number;

14) the phone or fax number, electronic mail address of the higher education institution or the branch;

15) other information if such information is directly provided for by the Law.

(2) When entering a higher education institution or a branch in the Register, it shall be assigned a registration number.

(3) The date when the record was entered shall be added to each record.

[3 June 2004; 14 July 2011; 21 June 2018; 8 June 2021]

Section 8.³ Documents to be Submitted to the Register and the Storage Thereof

(1) Such documents shall be submitted to the Register which justify the entering of a record into the Register or the amendments thereof, and also other documents specified by law. The original of the relevant document or an appropriately certified copy thereof shall be submitted to the Register. Public documents issued in foreign countries shall be legalised in accordance with the procedures specified by international agreements and a notarised translation into Latvian shall be attached thereto.

(2) Within two months after the foundation of a higher education institution, a person authorised by the founder of the higher education institution shall submit to the Register a submission regarding the registration of the higher education institution. A draft constitution of the higher education institution shall be attached to the submission for the registration of the higher education institution. The submission for the entering of the higher education institution into the Register shall be signed by all of the founders thereof.

(3) The registration of a branch in the Register shall be ensured by the higher education institution which has opened it. Within two months from the day when a decision on the opening of a branch of a higher education institution has been made, a person authorised by the founder of the higher education institution shall submit to the Register a submission for the registration of the branch of the higher education institution. The by-law of the branch approved by the institution specified in the constitution of the higher education institution shall be attached to the submission for the registration of the branch.

(4) Documents on the basis of which new entries or amendments are to be made in the Register shall be submitted to the Register within 10 days from the day when the relevant decision was made if it has not been prescribed otherwise in this Law.

(5) Documents to be submitted to the Register and on the basis of which entries or amendments thereto have been made in the Register shall be valid if they have been issued not earlier than one month prior to the submission thereof to the Register. This provision shall not pertain to court rulings.

(6) The State Education Quality Service has the right to examine the conformity of information provided to the Register with the actual situation.

(7) Documents submitted to the Register shall be stored in the registration file of the relevant higher education institution or branch if an entry into the Register has been made on the basis thereof.

[3 June 2004; 12 June 2009]

Section 8.⁴ Making an Entry in the Register

(1) An entry shall be made in the Register on the basis of a submission or a court ruling. Samples of submission forms shall be approved by the Cabinet.

(2) The Official of the Register shall decide on the making of an entry in the Register or the refusal to make an entry within two months from the day the submission was received. The official of the Register shall decide on the deferment of the making of an entry in the Register within seven days from the day of the receipt of the submission. The official of the Register shall make an entry in the Register within the same time period on the basis of a court ruling.

(3) The Official of the Register shall decide on the suspension of the making of an entry if:

1) the requirements of laws and regulations have not been observed in selecting the name of a higher education institution or a branch or in approving the by-law of the branch;

2) the draft constitution of a higher education institution or the by-law of a branch or other submitted documents do not comply with the requirements of laws and regulations;

3) not all documents specified by law have been submitted.

(4) The Official of the Register shall decide on the refusal to make an entry if:

1) the purpose of the activities of a higher education institution or a branch specified in the constitution of the higher education institution or the by-law of the branch contradicts the law;

2) the provisions for the foundation of a higher education institution or the opening of a branch prescribed by laws and regulations have not been observed;

3) after a decision for the suspension of the making of an entry has been made, the previously indicated deficiencies have not been eliminated within the time period specified in the decision;

4) the submission and the documents attached thereto have been submitted more than two months after the founding of a higher education institution or the making of a decision on the opening of a branch;

5) the reasons referred to in Section 8.6, Paragraph three of this Law due to which it is not permitted to register a higher education institution or a branch are present;

6) obstacles have been set up that hinder the examination by the State Education Quality Service of the information provided to the Register;

7) the submitter has provided false information.

(5) A decision to refuse making an entry in the Register or to suspend making an entry shall be substantiated, and it shall be indicated in this decision where and in what time period it may be disputed. The time period for the elimination of deficiencies shall be indicated in a decision for the suspension of the making of an entry.

(6) The Official of the Register shall send the decision referred to in Paragraph two of this Section to the submitter within three days from the day of taking the decision. The data of the Register of Educational Institutions shall be published on the website of the authority specified by the Cabinet; amendments to the Register and also the decisions taken by the Official of the Register shall be published therein within three days.

(7) [12 June 2009]

(8) A repeated submission for the registration of a higher education institution or a branch thereof may be submitted not earlier than one year from the day the decision to reject the registration of the higher education institution or the branch thereof has come into effect.

(9) An entry shall be made in the Register on the same day when the decision on the making of the entry has been taken.

[3 June 2004; 12 June 2009; 24 March 2022; 15 September 2022 / Amendment to Paragraph six regarding the replacement of the words "of the Register of Higher Education Institutions" with the words "of the Register of Educational Institutions" shall come into force on 1 January 2023. See Paragraph 92 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 8.⁵ Registration Certificate

[24 March 2022]

Section 8.⁶ Exclusion of a Higher Education Institution and a Branch from the Register

(1) A higher education institution or a branch shall be excluded from the Register:

1) if the founder has submitted a submission for the liquidation of the higher education institution or the closing of the branch;

2) if the higher education institution which has opened a branch has been excluded from the Register;

3) if none of the study programmes have been licensed within a year after registration of the higher education institution or the branch;

4) if the implementation of a study programme has not been commenced within a year after licensing of the study programme;

5) if the decision to revoke licensing of all study programmes of the higher education institution has been taken;

6) based on a court ruling;

7) if, as a result of extraordinary accreditation, the decision to revoke or annul accreditation of the higher education institution has been taken.

(2) A higher education institution or a branch may be excluded from the Register based on a court ruling if:

1) admission of students has been announced, students have been admitted, implementation of such study programme has been commenced or educational activity of other kind has been performed in such study programme which has not been licensed;

2) during the registration process of a higher education institution or a branch, false information has been provided which has been the basis for the registration of the higher education institution or the branch;

3) the issuing of State-recognised diplomas has been ascertained in a higher education institution or branch, although it did not have the right to issue such diplomas in accordance with the provisions of this Law (the person has not fully acquired the study programme, the study programme is not accredited, etc.);

4) the State Education Quality Service, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Council of Higher Education or another institution within the competence thereof has repeatedly ascertained violations of laws and regulations in the activities of the higher education institution or the branch.

(3) A person whose founded higher education institution has been excluded from the Register shall not be allowed to participate in the foundation of another higher education institution or to file a submission for the registration thereof for one year from the day the higher education institution has been excluded from the Register, except for the cases where a higher education institution has been excluded from the Register on the basis of Section 8.6, Paragraph one, Clause 1 of this Law.

[3 June 2004; 12 June 2009; 18 October 2018; 24 March 2022]

Section 9. Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions

(1) Accreditation shall be performed in accordance with the accreditation regulations approved by the Cabinet, and it shall be organised by the Academic Information Centre. The decision on accreditation of higher education institutions shall be taken by the Higher Education Quality Commission within six months. The Academic Information Centre shall enter and update information in the State Education Information System on accreditation of higher education institutions.

(1¹) The accreditation process of a higher education institution organised by the Academic Information Centre shall be a paid service. The Cabinet shall determine the price list for the paid services provided by the Academic Information Centre.

(2) A higher education institution is entitled to issue State-recognised diplomas for the acquisition of the relevant study programme if the following conditions have been fulfilled:

1) the relevant higher education institution is accredited;

2) the relevant study programme has been implemented in accordance with the requirements of laws and regulations;

3) [15 September 2022].

(3) If the higher education institution does not ensure the study base, information base indicated in the accreditation, the study quality in conformity with the requirements referred to in Section 55, Paragraph one of this Law or significant violations of laws and regulations have been determined in the operations of the higher education institution, the Minister for Education and Science has the right to issue an order regarding an extraordinary accreditation, the period of accreditation, the revocation or cancellation of the accreditation of the higher education institution.

(4) The information on the accredited higher education institutions which have the right to issue State-recognised diplomas on the acquisition of higher education, and also the list of the study programmes licensed and accredited in these higher education institutions shall be available in the State Education Information System.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 17 December 2014; 16 November 2017; 18 October 2018; 8 June 2021; 24 March 2022; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024 / The second sentence of Paragraph one regarding the competence of the Higher Education Quality Commission shall come into force on 1 January 2025. Amendment to Paragraph two, Clause 1 regarding its supplementation with the words "and a type of a higher education institution is entered in the Register of Higher Education Institutions" shall come into force on 1 January 2026 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2026. See Paragraphs 72.¹ and 87 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 10. Constitution of a Higher Education Institution

(1) Higher education institutions shall operate on the basis of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, the Education Law, the Law on Scientific Activity, this Law, other laws and regulations and the constitution of the relevant higher education institution.

(2) The constitution of a higher education institution shall include at least the following basic regulations:

1) the name of the higher education institution;

2) the legal status of the higher education institution;

3) the founder of the higher education institution;

4) the strategic specialisation and type of the higher education institution determined by the founder;

5) the basic operational directions and tasks of the higher education institution;

6) the procedures for the establishment, election, or appointing and revocation of institutions of the higher education institution, the composition and term of office, rights and obligations thereof insofar as it is not governed by this Law;

7) the procedures for the issue of internal legal acts of the higher education institution;

8) the procedures for the examination of disputes in the higher education institution.

(3) A higher education institution may also include other essential provisions in its constitution which are not in contradiction with this Law and other laws and regulations.

(4) The draft constitution or draft amendments to the constitution of a higher education institution shall be developed by the senate of the higher education institution. The following are entitled to submit proposals to the senate regarding amendments to the draft constitution or to the constitution: the council of the higher education institution, in case of private higher education institutions - the founder, the senate, the rector, at least 10 per cent of all members of the constitutional assembly, the council (division) of the faculty, and the student self-governance body.

(5) The senate of a State founded higher education institution shall examine the proposals of the institutions referred to in Paragraph four of this Section, prepare a draft constitution or draft amendments to the constitution and, if at least two thirds of all members of the senate vote for it, advance the draft for approval at the council.

(6) The constitution of a State founded higher education institution (except for the National Defence Academy of Latvia) or amendments thereto shall be approved by the council of the relevant higher education institution. The constitution or the amendments thereto shall be approved if at least two thirds of all members of the council of the higher education institution vote for them.

(7) If a constitutional assembly is provided for in the constitution of a State founded higher education institution, the constitution or the amendments thereto shall be advanced, after approval at the council of the higher education institution, for approval at the constitutional assembly. The constitution or the amendments thereto shall be approved if more than a half of all members of the constitutional assembly vote for them.

(8) In deciding on approval of the constitution of the relevant State founded higher education institution or the amendments thereto, neither the council of the higher education institution, nor the constitutional assembly are entitled to make amendments thereto.

(9) A higher education institution shall submit an approved constitution of the State higher education institution (except for the National Defence Academy of Latvia) or the amendments thereto to the Ministry of Education and Science within five working days after the day of approval. If the Minister for Education and Science establishes that the constitution of the higher education institution or its part does not conform to the laws and regulations, he or she has an obligation to ask the higher education institution to eliminate non-conformities. If the higher education institution does not eliminate a non-conformity within 45 days, the Minister has the right to urge the Cabinet to suspend the operation of the relevant part of the constitution.

(10) The constitution of the National Defence Academy of Latvia and the amendments thereto shall be approved by the Cabinet.

(11) The constitution of a higher education institution founded by a private individual and the amendments thereto shall be approved by the general meeting of participants of the founder.

[8 June 2021]

Section 10.¹ College

[15 September 2022]

Section 11. Reorganisation or Liquidation of a Higher Education Institution

(1) A decision on the reorganisation or liquidation of a higher education institution shall be taken by the founder thereof.

(2) A decision on the reorganisation or liquidation of the State higher education institution shall be taken by the Cabinet upon proposal of the Minister for Education and Science or the minister of the relevant field. The opinion of the Council of Higher Education shall be appended to the draft Cabinet order for the reorganisation or liquidation of a higher education institution. If the draft Cabinet order is submitted by a relevant sector minister, such draft shall also be coordinated with the Minister for Education and Science.

(3) A State founded higher education institution shall be reorganised:

1) by adding it to another higher education institution - the higher education institution to be added stops existing, and it integrates into the current structure of the other higher education institution;

2) by transferring it to another higher education institution - the higher education institution to be reorganised continues existing in the status of an institution (individual structural unit) of another higher education institution;

3) by transferring it to another higher education institution - the higher education institution to be reorganised continues existing in the status of a capital company or foundation founded by another higher education institution;

4) by merging it with one or several other higher education institutions - a new higher education institution is established on the basis of the higher education institutions to be reorganised.

(4) If the Cabinet takes the decision on reorganisation of State higher education institutions by merging them or on adding of a State higher education institution to another State higher education institution, an association of higher education institutions may be created for the achievement of this objective which operates for a specific period of time (from one year to five years) and ensures reorganisation in the form of merging or adding within the specified period of time. The founder shall determine the type of the higher education institution to be established as a result of reorganisation. In case of reorganisation of a State higher education institution, the Cabinet shall also decide on the further use of the name of the higher education institution to be reorganised for a specific period which shall not exceed two years if the higher education institution continues existing in the status of an institution (individual structural unit) of another higher education institution, a capital company, or a foundation in accordance with Paragraph three, Clause 2 or 3 of this Section.

(5) In case of establishing an association of State higher education institutions, the operation of the council of higher education institutions included in the association shall be terminated. The association of higher education institutions shall have one council which is established in accordance with the Cabinet order on the reorganisation provisions and which has the competence specified for the council of a State higher education institution in Section 14.² of this Law.

(6) The council of an association of higher education institutions is established for the period of operation of the association.

[2 March 2006; 8 June 2021; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024]

Chapter III
Self-governance and Structural Units of Higher Education Institutions

Section 12. Administrative Bodies of a Higher Education Institution

(1) The council, the senate, and the rector of a higher education institution, and also the constitutional assembly and the academic arbitration court, if such are provided for in the constitution of the higher education institution, shall be the administrative entities of a State founded higher education institution which is a derived public entity.

(2) There shall be the following administrative bodies in higher education institutions founded by private individuals: the board, the senate, and the rector, and also the council, the constitutional assembly, and the academic arbitration court, if such are provided for in the constitution of the higher education institution. The competence of the administrative bodies of a higher education institution founded by private individuals shall be determined by the constitution of the higher education institution.

(3) The council, the senate, the rector, and the academic arbitration court shall be the administrative bodies of the National Defence Academy of Latvia.

[8 June 2021]

Section 13. Constitutional Assembly

(1) The constitutional assembly of a higher education institution is an institution of representation of academic staff, general staff, and students.

(2) According to the principle of representation of the staff specified in the constitution of the higher education institution, the constitutional assembly shall be elected in general elections in the total number of up to 200 persons for a period of three years. The constitutional assembly shall be elected by secret ballot unless other election procedures are provided for in the constitution.

(3) The principles of representation of the staff of a higher education institution according to which the number of members of the constitutional assembly is determined in the higher education institution shall be determined in the constitution of the higher education institution.

(4) An election commission of the constitutional assembly from representatives of the academic staff, general staff, and students of the higher education institution is established for organising elections of the constitutional assembly. The conditions and procedures for the establishment of the election commission of the constitutional assembly, the quantitative structure, obligations, and also the procedures for the course and supervision of the election process shall be governed by the by-laws of the election commission of the constitutional assembly of the higher education institution. Such by-laws shall be developed by the senate of the higher education institution and approved by the senate and the council of the higher education institution.

(5) The proportion of representatives of the academic staff in the constitutional assembly may not be less than 60 per cent and the proportion of students may not be less than 20 per cent in order to ensure the representation of students in all levels of studies to the extent possible. Student representatives shall be elected by the student self-governance body according to the procedures stipulated thereby.

(6) In accordance with the traditions of a higher education institution, such names as convention, academic meeting, etc. may be used instead of the name constitutional assembly.

(7) The constitutional assembly shall elect its chairperson, his or her vice-chairperson (vice-chairpersons), and a secretary.

(8) The constitutional assembly shall be convened by its chairperson. Convening of the constitutional assembly may also be proposed by the council, one third of the members of the constitutional assembly, the senate, or the rector. Upon receipt of such proposal, the chairperson of the constitutional assembly shall, within 30 days, convene the constitutional assembly and announce it not later than a week before the meeting. In a newly-founded higher education institution, the constitutional assembly shall be convened by the acting rector.

(9) If a member of the constitutional assembly has violated the law in his or her activity or his or her reputation is significantly endangered and it may harm the operation of the higher education institution, the chairperson of the constitutional assembly may propose revocation of such member in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution of the higher education institution.

(10) If the constitutional assembly does not have the decision-making capacity, its functions, for the period until election of a new constitutional assembly, shall be fulfilled by the senate in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution. The constitutional assembly does not have the decision-making capacity if, within two months from the day of convening a meeting, it has not taken a decision on the matters specified in Section 14, Clause 1, 2, 5, or 7 of this Law. In such case, elections of a new constitutional assembly are organised without delay.

[8 June 2021]

Section 14. Competence of a Constitutional Assembly

The constitutional assembly:

1) shall approve the constitution of a higher education institution and the amendments thereto;

2) shall elect the rector to the office;

3) may propose removal of the rector from the office;

4) shall hear the annual report prepared by the rector on the operation of the higher education institution;

5) shall elect members of the senate from amongst the academic and general staff;

6) may revoke members of the senate;

7) shall elect the academic arbitration court.

[8 June 2021]

Section 14.¹ Council of a State Higher Education Institution

(1) The council of a State higher education institution is a collegial highest decision-making body of a State higher education institution which is responsible for sustainable development, strategic and financial supervision of the State higher education institution, and also ensures the operation of the State higher education institution in accordance with the objectives specified in its development strategy.

(2) The council of a State higher education institution shall protect autonomy of the State higher education institution, and also respect the academic freedom of the academic staff and students and facilitate its implementation.

(3) The council of a State higher education institution shall operate in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution of the State higher education institution and with the by-laws approved by the council.

(4) The council of a university of science shall consist of 11 members from whom:

1) five members who are selected in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution of the higher education institution shall be nominated by the senate;

2) one member who is an excellent representative of the academic environment not related to the operation of the higher education institution shall be nominated by the President;

3) five representatives from the society in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet, involving the society in the selection process (including graduate organisations of higher education institutions, sectoral associations corresponding to the profile and employers, representatives of academic, research, and creative organisations, persons with internationally significant achievements in science, arts, or entrepreneurship, sectoral ministries and local governments), shall be selected by the ministry which supervises the higher education institution and shall be nominated by the Cabinet.

(5) In the process of creating the council of a university of science, the nominators of the council members shall, upon mutual consultation, ensure that the majority of the council members have a Doctor of Philosophy.

(6) The council of a university of arts and culture shall consist of five members from whom:

1) two members who are selected in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution of the higher education institution shall be nominated by the senate;

2) one member who is an excellent representative of the cultural or art environment not related to the operation of the higher education institution shall be nominated by the President;

3) two representatives from the society in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet, involving the society in the selection process (including graduate organisations of higher education institutions, sectoral associations corresponding to the profile and employers, representatives of academic, research, and creative organisations, persons with internationally significant achievements in science, arts, or entrepreneurship, sectoral ministries and local governments), shall be selected by the ministry which supervises the higher education institution and shall be nominated by the Cabinet.

(7) The council of a university of applied sciences shall consist of seven members from whom:

1) three members who are selected in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution of the higher education institution shall be nominated by the senate;

2) one member who is an excellent representative of the sector not related to the operation of the higher education institution shall be nominated by the President;

3) three representatives from the society in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet, involving the society in the selection process (including graduate organisations of higher education institutions, sectoral associations corresponding to the profile and employers, representatives of academic, research, and creative organisations, persons with internationally significant achievements in science, arts, or entrepreneurship, sectoral ministries and local governments), shall be selected by the ministry which supervises the higher education institution and shall be nominated by the Cabinet.

(8) The council of a higher education institution of applied sciences shall consist of five members from whom:

1) two members who are selected in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution of the higher education institution shall be nominated by the senate;

2) one member who is an excellent representative of the sector not related to the operation of the higher education institution shall be nominated by the President;

3) two representatives from the society in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet, involving the society in the selection process (including graduate organisations of a higher education institution, sectoral associations corresponding to the profile and employers, representatives of academic, research, and creative organisations, persons with internationally significant achievements in science, arts, or entrepreneurship, sectoral ministries and local governments), shall be selected by the ministry which supervises the higher education institution and shall be nominated by the Cabinet.

(9) The Cabinet shall determine the following in relation to the candidates for the council members of a State higher education institution nominated by it:

1) the procedures for the establishment and the composition of the commission for the selection of candidates for the council members;

2) the requirements to be set forth for the council members and the procedures for their evaluation, taking into consideration that such candidates are nominated who have impeccable reputation, and such persons are elected in the selection process who have professional competences in such fields as, for example, finance, risk management, strategic development, culture, art, or international cooperation, and who, in general, ensure the competences necessary for the strategic management of each higher education institution;

3) the procedures by which information on the course and results of the nomination process shall be documented and made public;

4) the procedures for the setting forth and revocation of the council members.

(10) A council member of a State higher education institution is not and, within the last 12 months before commencing the fulfilment of the official duties of the council member of the State higher education institution, has not been a member of the Saeima, a member of the Cabinet, or a parliamentary secretary.

(11) The council members of a State higher education institution nominated by the Cabinet and the President and approved for the first time have not been part of the staff of the relevant higher education institution within the last 12 months before taking up such office.

(12) A council member of a State higher education institution may not concurrently hold the office of a member of the senate, rector, prorector, dean, or vice dean.

(13) Council members of a State higher education institution shall be appointed for the time period of four years and not more than twice.

(14) If a council member of a State higher education institution has lost the trust of the nominator, has violated the law, has acted disrespectfully in relation to the status of a council member of the State higher education institution, and has not adequately fulfilled his or her duties, his or her nominator, namely the senate, the President, or the Cabinet, is entitled to remove him or her from the office.

(15) Council members of a State higher education institution shall elect the chairperson of the council from amongst them. A council member nominated by the President or the Cabinet shall be elected as the chairperson of the council of the State higher education institution for the first time. The chairperson of the council shall be elected for a period of up to four years and not more than twice.

(16) The remuneration for the office of council members is determined according to the average level of remuneration of the academic staff of the higher education institution - the monthly remuneration of a council member shall be equalled to the remuneration of the average level of the academic staff in the previous year, and a remuneration that is 1.5 times higher than the remuneration of council members is determined for the chairperson of the council.

(16¹) The remuneration of council members of a State higher education institution nominated by the Cabinet and the President shall be provided from the funds of the State budget in compliance with the requirements laid down in Paragraph sixteen of this Section.

(17) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the National Defence Academy of Latvia. The council of the National Defence Academy of Latvia is a collegial highest decision-making body of such higher education institution which is responsible for sustainable development and strategic supervision of the higher education institution in order to ensure the combat readiness of the National Armed Forces and the conformity of the operation of the higher education institution with the objectives specified in the State Defence Concept and the development strategy of the National Defence Academy of Latvia. The principles for the establishment and the operation of the council of the National Defence Academy of Latvia shall be determined by the Cabinet, and the composition shall be approved by the Minister for Defence.

[8 June 2021; 7 December 2023]

Section 14.² Competence of the Council of a State Higher Education Institution

(1) The council of a State higher education institution:

1) shall approve the constitution of the higher education institution and the amendments thereto if the constitution of the higher education institution does not provide for the establishment of the constitutional assembly;

2) shall approve the constitution of the higher education institution and the amendments thereto and advance them for approval at the constitutional assembly if the constitutional assembly has been established in the higher education institution;

3) shall approve the development strategy of the higher education institution and monitor the progress of its introduction;

4) shall approve the budget and the financial plan, and also the annual statements of the higher education institution:

a) the annual statement which is prepared in accordance with the law On Accounting and the Law on Budget and Financial Management;

b) the report on the annual financial results (revenues and expenditures) at the level of the higher education institution and its structural units which is prepared in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet;

5) shall monitor the operation of the cooperation and financing agreement of the higher education institution and the State;

6) shall supervise the operation of the internal control and risk management systems, review their compliance and operational efficiency;

7) shall approve the policies in which the administrative processes of the higher education institution and the general principles for their operation have been defined;

8) upon proposal of the rector, shall decide on:

a) the structure of the higher education institution;

b) the establishment, reorganisation, and liquidation of structural units of the higher education institution;

c) the foundation and liquidation of the branches and institutions of the higher education institution;

d) the participation of the higher education institution in commercial companies, foundations, and associations;

e) the staff remuneration policy of the higher education institution;

f) the attraction of investments;

g) the credit liabilities of the higher education institution;

h) the plan for the development of immovable property of the higher education institution;

i) the selection of an auditor of the higher education institution;

9) shall approve the by-laws for the election of the rector;

10) in conformity with the provisions of Section 17, Paragraph four of this Law, shall advance one or several candidates for election to the office of the rector at the constitutional assembly if the constitution of the higher education institution provides for the establishment of the constitutional assembly;

11) in conformity with the provisions of Section 17, Paragraph five of this Law, shall elect the rector to the office if the constitution of the higher education institution does not provide for the establishment of the constitutional assembly;

12) shall determine the work obligations and remuneration of the rector, enter into an employment contract with the rector, and evaluate the activity of the rector;

13) may propose removal of the rector from the office, and also shall decide on removal of the rector from the office in conformity with the provisions of Section 17, Paragraph nine of this Law.

(2) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the National Defence Academy of Latvia. The competence of the council of the National Defence Academy of Latvia shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(3) Prior to taking of such decisions which affect the amount of the study fee, are related to closing of study fields and programmes and to the scholarships founded by the higher education institution, the council shall request an opinion from the student self-governance body.

[8 June 2021]

Section 15. Senate

(1) The senate is a collegial highest academic decision-making body of a higher education institution which is responsible for the excellence, development of education, research, creative activity of the higher education institution and its conformity with internationally acknowledged quality standards. The senate shall regulate the academic areas, creative areas, and areas of scientific activity of the higher education institution.

(2) The senate shall, within the scope of autonomy of a higher education institution, protect and ensure the academic freedom of the academic staff and students.

(3) The senate shall operate in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution of the higher education institution and with the by-laws approved by the senate.

(4) The senate of a university of science shall consist of not more than 50 members, in turn, the senate of a university of arts and culture, a university of applied sciences, and a higher education institution of applied sciences of not more than 25 members. In the senate:

1) not less than 75 per cent of members shall be representatives of the academic staff of the higher education institution. Representatives of the staff of the higher education institution shall be elected by the constitutional assembly of the higher education institution or another institution provided for in the constitution of the higher education institution in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution of the higher education institution;

2) not less than 20 per cent of members shall be representatives of students who are elected by the student self-governance body of the higher education institution. The members of the senate elected by the student self-governance body shall be approved by the senate of the higher education institution;

3) the rector shall be its member according to the office held.

(5) Members of the senate shall be elected for a time period not exceeding three years. Members of the senate shall elect the chairperson of the senate from amongst them. The chairperson of the senate shall have the casting vote in the event of a tied vote.

(6) The institution which has elected a member of the senate may, upon its own initiative or upon proposal of the chairperson of the senate or five members of the senate, decide on revocation of a member of the senate if he or she has violated the law in his or her activity, has acted disrespectfully in relation to the status of the member of the senate, has not adequately fulfilled his or her duties, or has lost the trust of the nominator. A member of the senate shall lose the office if the institution which elected him or her votes for his or her revocation.

[8 June 2021]

Section 15.¹ Competence of the Senate

The senate:

1) shall develop the draft constitution of the higher education institution and the draft amendments thereto. The senate shall be responsible for the conformity of the constitution with the development needs of the higher education institution and the laws and regulations;

2) shall approve the plan for the development of the study process of the higher education institution, provide proposals to the council regarding the study areas to be developed;

3) upon proposal of the rector, shall decide on:

a) opening, development, and closing of study fields;

b) the opening, content, and development, and also closing of study programmes;

c) the requirements, procedures, and examinations for obtaining degrees and qualifications;

4) shall approve the plan for the development of the scientific and artistically creative activities of the higher education institution, propose implementation of specific directions of scientific activity;

5) shall determine the requirements for the election to academic positions and the evaluation criteria of the academic staff;

6) shall determine the requirements and procedures related to the examination and decision-making of cases involving the observance of academic integrity and violations thereof, including misconduct and plagiarism;

7) in accordance with the procedures laid down in the constitution of the higher education institution, shall nominate the council members of the higher education institution referred to in Section 14.¹ of this Law;

8) may propose removal of the rector from the office, and also shall decide on removal of the rector from the office in compliance with the provisions of Section 17, Paragraph nine of this Law;

9) shall provide an opinion and express proposals for the development strategy, budget of the higher education institution, the establishment, reorganisation, and liquidation of structural units of the higher education institution, and the development plan of immovable property before examination thereof at the council. If the senate does not support any of the abovementioned documents, its approval and advancement to the council is postponed for one month. If the document is not coordinated at the senate within a month, it is examined at the council, hearing the objections of the senate;

10) is entitled to establish commissions for the coordination and solving of individual matters. The procedures for the creation and operation of commissions shall be determined by the by-laws of the senate.

[8 June 2021; 14 March 2024]

Section 16. Convention of Advisors of a Higher Education Institution

(1) A convention of advisors may be established in a higher education institution. The convention of advisors shall consult the council, senate, and rector in strategic matters for the development of the higher education institution.

(2) The convention of advisors shall be founded and its members shall be approved by a joint decision of the council and senate of the higher education institution.

(3) The convention of advisors has the right to propose the examination of matters in the council and senate of the higher education institution.

(4) Decisions and opinions of a convention of advisors shall take the form of recommendation.

(5) Members of the convention of advisors shall not be public officials.

[8 June 2021]

Section 17. Rector

(1) The rector is the highest official of a higher education institution who implements the general administration of the higher education institution and represents the higher education institution without special authorisation.

(2) The rector of a State higher education institution shall be elected by the constitutional assembly if the constitution of the higher education institution provides for the establishment of the constitutional assembly or by the council of the higher education institution if the constitution of the higher education institution does not provide for the establishment of the constitutional assembly.

(3) Candidates for the office of the rector of a State higher education institution (except for the National Defence Academy of Latvia) shall be selected by the council of the higher education institution as a result of an open international competition.

(4) If the constitution of a State higher education institution provides for the establishment of the constitutional assembly, the council of the higher education institution shall nominate one or several candidates for the office of the rector selected as a result of a competition for election of the rector at the constitutional assembly. The rector shall be elected if more than a half of all members of the constitutional assembly of the higher education institution vote for him or her. If one or several candidates nominated by the council do not obtain the majority vote at the constitutional assembly, the council shall nominate one more candidate for the office of the rector selected as a result of the competition for election of the rector at the constitutional assembly. If this candidate for the office of the rector also does not obtain the majority vote at the constitutional assembly, the council of the higher education institution shall, within six months, organise a new open international competition in order to select the next candidate for the office of the rector.

(5) If the constitution of a State higher education institution does not provide for the establishment of the constitutional assembly, a candidate for the office of the rector selected as a result of a competition shall be elected by the council of the higher education institution. The rector shall be elected if at least two thirds of all members of the council of the higher education institution vote for him or her.

(6) The rector shall be elected for a term not exceeding five years and not more than twice.

(7) A person with impeccable reputation and achievements in science or arts may be elected as the rector of a higher education institution. A person who has a Doctor of Philosophy may be elected as the rector in a university of science, a university of applied sciences, and a higher education institution of applied sciences. A person who has a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Arts or who has been elected as a professor in the area of arts in any higher education institution in Latvia or abroad may be elected as the rector in a university of arts and culture.

(8) The council of a State higher education institution shall organise the current elections of the rector not later than six months before expiry of the term of office of the rector. The newly elected rector shall take the office after the end of the term of office of the previous rector.

(9) If violations of the law are established in the activity of the rector or his or her reputation has been significantly endangered and it may harm the operation of a State higher education institution, if the rector does not ensure the achievement of the objectives specified in the development strategy of the higher education institution or has lost the trust of the council or senate of the higher education institution, the council, senate, or constitutional assembly of the higher education institution may propose removal of the rector from the office. The decision on advancement of such proposal shall be submitted, within 30 days after taking thereof, for examination at the council and the senate of the higher education institution. After receipt thereof, the chairperson of the council of the higher education institution shall, within 30 days, convene a meeting of the council and the chairperson of the senate of the higher education institution shall convene a meeting of the senate in order to decide on the issue on removal of the rector from the office. The chairperson of the council shall remove the rector from the office if at least two thirds of all members of the senate and two thirds of all members of the council vote for it.

(10) If the rector of a higher education institution terminates the fulfilment of the official duties before the end of the term upon his or her wish, and also if the rector of a higher education institution has died or is removed from the office, new elections of the rector are organised. The acting rector who fulfils the duties of the rector until election of a new rector, but not longer than for one year, shall be appointed by the council of a State founded higher education institution or in accordance with the procedures specified in the constitution of a higher education institution founded by private individuals.

(11) The procedures for the selection, election, approval, and removal of the rector of a higher education institution founded by private individuals shall be determined by the constitution of the higher education institution.

[8 June 2021; 15 September 2022]

Section 17.¹ Competence of a Rector

(1) A rector shall ensure the management of a higher education institution and shall be responsible for the achievement of the objectives specified in the development strategy of the higher education institution, and also for useful and lawful use of the financial resources of the higher education institution in accordance with the Law, other laws and regulations, and also the constitution of the higher education institution, the decisions of the council and the senate.

(2) The rector shall implement the representative functions of the higher education institution, perform other activities for ensuring successful operation of the higher education institution, and represent the higher education institution in cooperation with other authorities and private individuals.

(3) The rector shall, within the scope of his or her competence, issue orders.

(4) The rector shall ensure the development of the plan for the development of studies and science of the higher education institution and submit it for approval at the senate, ensure the development of the development strategy of the higher education institution, and, after receipt of the coordination of the senate of the higher education institution, submit it for approval at the council.

(5) The rector in cooperation with the structural units of the higher education institution shall ensure the implementation of the development strategy of the higher education institution.

(6) According to the objectives set forth in the development strategy of the higher education institution, the rector shall appoint and remove prorectors and deans, and also determine the areas of their competence, authorisation, and responsibility.

(7) The rector shall be responsible for successful implementation of the staff policy of the higher education institution.

(8) The rector shall ensure the preparation of the higher education institution budget and, after receipt of the coordination of the senate of the higher education institution, submit it for approval at the council. The rector shall be responsible for the execution of the budget and submit annual statements of the higher education institution for approval at the council.

(9) The rector shall, according to the authorisation of the council, act with the resources of the higher education institution, including perform the necessary activities in relation to assuming the credit liabilities of the higher education institution and attracting investments.

(10) The rector shall, according to the immovable property development plan approved by the council of the higher education institution, take the decisions on the purchase, encumbrances, or alienation of immovable property.

(11) The rector shall be responsible, within the scope of his or her competence, for the compliance of the operation of the higher education institution with this Law and other laws and regulations.

(12) Paragraphs eight, nine, and ten of this Section shall not apply to the activity of the rector of a higher education institution founded by private individuals.

[8 June 2021]

Section 18. Audit of a Higher Education Institution

(1) A sworn auditor has the right to become acquainted with all of the documents of a higher education institution which are related to the financial and economic activities, and also to request and receive information from its officials.

(2) A higher education institution is entitled to establish an audit committee which shall operate in accordance with the procedures specified in the constitution of the higher education institution.

[14 July 2011]

Section 19. Academic Arbitration Court

(1) An academic arbitration court shall examine:

1) the submissions of students and academic staff regarding the restriction or infringement of the academic freedom and rights prescribed in the constitution of a higher education institution;

2) arguments between officials of a higher education institution as well as the administrative bodies of structural units which are subject to a subordinate relationship;

3) in the cases specified in this Law - submissions regarding the contesting of an administrative act or actual action, and take appropriate decisions regarding these, and also fulfil other tasks provided for in the constitution of the higher education institution.

(2) Decisions taken by an academic arbitration court shall be implemented by the administration.

(3) An academic arbitration court shall be elected by the constitutional assembly from amongst academic staff by secret ballot, and it shall not include representatives of the administrative staff of a higher education institution. The proportion of students in the academic arbitration court shall be not less than 20 per cent of the composition of such arbitration court. Student representatives shall be elected in the academic arbitration court by the student self-governance body.

(4) Members of an academic arbitration court shall be responsible for their actions to the constitutional assembly; they may be removed from office upon the initiative of their employer only with the consent of the constitutional assembly.

[3 June 2004; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2022]

Section 20. Structural Units of a Higher Education Institution

(1) The structure of a higher education institution is created in accordance with the constitution of the higher education institution.

(2) The tasks, functions, and rights of the structural unit of a higher education institution shall be determined by the by-laws of the structural unit approved by the rector of the higher education institution.

(3) A higher education institution may establish academic structural units for the purpose of conducting educational and scientific work - departments, groups of professors, faculties (divisions), scientific and training laboratories, institutes, etc. A higher education institution also has the right to establish other structural units for the conducting of organisational, economic, and service work.

[8 June 2021]

Section 21. Institutions, Commercial Companies, Associations, and Foundations Founded by a Higher Education Institution and Their Associations

(1) Higher education institutions may found commercial companies and be a shareholder therein, and also found associations and foundations and be a member or founder thereof.

(2) State founded higher education institutions may, with a decision of the council, also found institutions for the implementation of the objectives specified in the constitution, including public agencies.

(3) A higher education institution may, for a period of time voluntarily together with other institutions, including international and foreign institutions, which may be other higher education institutions, organisations, undertakings, or other persons, establish associations, i.e. consortiums, and be their participant in order to implement joint strategic objectives and joint, mutually coordinated action plan which is of significance to all participants of the association or to combine resources for the achievement of a joint objective. In taking part in a consortium, the higher education institution shall retain its legal status and type. The management model of the consortium is determined in the memorandum of the consortium.

[2 March 2006; 8 June 2021]

Section 22. Scientific Institute

(1) The decision on founding a scientific institute shall be taken by the council of the higher education institution upon proposal of the senate of the higher education institution.

(2) A higher education institution founded by the State or local governments may found the scientific institutes (for example, centres, clinics, and experimental stations) as public agencies taking into account the procedures specified in the Law on Scientific Activity. The Law on Scientific Activity shall determine the legal basis, administration, funding and supervision procedures of a scientific institute - public agency.

(3) Higher education institutions may establish scientific institutes also as a structural unit of a higher education institution. The constitution of the higher education institution shall determine the operation, funding and supervision of such scientific institutes, and also the procedures for reorganisation and liquidation.

[2 March 2006; 8 June 2021]

Section 23. Institute

(1) An institute shall be established by uniting the structural units of one sub-field of science or several sub-fields of science (departments, groups of professors, scientific laboratories) with the goal of using the scientific potential thereof for the efficient achievement of common research targets, and also by changing the subordinate relationship of already existing Latvian scientific institutes.

(2) [14 March 2024]

(3) The senate shall determine which academic staff may be elected by the assembly of an institute in accordance with the qualification of the institute.

(4) [2 March 2006]

[2 March 2006; 14 March 2024]

Section 24. Faculty

(1) A faculty shall be established by joining structural units in thematically related areas of scientific activities, artistic creation, and studies. A dean shall lead a faculty. The dean of the faculty shall be elected, in consulting with the assembly of the faculty, by the rector for a time period not exceeding five years and not more than two times in succession. The proportion of students in the composition of the assembly of the faculty may not be less than 20 per cent. Student representatives shall be delegated to the assembly of the faculty by the faculty student self-governance body.

(2) A faculty may be formed if, upon uniting the scientific potential, which it includes, it at least corresponds to the requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy conferral council in the relevant field or sub-field of science.

(3) If it is not possible to comply with the requirements regarding scientific potential in the new field of higher education, the structural unit corresponding to a faculty shall be referred to as a department. A department shall not have the right to elect lecturers.

[2 March 2006; 8 June 2021]

Section 25. College

[2 March 2006]

Section 25.¹ Ecosystem of a University of Science

A university of science shall create an ecosystem which is based on the excellence of scientific activity and within the scope of which the creation and accumulation of knowledge, and also transfer thereof in society, creation of innovations, establishment of new science-intensive undertakings, involvement of the society, and actualisation of values, and also the provision of services in the areas of strategic specialisation of the university are ensured, creating a unified framework of associations, foundations, commercial companies, scientific institutions, educational institutions, and other entities as an aggregate of institutions purposefully working under the management and supervision of the university.

[8 June 2021]

Section 25.² Establishment and Tasks of a Doctoral School

(1) A doctoral school shall ensure the implementation of doctoral study programmes corresponding to the strategic specialisation defined by the founder of a higher education institution, the process of developing and defending a doctoral thesis or doctoral theoretical research or artistic creation work and also awarding a doctoral degree.

(2) A doctoral school shall ensure that a doctoral student has the right to engage in the education of students or perform the scientific activity, or participate in artistic creation work during the doctoral studies in order to ensure the achievement of doctoral student's learning outcomes according to the State higher education standard.

(3) A doctoral school is a structural unit of a higher education institution. The activities of the doctoral school shall be governed by the by-laws of the doctoral school. In the respective by-laws, the higher education institution shall specify the tasks of the doctoral school, requirements and procedures for its establishment, requirements for the selection of cooperation partners, including the involvement of these partners in the employment of doctoral students according to this Law and also in the management of the doctoral school.

(4) The higher education institution shall organise doctoral studies by establishing one or several doctoral schools but not more than one such school in each major field of science.

(5) A doctoral school may be established by an accredited higher education institution which implements master's study programmes and whose assessment entity of the international evaluation of scientific institutions activity that is substantively related to the doctoral study programme has been evaluated in the previous international evaluation of scientific institution activity with at least three points out of five.

(6) The supervisor of a doctoral thesis or doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work and, if necessary, also co-supervisors shall be approved in accordance with the procedures specified by the higher education institution according to the by-laws of the doctoral school by complying with the standards for supervising a doctoral thesis or doctoral theoretical research or artistic creation work determined by the higher education institution according to good supervisor and good supervision criteria.

[14 March 2024 / The provision laid down in Paragraph five of the Section, specifying that the assessment entity that is substantively related to the doctoral study programme must be evaluated in the previous international evaluation of scientific institutions activity with at least three points out of five, shall come into force on 1 January 2026. See Paragraph 105 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 25.³ Functions of a Doctoral School

The functions of a doctoral school shall be as follows:

1) to attract entrants for admission through an open competition for vacant study places in doctoral study programmes, including joint doctoral study programmes;

2) to organise the implementation of a licensed or accredited doctoral study programme and also a joint doctoral study programme, including in cooperation with other doctoral schools and cooperation partners of the doctoral school;

3) to ensure and monitor the supervision of doctoral theses or doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation works in accordance with this Law, other laws and regulations, and the by-laws of the doctoral school;

4) to organise the establishment of a Doctor of Philosophy conferral council and a State examination commission and also to ensure their work;

5) to ensure the distribution of financing for the implementation of doctoral study programmes and the operation of the doctoral school;

6) to ensure that doctoral students have access to study courses for the acquisition of widely applicable skills regardless of the study field of the doctoral study programme;

7) to organise and develop cooperation opportunities with other doctoral schools;

8) to promote interdisciplinary scientific and professional research;

9) to ensure and organise the mobility of doctoral students;

10) to provide career guidance to doctoral students by taking into account their individual goals and motivation, and also the labour market situation.

[14 March 2024]

Chapter IV
Staff of a Higher Education Institution

Section 26. Staff of a Higher Education Institution, the Rights and Duties Thereof

(1) The staff of a higher education institution shall consist of:

1) the academic staff - employees of the relevant higher education institution elected to academic positions;

2) the general staff of the higher education institution;

3) students.

(2) The rights and duty of the staff of a higher education institution shall be to promote the freedom of learning, study, research, and artistic creation work, to facilitate transparency in the administration of the higher education institution and settling the matters thereof. The staff of a higher education institution shall fulfil its work duties so that the higher education institution can implement its tasks, so that the rights of any other person are not offended and the fulfilment of position or work duties is not disturbed.

(3) A staff member has the right to participate in the formulation of the decisions of the management and self-governance of a higher education institution and the formulation of the internal legal acts of a higher education institution in accordance with the constitution of a higher education institution and in the prescribed order, and also to take part in the making of decisions related to the interests of the staff, to participate in the meetings of the collegial management bodies of a higher education institution as well as to be given the opportunity to be heard.

(4) The staff of a higher education institution has the right to participate in the elections of the self-governance of a higher education institution and to be elected therein.

(5) The duty of the management of a higher education institution shall be to attend to the working conditions of the staff, to provide the possibility for in-service training and retraining.

(6) The staff of a higher education institution shall be responsible for fulfilling the duties thereof. The senate shall, on the basis of the legislation in force, determine the procedures according to which violations are qualified and penalties for the failure to fulfil duties are imposed.

(7) A person may be elected to only one academic position - professor, associate professor, docent, lecturer or assistant, and only in one higher education institution. A person elected to such position may perform academic work in another higher education institution or college in the position of visiting professor, visiting docent or visiting lecturer. A person elected to such position may be at the same time elected also to the position of a senior researcher or researcher. In determining the number of the academic staff or the persons or proportion thereof in a higher education institution, a structural unit or in the implementation of a study programme, who have a doctoral degree, only persons elected to academic positions shall be taken into account.

(8) Administrative acts issued by or actual actions of a higher education institution may be disputed by the staff of the higher education institution in the academic arbitration court of a higher education institution. The decision of the academic arbitration court of a higher education institution may be appealed to a court according to the procedures specified in the Administrative Procedure Law.

(9) Persons who are not part of the staff of a higher education institution may dispute administrative acts issued by the higher education institution or the actual actions thereof by filing a submission to the rector of the higher education institution. The decision taken by the rector may be appealed to a court according to the procedures specified in the Administrative Procedure Law.

[2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 1 February 2018; 8 June 2021; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024]

Section 27. Academic staff

(1) The academic staff of a higher education institution shall consist of:

1) professors, associate professors;

2) docents, senior researchers;

3) lecturers, researchers;

4) assistants.

(2) The academic staff of a higher education institution shall conduct scientific research, artistic creation work, and participate in educating students. The scope of the tasks of the academic staff shall be determined by a higher education institution.

(3) [1 December 2009]

(4) A rector may enter into individual agreements with retired academic staff in accordance with the financing granted by the State or other sources, he or she may also enter into agreements for the conducting of scientific research, prescribing a definite remuneration for a particular amount of work in accordance with the qualification of the employee. A higher education institution may assign the honorary title of professor emeritus to professors and associate professors for a special contribution to higher education when they have reached the age of retirement.

(5) The employment contract restrictions specified in Section 45, Paragraph one of the Labour Law shall not apply to persons elected to academic positions. An employment contract with a person elected to an academic position (docent, lecturer, assistant) shall be entered into by the rector.

(6) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures and criteria by which the competence for a candidate to the position of academic staff who does not have a doctoral degree but has higher education corresponding to Level 7 of the Latvian Qualifications Framework and work experience in the sector corresponding to Level 8 of vocational qualification shall be recognised.

[Judgement of the Constitutional Court of 20 May 2003; 2 March 2006; 1 December 2009; 1 February 2018; Judgement of the Constitutional Court of 7 June 2019; 5 November 2020; 15 September 2022]

Section 28. Professors

(1) A professor is a specialist who is internationally recognised in his or her field and who conducts research or artistic creation work pursuant to the modern standards and ensures high-quality studies in the relevant sub-field of science or art. A person who has a doctoral degree and has not less than three years of work experience in the position of associate professor or professor in a higher education institution may be elected to the position of professor. In art specialities, those persons whose artistic creation work conforms to the by-law on academic positions accepted by the senate of the relevant higher education institution may also be elected to the position of professor.

(2) A candidate shall be elected to the position of professor in an open competition in accordance with the provisions of this Law.

(2¹) Persons who have higher education corresponding to at least Level 7 of the Latvian Qualifications Framework in the relevant field, at least 15 years of practical work experience in the relevant sector, and not less than three years of work experience in the position of an associate professor or professor in a higher educational institution may also hold the position of professor for the implementation of higher vocational education programmes (vocational study programmes) in higher education institutions.

(3) According to the title of the position of a professor, the professor shall conduct scientific research or the process of artistic creation and perform educating work in a higher education institution.

(4) The main tasks of professors shall be:

1) the reading of highly-qualified lectures, the supervision of studies, lectures and examinations in his or her study course;

2) the supervision of research work in the sub-field of science or the supervision of artistic creation in a field which conforms to the title of the position of professor;

3) the supervision of doctoral studies and research work in the sub-field of science or the supervision of artistic creation in a field which conforms to the title of the position of professor;

4) participation in the evaluation of the work and quality of study programmes, higher education institutions and the structural units thereof;

5) the training of the new generation of academics, artists and lecturers.

(5) An employment contract with a professor shall be entered into by the rector of a higher education institution.

[23 November 2000; Constitutional Court Judgment of 20 May 2003; 18 October 2018; Constitutional Court Judgment of 7 June 2019; 5 November 2020; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024]

Section 29. Professor Positions in State and Local Government Higher Education Institutions

[2 March 2006]

Section 30. Associate Professors

(1) A person who has a doctoral degree may be elected to the position of associate professor.

(2) In art specialities, those persons whose artistic creation work or professional activity conforms to the by-law on academic positions accepted by the senate of the relevant higher education institution may also be elected to the position of associate professor.

(3) Persons who have the corresponding higher education and at least 10 years of practical work experience in the relevant field may also hold the position of associate professor for the implementation of higher vocational education programmes (vocational study programmes) in higher education institutions.

(4) A candidate shall be elected to the position of an associate professor in an open competition in accordance with the provisions of this Law.

(5) The main tasks of an associate professor shall be:

1) the conducting of research work in a sub-field of science or the field of artistic creation which conforms with the title of the position of associate professor;

2) the supervision of research work for the acquisition of doctoral degrees and master's degrees;

3) the provision and management of study work.

(6) An employment contract with an associate professor shall be entered into by the rector of a higher education institution.

[23 November 2000; Judgement of the Constitutional Court of 7 June 2019; 5 November 2020; 15 September 2022]

Section 31. Positions of Associate Professors

(1) The number of associate professor positions shall be determined by the higher education institution itself in accordance with the necessity and possibilities of financing.

(2) If there is a vacancy for an associate professor position in a higher education institution, the senate of the higher education institution shall make a decision on whether, when and in which sub-field of science or art an open competition for the vacancy of the associate professor position shall be announced and to which category of remuneration, taking into account the functions and tasks, the relevant position shall pertain.

[23 November 2000]

Section 32. Docents

(1) The number of docent positions shall be determined by the higher education institution itself.

(2) A person who has a doctoral degree may be elected to the position of docent. In art specialities, persons whose artistic creation work complies with the by-law on academic positions accepted by the senate of the relevant higher education institution may be elected to the position of docent.

(3) A docent shall be elected for a period of six years by the assembly of the faculty or the council of the institute if the qualification of the members of these institutions complies with the requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy conferral council. Otherwise, the procedures for the election of docents shall be determined by the constitution of the higher education institution.

(4) In accordance with the title of the position of the docent, the docent shall obtain the rights to conduct scientific research or the process of artistic creation and to perform educating work when he or she is elected to a position.

(5) The main tasks of docents shall be:

1) research work in the sub-field of science or artistic creation which conforms with the title of the position of the docent;

2) reading of lectures, the conducting of classes, the organisation of examinations and tests in his or her study programme (course, branch), especially in the basic courses thereof.

[23 November 2000]

Section 33. Procedures for the Election of Professors and Associate Professors

(1) An open competition shall be announced for vacant professor and associate professor positions.

(2) A candidate for the position of a professor or an associate professor shall be elected by the council of professors in the relevant field. After becoming acquainted with the documents necessary for taking a decision and after an interview with each candidate for the relevant position, the council of professors in the field shall take a decision by open vote on each candidate. Persons who are not in the composition of the staff of a higher education institution may contest a decision taken by the council of professors in accordance with the procedures specified in Section 10, Paragraph five of this Law, and the staff of a higher education institution - in accordance with the procedures specified in Section 26, Paragraph eight of this Law.

(3) Each applicant who is a candidate for the position of professor shall receive an independent international evaluation organised by the council of professors in the relevant field.

(4) The council of professors in the field shall submit to the rector the results of the election of a professor or an associate professor, the decision to elect the person to the position of a professor or an associate professor, and an evaluation of the person elected. In addition, the minutes of debates of the council of professors in the field, a complete list of candidates for the relevant position and also a characterisation and an evaluation of each candidate is submitted to the rector.

(5) [5 November 2020]

(6) [2 March 2006]

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 5 November 2020]

Section 34. Evaluation of Scientific and Teaching Qualifications

(1) The scientific and teaching qualifications or the results of the artistic creation work of a candidate for the position of a professor or an associate professor, and also of a professor or associate professor holding the position shall be evaluated by the council of professors in the field.

(2) The scientific and teaching qualifications of a candidate for the position of docent, lecturer or assistant shall be evaluated by the assembly of the faculty or the council of the institute.

(3) The scientific and teaching qualifications or the results of the artistic creation work of a professor or an associate professor shall be evaluated at least every six years. The scientific and teaching qualifications or the results of the artistic creation work of a professor or an associate professor holding the position for a specific period shall be evaluated by the council of professors in the field not later than six months before expiry of the time period of the employment contract of the professor or associate professor if he or he has expressed a wish to continue holding the relevant position also after expiry of the time period of the employment contract. A higher education institution shall evaluate the work performance of the professor or associate professor at least once every two years. Upon evaluation of the work performance of the professor or associate professor, the higher education institution has the right to suggest that the council of professors in the field evaluates the conformity of the scientific and teaching qualifications of the professor or associate professor with the position to be held before the end of the time period.

(4) An evaluation carried out by the council of professors in the field regarding the scientific and teaching qualifications or the results of the artistic creation work of a professor or associate professor holding the position and his or her conformity or non-conformity with the requirements of Paragraph five of this Section shall be submitted to the rector.

(5) The Cabinet shall determine the criteria for the number of publications and the quality and citation thereof, the number of patents, and also other criteria related to research, scientific, study or organisational work of artistic creation, the time periods, and the procedures by which the council of professors in the field shall evaluate the scientific and teaching qualifications or the results of the artistic creation work of a candidate for the position of a professor or an associate professor and of a professor or associate professor holding the position. A higher education institution may specify additional criteria for the evaluation of the scientific and teaching qualifications or the results of the artistic creation work of a professor or an associate professor. The higher education institution shall determine the procedures for evaluating the work performance of a professor or an associate professor.

[23 November 2000; 5 November 2020]

Section 35. Council of Professors in a Field

(1) In organising an open competition for the position of a professor or an associate professor or in order to evaluate the scientific and teaching qualifications or the results of the artistic creation work of a professor or an associate professor holding the position, a council of professors in a field is formed in the relevant field or sub-field in a higher education institution and it shall consist of at least five professors of the relevant field or sub-field of the higher education institution elected in accordance with Section 33 of this Law. The council of professors in a field of a higher education institution shall be enlarged so that at least one third of the members thereof are professors of the relevant field or representatives of professional associations whose direction of activities conforms with the trend of the relevant position but who do not work in this higher education institution.

(2) The composition of the council of professors in a field shall be approved by the senate of the higher education institution upon the proposal of the chairperson thereof.

(3) If a higher education institution does not have five professors in the relevant field of science and it is not possible to form the council of professors in a field, several higher education institutions may jointly form this council of professors, and it shall be approved by the senates of the relevant higher education institutions. If at least three professors have been invited from other higher education institutions, the composition of the council shall be approved by the Council of Higher Education.

(4) Foreign professors who are in the council of professors in a field may participate in the activities thereof by correspondence, by becoming acquainted with the documents and announcing their opinion about all applicants in writing, and also about the applicant for whom they give their vote.

(5) The list of those fields in which the councils of professors in a field are to be formed shall be approved by the Council of Higher Education.

(6) The activities of the council of professors in a field shall be overseen by the Council of Higher Education.

[23 November 2000; 5 November 2020]

Section 35.¹ Establishment and Termination of Employment Relationship with a Professor and an Associate Professor

(1) On the basis of a decision by the council of professors in the field, the rector shall:

1) establish employment relationship with the person who has been elected to the position of a professor or an associate professor by the council of professors in the field in accordance with this Law. An employment contract with the professor or the associate professor shall be entered into for six years;

2) continue employment relationship with the professor or the associate professor holding the position after expiry of the time period of the six-year employment contract referred to in Paragraph one, Clause 1 of this Law if the scientific and teaching qualifications or the results of the artistic creation work of the professor or the associate professor have been evaluated as conforming with the requirements of Section 34 of this Law. Employment relationship with the professor or the associate professor are continued by entering into a second consecutive employment contract for a specific period or entering into an employment contract for an indefinite period in accordance with the provisions of the internal legal acts of a higher education institution and taking into account the fact that not more than two consecutive employment contracts with the professor or the associate professor may be entered into for a specific period;

3) terminate employment relationship with a professor or an associate professor or offer him or her to hold another position in a higher education institution if the scientific and teaching qualifications or the results of the artistic creation work of the professor or the associate professor have been evaluated as non-conforming with the requirements of Section 34 of this Law.

(2) If a higher education institution does not intend, according to the development concept of scientific directions envisaged in its strategy, to continue and develop the scientific direction managed by the professor or the associate professor, it shall inform the professor or the associate professor of its decision at least one year before cessation of the relevant scientific direction. In such case, in terminating employment relationship with the professor or the associate professor who has managed the scientific direction, the higher education institution shall disburse a compensation to him or her in the amount of six to twelve monthly salaries of a professor or an associate professor in accordance with the internal legal acts of the higher education institution.

[5 November 2020]

Section 36. Lecturers

(1) A person who has a doctoral degree or master's degree may be elected to the position of lecturer. The provisions for the election of lecturers in art specialities and higher vocational education programmes (vocational study programmes) shall be regulated by the by-law approved by the senate of a higher education institution. The assembly of the faculty or the council of the institute shall elect lecturers for a period of six years.

(2) The tasks of lecturers shall be determined by the higher education institution.

[23 November 2000; 15 September 2022]

Section 37. Assistants

(1) A person who has a doctoral degree or master's degree may be elected to the position of assistant. The assembly of the faculty or the council of the institute shall elect assistants for a period of six years, and, if they do not have a doctoral degree, they shall be elected not more than two times in succession.

(2) The tasks of assistants shall be determined by the higher education institution.

[15 September 2022]

Section 38. Senior Researchers and Researchers

(1) Senior researchers and researchers may be elected in a position by the assembly of the faculty or the council of the scientific institution, but, if faculties or scientific institute have not been established in a higher education institution - by the senate of a higher education institution in accordance with Section 26 of the Law on Scientific Activity, insofar as it is not in contradiction with that laid down in this Section.

(2) Senior visiting researchers, visiting researchers, and visiting assistants may be hired without election. In such case an employment contract shall be entered into for a period not exceeding two years.

[14 July 2011; 18 October 2018]

Section 39. Academic Staff of Higher Vocational Education Programmes (Vocational Study Programmes)

By taking into account the necessity to acquire practical skills and knowledge, the position of a docent, lecturer, and assistant in the subjects of the higher vocational education programme (vocational study programme) profile may be held by a person with higher education without the Doctor of Philosophy or without Doctor of Arts if he or she has sufficient practical work experience corresponding to the study course to be taught. In order to elect a person in a position of a docent who has no Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Arts, such person requires at least a seven-year practical work experience. The requirements to be defined for the candidates of such position of a docent shall be approved in a higher education institution by the senate. Lecturers and assistants who do not have a scientific and academic degree need a five-year practical work experience corresponding to the study course to be taught.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 1 February 2018; 8 June 2021; 15 September 2022]

Section 40. Visiting Professors, Visiting Docents, and Visiting Lecturers

(1) If there is a vacant or temporary vacant academic position in a higher education institution, the senate may, upon proposal of the assembly of the faculty, decide not to announce a competition but hire a visiting professor, visiting associate professor, visiting docent, visiting lecturer or visiting assistant for a period of up to two years.

(2) Visiting professors, visiting associate professors, visiting docents, visiting lecturers, and visiting assistants have the same rights and obligations as professors, associate professors, docents, lecturers, and assistants, but they are not entitled to apply for the positions of members of a constitutional assembly, senate and academic arbitration court, and they may not be elected as members of the abovementioned institutions.

(3) The foreign teaching staff invited by a higher education institution shall pay taxes in Latvia, shall be exempted from the State fees for visas, and also obtain a permit to reside and work in Latvia during the period provided for in the employment contract in accordance with the laws and regulations in force and international agreements approved by the Saeima.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 18 October 2018; 15 September 2022]

Section 41. Substitution of Academic Staff during Periods of Temporary Absence

During a period of temporary absence, if it does not exceed two years, an associate professor may be appointed to the position of professor, a docent - to the position of associate professor, a lecturer or assistant with a doctoral degree - to the position of docent. Substitution shall be formalised by an order of the rector.

Section 42. Vacations of Academic Staff

(1) Each year academic staff has the right to a paid vacation of eight weeks but every six years - a paid academic vacation of six calendar months for scientific research or the conducting of research work outside his or her working place.

(2) The academic staff has the right to receive a paid vacation of three months once for preparing a doctoral thesis or doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work.

(3) Professors, associate professors and docents have the right to demand an unpaid vacation for a period of up to 24 months during one period of election in order to work as visiting professors or visiting lecturers in academic positions in other higher education institutions.

[23 November 2000; 14 March 2024]

Section 43. General Staff of a Higher Education Institution

(1) General staff of a higher education institution shall be an administrative staff, auxiliary teaching staff, technical, economic and other staff, except for the academic staff.

(2) Administrative staff of a higher education institution shall be a rector, prorector, director (executive director), dean, and other officials whose main functions are administrative work. A rector shall enter into an employment contract with prorectors for the period of time which does not exceed his or her term of office.

(3) The procedures for the hiring and dismissal of general staff of a higher education institution shall be determined by the higher education institution complying with the provisions of this Law and other laws and regulations.

(4) Remuneration for general staff of a higher education institution other than pedagogues in conformity with the list of positions of pedagogues shall be determined at the State founded higher education institutions in accordance with the Law on Remuneration of Officials and Employees of State and Local Government Authorities.

[23 November 2000; 1 December 2009; 18 October 2018; 14 July 2022; 15 September 2022]

Part V
Students

[15 September 2022]

Section 44. Students of Higher Education Institutions

(1) The students of higher education institutions shall be:

1) students of the bachelor degree study programmes;

2) students of higher vocational education programmes (vocational study programmes);

3) students of the master's degree study programmes (master's programme students);

4) residents in medicine;

5) doctoral students.

(2) [15 September 2022]

[2 March 2006; 15 September 2022]

Section 45. Rights to Study in a Higher Education Institution

(1) Each citizen of Latvia and non-citizen of Latvia, and also a foreigner shall have the right to study in a higher education institution. In order to study in a higher education institution, a previous education attested by documents and recognised in Latvia which is compliant with the requirements of a study programme shall be required.

(2) A citizen of Latvia, a non-citizen of Latvia, a citizen of the European Union, a citizen of the European Economic Area, or a citizen of the Swiss Confederation and a permanent resident of the European Community who has a valid residence permit has equal rights to study in a higher education institution.

(3) The rights to study in a higher education institution of such foreigners to whom the conditions of Paragraph two of this Section do not apply shall be governed by Section 83 of this Law.

[14 July 2011; 15 September 2022]

Section 46. Admission and Registration in the List of Students (Matriculation)

(1) A higher education institution is entitled to admit students to a particular study programme only after licensing of the relevant study programme.

(2) Admission to study programmes shall be regulated by admission regulations. Admission regulations for higher education institution study programmes shall be developed by the relevant higher education institution, taking into account Cabinet regulations regarding requirements, criteria, and procedures for admission to study programmes. A student shall enter into a study agreement with a higher education institution in writing. The mandatory provisions to be included in the study agreement shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(3) For full-time and part-time bachelor and higher vocational education programmes (vocational study programmes) the admission requirement of which is a previously acquired secondary education, students are admitted in an open and equal competition based on the results of the centralised examinations, except for the persons who have acquired secondary education up to 2004, and also persons who have acquired secondary education abroad or persons with special needs. The content and procedural requirements for centralised examinations shall be developed by the Ministry of Education and Science, after coordination with the Council of Higher Education, and approved by the Cabinet. A higher education institution may, in coordinating with the Council of Higher Education, specify the procedures by which such persons are admitted to these study programmes who have not taken centralised examinations.

(3¹) In addition to the persons referred to in Paragraph three of this Section, also such persons have the right to be admitted to a study programme in the first year following the acquisition of a secondary education to whom such right has been determined by the Cabinet upon the recommendation of an individual Cabinet member due to the special meritorious service of the persons in question for the benefit of Latvia, unless these persons have been exempted from State examinations of secondary education in accordance with the procedures specified by laws and regulations.

(4) After coordination with the Council of Higher Education, a higher education institution may determine additional requirements in relation to special prior education, particular suitability and preparedness or compliance with other conditions.

(5) Higher education institutions shall, each year by 30 November, publish on their website the admission requirements in study programmes for the next academic year.

(6) Each year the Cabinet shall determine the initial time period for the registration and admission of entrants in the first year after the acquisition of secondary education. A higher education institution shall not have the right to enter into agreements related to studies with the potential entrants prior to the initial term of admission.

(7) A higher education institution shall prepare a personal file for each student. At least the following documents shall be included in the personal file:

1) a copy of a document attesting to secondary education;

2) copies of documents attesting to higher education acquired beforehand;

3) copies of a passport or identity card;

4) the study agreement with the higher education institution for studies in the selected study programme;

5) documents attesting to the study process and results of the student in other higher education institutions, and also the acquisition of a study programme or a part thereof if the credit points acquired in another higher education institution shall be counted in the study programme based on these documents;

6) documents of the student regarding the process of studies (study card);

7) copies or transcripts of educational documents issued by a higher education institution and copies of the issued academic statements;

8) a copy of the residence permit of the Republic of Latvia if the student needs such a permit.

(8) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for preparing and updating the personal file of a student.

[23 November 2000; 3 June 2004; 2 March 2006; 3 July 2008; 12 June 2009; 24 March 2022; 15 September 2022]

Section 46.¹ Register of Students and Graduates of Higher Education Programmes

(1) The Register of Students and Graduates shall be a part of the State Education Information System. The data on the persons studying in higher education programmes and the degrees and vocational qualifications obtained by graduates in studies shall be entered in the Register.

(2) The data on the persons studying in higher education programmes and the degrees and vocational qualifications obtained by graduates in studies shall be provided to the Register of Students and Graduates by higher education institutions and colleges. The rector of a higher education institution and the director of college shall be responsible for the accuracy of data provided to the Register of Students and Graduates and the conformity thereof with reality.

(3) The amount of the data to be submitted to the Register of Students and Graduates and the procedures for the submission thereof, and also the amount of the information available for the public and the procedures for publishing thereof shall be determined by the Cabinet.

[24 March 2022]

Section 46.² Monitoring of Graduates of Higher Education Programmes

(1) The Ministry of Education and Science shall perform monitoring of employment, income, and economic activity of graduates of higher education programmes.

(2) The data necessary for monitoring graduates of higher education programmes shall be obtained from State information systems, including the information systems under administration of the Ministry of Education and Science, the State Employment Agency, and the State Revenue Service, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. Processing of the data shall be performed by the Central Statistical Bureau.

(3) In addition to the information referred to in Paragraph one of this Section, the data necessary for monitoring graduates of higher education programmes shall be obtained by conducting surveys of graduates and studies. In order to ensure scientifically justified studies based on methodology, including international comparative studies, the Ministry of Education and Science shall request and the State Revenue Service shall provide the contact details of natural persons from the Electronic Declaration System within the amount and in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet.

(4) The Cabinet shall determine:

1) the content and amount of the data to be included in the monitoring of graduates of higher education programmes and the time period of storage of the data obtained;

2) the procedures by which the data necessary for the monitoring of graduates of higher education programmes are provided to the Central Statistical Bureau from the State information systems referred to in Paragraph two of this Section;

3) the procedures by which the Central Statistical Bureau shall prepare aggregated and non-personalised annual data of the monitoring of graduates of higher education programmes which have been obtained from State information systems and submit them to the Ministry of Education and Science;

4) the procedures by and the amount in which the financing necessary for the performance of the task referred to in Paragraph three of this Section and Clauses 2 and 3 of this Paragraph shall be calculated and the performance of such task shall be financed.

[24 March 2022]

Section 47. Initiation of Studies in Subsequent Study Stages

(1) The initiation of studies in subsequent study stages shall be possible if the required examinations of previous stages of the relevant study programmes have been passed or they are passed in a supplementary fashion in the relevant higher education institution. If these requirements have been fulfilled and the higher education institution has the relevant opportunities, it may not refuse to admit applicants to subsequent study stages.

(1¹) Initiation of studies in subsequent study stages shall take place also if the knowledge, skills and competences acquired previously have been recognised for the applicant in accordance with the procedures laid down in Sections 59.² and 59.³ of this Law.

(2) A natural person may use the right to study for State budget funds for the acquisition of a specific academic degree (bachelor, master), doctoral degree or higher education vocational qualification several times. For State budget funds only one study programme may be studied at the same time.

(3) The procedures for the initiation of studies in subsequent study stages shall be laid down by the Cabinet.

[3 June 2004; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 16 November 2017; 1 February 2018; 15 September 2022]

Section 47.¹ Employment of a Doctoral Student in a State-financed Study Place

[Section shall come into force on 1 August 2024 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 August 2024. See Paragraph 106 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 48. Relations of Students with Mandatory Public Service

[1 January 2007 / See Transitional Provisions.]

Section 49. Exclusion from the List of Students (Exmatriculation)

(1) A person may be excluded from the list of students if:

1) the person himself or herself wishes it to be so;

2) it has been ascertained that his or her admission has been influenced by deception, corrupt practices or other behaviour by which the principle of the equality of applicants has been violated;

3) this person has not passed examinations or has not performed other tasks of studies within the time period determined by the higher education institution;

4) this person has violated the internal legal acts of the higher education institution.

(2) The exclusion of a person from the list of students in a higher education institution shall be performed by the rector or dean of the higher education institution. The decision on exclusion of a person from the list of students may be contested in accordance with the procedures specified in Section 26, Paragraph eight of this Law.

(3) [1 January 2007 / See Transitional Provisions.]

[3 June 2004; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 18 October 2018; 15 September 2022]

Section 50. Rights of Students

(1) Students have the right:

1) to acquire a higher academic or higher vocational, or also an academic and vocational education;

2) to use the premises, libraries, facilities, equipment, objects of culture, sport and medicine, etc. of a higher education institution in accordance with the prescribed procedures;

3) to suspend and resume studies in accordance with the prescribed procedures;

4) to implement the rights related to freedom of studies, research work, and artistic creation in accordance with Section 6 of this Law;

5) to receive information in all matters which are directly related to their studies and possible career;

6) to express and defend their ideas and opinions openly in a higher education institution;

7) to elect and to be elected to the student self-governance body, to participate in all levels of self-governance bodies of a higher education institution;

8) to attend learning activities in other higher education institutions as listeners and to take the necessary examinations in accordance with the prescribed procedures;

9) to found associations, hobby groups and clubs.

(1¹) [15 September 2022]

(2) A student self-governance body shall represent the interests of the students of a higher education institution in relations with State authorities.

(3) A doctoral student has the right to take an academic leave of absence for a total period not exceeding two years within the framework of the doctoral study programme he or she is pursuing. The justification and procedures for granting an academic leave of absence shall be determined by the higher education institution.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 19 April 2007; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024]

Section 51. Determining the Number of Study Places

The number of study places to be financed from the funds of the State budget in a higher education institution shall be determined by the Minister for Education and Science on the basis of a proposal of the Council of Higher Education. The number of study places in higher education institutions founded by other legal persons and natural persons shall be determined by the founders of such higher education institutions.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006]

Section 52. Study Fee and Scholarships

(1) The State shall determine the number of study places financed from the funds of the State budget in higher education institutions. The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for the financing of higher education institutions from the funds of the State budget. Admission to the State-financed study places shall take place in accordance with the competition procedures.

(1¹) [18 October 2018]

(2) The study fee for study places which are not financed from the funds of the State budget shall be covered by students, legal persons, or natural persons, entering into a relevant agreement with the higher education institution thereon. Financial resources from the study fee shall only be used for:

1) the development of the higher education institution;

2) the purchasing of teaching aids and scientific research equipment;

3) the purchasing of equipment;

4) the material stimulation of the academic and general staff of the higher education institution and students and also the work remuneration of the staff.

(3) The students referred to in Paragraph one of this Section shall be assigned scholarships following the procedures prescribed by the Cabinet.

(3¹) A student under the age of 25 years who studies in Latvia in full-time studies in a short-cycle higher vocational education programme and a first-cycle higher education programme, and also a second-cycle higher education programme to be implemented after the acquisition of secondary education has the right to receive a scholarship for social support (hereinafter - the social scholarship) if the student conforms to the requirements stipulated by the Cabinet. The social scholarship shall be awarded from the funds of the State budget. The Cabinet shall determine the categories of students to which the social scholarship is awarded, the conditions for awarding the social scholarship, including the achievement level and income of the student, and also the amount of the social scholarship and the procedures for awarding it.

(4) The senate of a higher education institution shall determine the procedures for the distribution of study places financed from the funds of the State budget for students studying in study programmes of a higher education institution.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 19 April 2007; 14 July 2011; 18 October 2018; 16 June 2021; 15 September 2022; 22 June 2023]

Section 53. Student Self-Governance Bodies

(1) The students of a higher education institution shall have their own self-governance body - an elected, independent body representing the rights and interests of students in a higher education institution. It shall operate in accordance with a by-law which shall be developed by students and approved by the senate of the higher education institution. The senate may refuse to approve only due to legal reasons.

(2) [2 March 2006]

(3) The student self-governance body shall:

1) defend and represent the interests of students in matters of academic, material and cultural life in the higher education institution and other State authorities;

2) represent the students of the higher education institution in Latvia and foreign countries;

3) determine the criteria and procedures by which students are elected to the senate of the higher education institution, the assembly of the faculty, the constitutional assembly, the academic arbitrary court, and other institutions of the higher education institution if such are provided for in the constitution of the higher education institution and if the representation of students is provided for therein.

(4) Management bodies of higher education institutions have a duty to support and promote the activities of a student self-governance body. The student self-governance body shall be financed from the budget of the higher education institution in an amount which is not less than one two-hundredth part of the yearly budget of the higher education institution. Such funds shall be utilised by the student self-governance body for the performance of the functions referred to in Paragraph three of this Section.

[3 June 2004; 2 March 2006; 8 June 2021; 15 September 2022]

Section 54. Rights of a Student Self-Governance Body

(1) A student self-governance body has the right to request and receive information and explanations from the authorised representatives of any structural unit of a higher education institution in all issues related to the interests of students.

(2) The representatives of a student self-governance body in the senate of a higher education institution, the assembly of the faculty and the constitutional assembly shall have veto rights in issues related to the interests of students. After the application of a veto, the issue shall be examined by the coordination committee which is formed by the relevant management body according to the parity principle. The relevant management body shall approve the decision of the coordination committee by a majority vote of two-thirds of the persons present.

(3) The representatives of a student self-governance body have the right to participate in the decision-making bodies of a higher education institution, and also the right to participate as observers in tests and examinations if this is provided for in documents regulating the study procedures in a higher education institution.

(4) The decisions of the student self-governance body, after they have been approved by the senate of the higher education institution, shall be compulsory for all students.

[23 November 2000]

Chapter VI
Studies in Study Programmes

[15 September 2022]

Section 55. Study Programmes

(1) A study programme shall include all the requirements necessary for the acquisition of an academic degree or vocational qualification. A sub-programme (sub-programmes) of a study programme which is a part of the study programme and conforms to a specific field of science, sector of national economy, or vocational qualification to be obtained may be created within the scope of the study programme. A study programme shall be regulated by a special document - a description of the study content and implementation which:

1) determines the requirements regarding previous education;

1¹) determines to which study field the relevant study programme conforms;

2) in accordance with the level and type of education determines:

a) the purpose of implementing the specific study programme and sub-programme and the planned learning outcomes upon completion of the study programme: in an academic doctoral study programme - the planned compulsory learning outcomes of scientific activity, in a vocational doctoral study programme in arts - the planned compulsory learning outcomes of artistic creation work and also study courses and modules included in the study programme and their planned learning outcomes;

b) the content of the offered education;

c) the amounts of the mandatory, limited elective, and elective part of study programmes and sub-programmes and the division of credit points between them;

d) the criteria of education for the achievement and evaluation of learning outcomes and the forms and procedures for the testing thereof;

3) includes a list of the academic staff involved in the implementation of the programme, their qualification and intended duties. Not less than five professors and associate professors altogether who are elected in the relevant higher education institution shall take part in the implementation of the compulsory part and the limited elective part of academic study programmes. Not less than five professors and associate professors, including those from foreign countries, or persons with a Doctor of Philosophy shall take part in the implementation of the academic doctoral study programme. Not less than five persons who have a doctoral degree shall participate in the implementation of the vocational doctoral study programme in arts;

4) includes a listing of the structural units (departments, groups of professors, laboratories, institutes, etc.) involved in the implementation of the programme, indicating the tasks thereof in the implementation of the particular programme;

5) includes a description of the required auxiliary staff, indicating the tasks thereof;

6) includes a description of the material base required for the implementation of the programme and sub-programme;

7) evaluates the costs of the programme and sub-programme;

8) includes a justification that the study programme and sub-programme conform to the development strategy and available resources of a higher education institution.

(1¹) The study programmes implemented by higher education institutions shall conform to the classification of education in Latvia.

(2) [14 July 2022]

(3) A study programme may be developed and submitted for approval in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the senate of a higher education institution.

(4) Study programmes shall be approved by the senate of a higher education institution. Prior to approval, an independent expert-examination of the programmes shall be organised which shall include the grounds for the usefulness of implementation of the study programme and sub-programme, also indicating the essential differences of the study programme from similar study programmes of the same level and same study field implemented in the same higher education institution.

(5) The person responsible for the implementation of the relevant programme (the director of the study programme) shall be approved and the financial and technical support of this programme shall be determined by a decision of the senate on the implementation of the new study programme.

(6) [14 July 2011]

(6¹) [14 July 2011]

(7) [14 July 2011]

(8) In the case of the closing of a study programme, a higher education institution shall financially provide the opportunity for students to continue the acquisition of education in another study programme of the relevant higher education institution or in a study programme of another higher education institution.

[23 November 2000; 3 June 2004; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 1 February 2018; 8 June 2021; 24 March 2022; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024]

Section 55.¹ Joint Study Programme

(1) A higher education institution together with a partnership body which may be another accredited higher education institution in Latvia (also a consortium of higher education institutions) or a higher education institution recognised by the relevant state in a foreign country (hereinafter - the partnership body) is entitled to develop a study programme and take part in the implementation thereof (hereinafter - the joint study programme) by entering into a relevant written agreement thereon.

(2) The joint study programme shall comply with the following conditions:

1) it shall be formed by the parts of study programmes of the same level of higher education of a higher education institution and partnership bodies;

2) [14 July 2022];

3) there are unified requirements in respect of the implementation of the joint study programme; the parts of the joint study programme together form a unified content and consecutive joint study programme;

4) [14 July 2022];

5) [14 July 2022];

6) [14 July 2022];

7) a degree or vocational qualification to be awarded as a result of the acquisition of the joint study programme is specified, complying with the system of degrees or vocational qualification to be acquired in studies, specified in the laws and regulations of Latvia. If the joint study programme has been formed with a higher education institution recognised in a foreign country, the academic degree or vocational qualification to be acquired in studies shall be determined in conformity with the joint principles for the European Higher Education Area, including by ensuring conformity with the European Qualifications Framework;

8) the content of the diploma as well as of the annex appended to the diploma to be issued by a higher education institution and partnership bodies has been specified.

(3) In order to commence the implementation of a joint study programme, a licence shall be received. If the partnership body of a higher education institution of Latvia is a foreign higher education institution, then, upon submitting a submission for licensing a joint study programme to the Academic Information Centre, a document certifying that the partnership body is recognised in the relevant country shall also be appended to the submission of the higher education institution. Within the scope of licensing, the compliance of the study programme with the conditions of Paragraph two of this Section shall also be evaluated.

(4) The joint study programme implemented by a higher education institution shall be evaluated by the assessment committee within the scope of the accreditation of the relevant study field of the higher education institution in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law and other laws and regulations. If a partnership body is a foreign higher education institution, the part of the joint study programme implemented thereby shall be recognised in accordance with the procedures specified by the relevant state.

(5) If a partnership body of a higher education institution of Latvia has accredited the joint study programme and a quality assurance agency included in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education has evaluated it, the study programme accredited by the partnership body is recognised as accredited also in Latvia. Information on accreditation and evaluation of the joint study programme shall be submitted to the Academic Information Centre.

(6) When taking a decision to accredit such study field to which the joint study programme conforms, the decision-maker is entitled to cooperate with the relevant education quality assurance institutions of countries of the involved partnership bodies, request information on whether the joint study programmes or parts thereof implemented by partnership bodies in the relevant country are recognised and whether the content of the programme conforms with the requirements set out for the acquisition of the relevant education qualification.

(7) As a result of the acquisition of a joint study programme in accordance with the agreement referred to in Paragraph one of this Section a higher education institution is entitled to issue:

1) a joint diploma of a higher education institution and partnership bodies thereof regarding the acquisition of a higher education;

2) a diploma of a higher education institution regarding the acquired higher education;

3) a double diploma regarding the acquired higher education.

(8) In order to ensure the formation and implementation of the joint study programmes, the Cabinet shall determine:

1) the content of the written agreement between the partnership bodies, including the entry requirements, the evaluation requirements, the requirements in relation to the final examinations, additional requirements in relation to the internal quality system, and also the mobility conditions of students and academic staff;

2) the licensing provisions and procedures, and also the licensing conditions;

3) the amount of study programmes to be implemented by the partnership bodies;

4) the requirements for the recognition of the learning outcomes;

5) the content and form of a joint diploma and the double diploma for the higher education acquired and its annex;

6) other necessary conditions.

(9) The double diploma is a diploma confirming the acquisition of the joint study programme issued by each partnership body. The conditions for the formation and implementation of the joint study programme, including providing for the granting of the double diploma, shall be determined by a written agreement between partnership bodies.

[14 July 2011; 17 December 2014; 14 July 2022]

Section 55.² Licensing of a Study Programme

(1) Prior to implementation of each study programme, the relevant study programme shall be licensed. After licensing of the study programme, the Academic Information Centre shall enter the information on the study programme in the Educational Programmes Register. Within one year after licensing of a study programme, a higher education institution shall start the implementation of the relevant study programme.

(2) Licensing of study programmes shall be organised by the Academic Information Centre. Expenditures for licensing of a study programme shall be covered by a higher education institution from the budget resources thereof. The price list of paid services of licensing process of study programmes shall be laid down by the Cabinet.

(3) The Higher Education Quality Commission is a collegial decision-making body in the composition of which shall be seven experts with experience in organising and ensuring higher education. The Higher Education Quality Commission shall take a decision to license a study programme or a decision to refuse to license a study programme.

(4) The Higher Education Quality Commission shall take the decision to license a study programme or the decision to refuse to license a study programme within four months from the day when a submission of a higher education institution for licensing the relevant study programme has been received.

(5) The following shall be assessed during the process of licensing a study programme:

1) conformity of a study programme with the requirements of this Law and other laws and regulations;

2) conformity of the qualification of the academic staff and visiting professors, visiting associate professors, visiting docents, visiting lecturers, and visiting assistants with the conditions for the implementation of the study programme and requirements of laws and regulations;

3) conformity of the study base, informative base (including the library), financial base, and facilities with the conditions for the implementation of the study programme;

4) the content and mechanism for the implementation of the study programme to be licensed;

5) conformity of actual circumstances with provided data;

6) whether violations of laws and regulations detected by competent institutions in the activities of a higher education institution during the preceding year, prior to the day of the taking the decision, have been rectified within the time period stipulated by these institutions;

7) conformity of the study programme with the study field in which it is planned to include it.

(6) If a study programme complies with all the requirements laid down in Paragraph five of this Section, the Higher Education Quality Commission shall decide to license the study programme.

(7) If a study programme fails to comply with any of the requirements laid down in Paragraph five of this Section, the Higher Education Quality Commission shall decide to refuse to license the study programme. If the Higher Education Quality Commission decides to refuse to license the study programme, the higher education institution is entitled to submit a submission for licensing the study programme complying with the relevant study field only after having rectified the deficiencies detected by the Higher Education Quality Commission.

(8) The Higher Education Quality Commission may take the decision to revoke the licensing of the study programme if:

1) information not corresponding with the actual circumstances has been provided;

2) a higher education institution has not begun implementing the licensed study programme within one year after licensing of the study programme;

3) violations of laws and regulations in the activities of a higher education institution have been detected in relation to the licensed study programme;

4) a submission for the accreditation of the study field has not been submitted in conformity with the requirements of Section 55.³ of this Law;

5) a higher education institution does not provide complete information to the Ministry of Education and Science upon the request thereby, within 30 days, on matters related to the provision of the study process, and also on study base, informative base (including the library), facilities, or financial base of the higher education institution;

6) the academic staff and visiting professors, visiting associate professors, visiting docents, visiting lecturers, and visiting assistants do not have the relevant qualification or the higher education institution does not ensure appropriate study base, informative base (including the library), facilities, or financial base;

7) implementation of the study programme at a higher education institution has been discontinued;

8) the decision has been taken to refuse to accredit the study field at a higher education institution;

9) a study programme has been recognised to be non-complying with the requirements of this Law within the framework of assessment of the study field;

10) the accreditation period of the study programme has expired and a higher education institution has not submitted a submission for the current accreditation of the study programme within a month after the end of this time period.

(9) A decision of the Higher Education Quality Commission may be contested to the Appeals Commission, and a decision of the Appeals Commission may be appealed to the court in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Administrative Procedure Law.

(10) The Appeals Commission shall be comprised of four experts of whom two are experts in higher education and two - experts with higher education in law and professional experience in administrative procedure.

(11) The technical and organisational activity of the Higher Education Quality Commission and Appeals Commission in licensing study programmes shall be ensured by the Academic Information Centre.

(12) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for licensing study programmes, the conditions for the establishment of the Higher Education Quality Commission (including the requirements for experts), the procedures, rights and obligations in licensing study programmes and the conditions for the establishment of the Appeals Commission (including the requirements for experts), the procedures, rights and obligations in licensing study programmes.

[21 June 2018; 24 March 2022; 15 September 2022]

Section 55.³ Opening and Accreditation of a Study Field

(1) The decision to open a new study field in the relevant higher education institution shall be taken by a founder by assessing the resources available to a higher education institution, for the State founded higher education institutions - also conformity with the national development priorities. A State founded higher education institution shall submit a submission for opening a new study field to the sectoral ministry. The Cabinet decision to open a new study field in a State founded higher education institution is not an administrative act. If the founder decides to open a study field in a higher education institution, it shall submit a submission for licensing a study programme appropriate for the relevant study field to the Academic Information Centre.

(2) A higher education institution shall submit a submission for the accreditation of the study field within two years after the first day of initiation of the implementation of the study programme appropriate for such study field.

(3) Within the framework of the accreditation process of the study field, the assessment of the study field shall be carried out by the Academic Information Centre or quality assurance agency included in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education according to the choice of a higher education institution in conformity with the laws and regulations regarding accreditation of a study field. Expenditures for assessing a study field shall be covered by a higher education institution from the budget resources thereof. The higher education institution shall append the assessment of a study field and study programme appropriate thereto to the submission for the accreditation of the relevant study field.

(4) The decision to accredit the study field shall be taken within four months from the day when a submission of a higher education institution has been received for the accreditation of the relevant study field. The decision to accredit the study field or decision to refuse to accredit the study field shall be taken by the Higher Education Quality Commission.

(5) During the accreditation process of a study field, the study field and study programmes appropriate thereto shall be assessed in accordance with the procedures laid down by the Cabinet.

(6) Within the framework of the accreditation process of a study field, each study programme appropriate to the study field shall be assessed in accordance with the assessment requirements developed by the Cabinet.

(7) The accreditation requirements for a study field and study programmes appropriate thereto, including the assessment requirements thereof, and also the procedures for the accreditation shall be laid down by the Cabinet.

(8) A decision of the Higher Education Quality Commission may be contested to the Appeals Commission, and a decision of the Appeals Commission may be appealed to the court in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Administrative Procedure Law.

(9) The Academic Information Centre shall include the information in the Educational Programmes Register on the accreditation of the relevant study field and study programmes appropriate thereto in the relevant higher education institution within one month after accreditation of the study field.

(10) If, within the accreditation period of the study field, a higher education institution does not ensure the study base, informative base (including the library), facilities, financial base, and the qualification of the academic staff indicated in the accreditation process of the study field, the Minister for Education and Science is entitled to decide on the determination of extraordinary accreditation of the relevant study field. Within the framework of extraordinary accreditation of the relevant study field, the Higher Education Quality Commission may take the decision to maintain accreditation of the study field or the decision to revoke accreditation of the study field of the relevant higher education institution. The decision to revoke accreditation of the study field may be taken in accordance with that laid down in Paragraph seven of this Section.

(11) The technical and organisational activity of the Higher Education Quality Commission and Appeals Commission in accreditation of study field shall be ensured by the Academic Information Centre.

(12) The Cabinet shall determine study fields in higher education, the procedures for opening a study field, the procedures for the accreditation of a study field and extraordinary accreditation, and also the rights and obligations of the Higher Education Quality Commission in accreditation of a study field and the rights and obligations of the Appeals Commission in accreditation of a study field.

[21 June 2018; 24 March 2022; 15 September 2022]

Section 56. Regulation of Studies

(1) Studies in a higher education institution shall take place in accordance with the study programmes which have been developed, approved, and licensed in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law. Study programmes shall be implemented in full-time and part-time studies.

(1¹) A short-cycle higher vocational education programme and parts of a first- and second-cycle higher education programmes may be implemented as work-based learning. The Cabinet shall determine the procedures for organising and implementing work-based learning in higher education programmes.

(2) A higher education institution shall determine in its internal legal acts the content of studies and the requirements to be brought forward in examinations which are related to medicine, sports, arts, police, border guard, fire-fighting and rescue, probation, penitentiary work, national defence, and other specific areas of activities of the relevant higher education institution insofar as it is not in contradiction with the requirements of this Law and other laws and regulations.

(3) The study programmes of higher education institutions shall be implemented in the official language. In a study programme which is implemented in the official language, not more than one-fifth of the credit point amount of the study programme may be implemented in other official languages of the European Union, taking into account that final and State examinations as well as the writing of a qualification paper, bachelor or master's thesis may not be included in this part.

(4) Study programmes may be implemented in the official languages of the European Union in the following cases:

1) if it is laid down in international agreements or within the scope of cooperation provided for in European Union programmes;

2) if all study programmes which are part of the same thematic area of education as the study programme to be implemented in the official language of the European Union have received a good or excellent evaluation in the accreditation process of the study field;

3) if they are joint study programmes.

(5) A study programme, including a joint study programme, may be implemented in any of the official languages of the European Union or another foreign language if it is necessary for the achievement of the objectives of the study programme in accordance with the classification of education in Latvia in the following groups of educational programmes: language and culture studies, language programmes. In such case, all study programmes should have received a good or excellent evaluation in the accreditation process of the study field. The Higher Education Quality Commission shall decide on the conformity of the study programme with the groups of educational programmes.

(6) A higher education institution is entitled to implement preparatory courses in order to prepare entrants for studies in study programmes of the higher education institution.

(7) For foreign students the acquisition of the official language shall be included in the study course compulsory amount if studies in Latvia are expected to be longer than six months or exceed 20 credit points.

[8 April 2021; 24 March 2022; 15 September 2022]

Section 56.¹ Study Course

(1) Higher education institutions shall determine the procedures by which study courses shall be developed and included in study programmes in order to ensure the achievement of the common learning outcomes of the study programme. The description of a study course shall be prepared and approved in accordance with the procedures specified by the higher education institution.

(2) The study course description shall:

1) define the requirements for the commencement of the acquisition of the study course;

2) determine the aims for the implementation of the study course and the planned learning outcomes;

3) outline the content of the study course necessary for the achievement of learning outcomes, contain the study course calendar, mandatory and supplementary literature, indicate other sources of information;

4) describe the organisation and tasks for the independent work of students;

5) determine the evaluation criteria of learning outcomes.

[14 July 2011; 15 September 2022]

Section 56.² Study Module

(1) A study module may be developed for the structuring and transparency of the study programme, the establishment of a flexible study route and for the professional orientation of students, ensuring the planning thereof in a manner suitable also for lifelong learning.

(2) The description of the study module shall determine:

1) the learning outcomes achievable as a result of the acquisition of the study module;

2) the plan of the study work time;

3) the study courses included in the study module.

[14 July 2011]

Section 57. Cycles of Higher Education to be Implemented in a Higher Education Institution, Duration and Amount of Studies

(1) The level of higher education to be implemented in higher education institutions shall be formed by three cycles which conform to a specific level of the Latvian Qualifications Framework:

1) the first cycle during which such study programmes are implemented which correspond to Level 6 of the Latvian Qualifications Framework;

2) the second cycle during which such study programmes are implemented which correspond to Level 7 of the Latvian Qualifications Framework;

3) the third cycle during which such study programmes are implemented which correspond to Level 8 of the Latvian Qualifications Framework.

(2) The amount of the first-cycle full-time studies shall be at least 180 credit points and three years.

(3) A short-cycle higher vocational education may be a part of the first cycle. The amount of its full-time studies shall be 120-180 credit points and two to three years accordingly.

(4) The amount of the second-cycle full-time studies shall be at least 60 credit points and one year provided that the total amount of the first- and second-cycle studies is at least 300 credit points and five years. The amount of the second-cycle full-time studies after the acquisition of secondary education shall be at least 300 credit points and five years.

(5) The amount of the third-cycle full-time studies shall be at least 180 credit points and three years.

(6) The continuation of studies in the subsequent cycle according to the level of the Latvian Qualifications Framework shall be possible after completion of the previous cycle and obtaining of a State-recognised document certifying higher education.

(7) The first-, second-, and third-cycle higher education programmes are formed according to the State higher education standard.

(8) The content, amount of and outcomes to be achieved by a study programme, and also the evaluation of achievements in full-time and part-time studies shall be equal.

(9) The State higher education standard shall be determined by the Cabinet.

[15 September 2022; 22 June 2023; 14 March 2024]

Section 58. Final Examinations and State Examination of Studies

(1) Study programmes for the acquisition of a bachelor or master's degree shall end in a final examination which includes the formulation and defending of a bachelor or master's thesis.

(2) Study programmes for the acquisition of a bachelor or master's degree and vocational qualification shall end in a State examination which may include the formulation and defending of a diploma thesis (diploma project) and a bachelor's (master's) thesis or also the formulation and defending of a diploma thesis (diploma project) or a bachelor's (master's) thesis.

(3) Examinations shall be complex and mostly in written form. Higher education institutions shall preserve these materials. The higher education institution shall preserve the original copies of the qualification, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral thesis for at least 10 years but their electronic versions permanently.

(4) The Cabinet may determine that a part of the State examination in certain first- and second-cycle higher vocational education programmes is a State exam. The main directions of the content of the State exam arising from the vocational qualification requirements, the procedures for organising, occurrence, financing, assessment of the State exam, the establishment of the commission and activity thereof, and also the authority responsible for the State exam shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(5) A task of the State exam is to determine the professional competence of the student according to the requirements of the first- and second-cycle higher vocational education programme and of the relevant vocational qualification.

(6) When determining the first- and second-cycle higher vocational education programmes in which a part of the State examination is a State exam, the Cabinet shall comply with the following conditions:

1) the Ministry of Education and Science or the ministry responsible for the relevant sector indicates to the necessity of a State exam;

2) the necessity, objective, and impact of the introduction of the State exam to be taken for acquiring the vocational qualification have been assessed by involving higher education institutions and sectoral professional organisations;

3) the agreement has been reached with higher education institutions and sectoral professional organisations on the model of financing necessary for the introduction of the State exam;

4) the State exam as a part of the State examination applies to those first- and second-cycle higher vocational education programmes which are commenced in the next academic year after the Cabinet has taken the decision referred to in Paragraph four of this Section;

5) a State-recognised diploma issued after acquiring the first- and second-cycle higher vocational education programme before introduction of the State exam is considered to be equal to the State-recognised diploma issued after acquiring such first- and second-cycle higher vocational education programme in which the State exam is a part of the State examination.

(7) An institution responsible for the State exam has the right to delegate the tasks related to technical provision (facilities) of the occurrence of the State exam to a private person or public entity.

(8) A vocational qualification examination shall be taken in the official language. The vocational qualification examination may also be taken in that official language of the European Union in which the relevant study programme is implemented.

(9) In study programmes in which a unified vocational qualification examination of a lawyer is intended, the qualification examination shall be taken in the official language.

(10) Papers and theses necessary for obtaining a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree shall be developed and defended in the official language. The papers and theses necessary for obtaining a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree may also be developed and defended in that official language of the European Union in which the relevant study programme is implemented. An expanded summary of a doctoral thesis shall be appended in the Latvian language for obtaining a doctoral degree.

[23 November 2000; 20 April 2017; 18 October 2018; 8 April 2021; 14 July 2022; 15 September 2022]

Section 58.¹ Awarding the Doctor of Philosophy

(1) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(2) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(3) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(4) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(5) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(6) The name of a Doctor of Philosophy of Latvia shall be Doctor of Philosophy (philosophiae doctor) and its official abbreviation - Ph. D.

(7) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

[14 March 2024 / Section, except for Paragraph six thereof (regarding the name of a Doctor of Philosophy of Latvia), shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 58.² Doctor of Philosophy Conferral Council

[Section shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 58.³ Awarding Doctor of Arts

(1) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(2) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(3) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(4) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(5) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(6) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

(7) The name of a Doctor of Arts of Latvia shall be Doctor of Arts (artium doctor) and its official abbreviation - Art. D.

[14 March 2024 / Section, except for Paragraph seven thereof (regarding the name of a Doctor of Arts of Latvia), shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 58.⁴ State Examination Commission

[Section shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 59. Degree, Vocational Qualification to be Acquired in Studies, and Diploma to be Issued

(1) In acquiring an accredited higher education programme of the relevant cycle, the following may be acquired:

1) the short-cycle higher vocational education and fifth-level vocational qualification for which a diploma of short-cycle higher vocational education and vocational qualification is issued;

2) the first-cycle higher education:

a) bachelor's degree for which a bachelor's diploma is issued;

b) bachelor's degree and sixth-level vocational qualification for which a bachelor's and vocational qualification diploma is issued;

b) sixth-level vocational qualification for which a vocational qualification diploma is issued;

3) the second-cycle higher education:

a) master's degree for which a master's diploma is issued;

b) master's degree and seventh-level vocational qualification for which a master's and vocational qualification diploma is issued;

b) seventh-level vocational qualification for which a vocational qualification diploma is issued;

4) the third-cycle higher education:

a) Doctor of Philosophy for which a Doctor of Philosophy diploma is issued;

b) Doctor of Arts for which a Doctor of Arts diploma is issued.

(1¹) [15 September 2022]

(1²) [15 September 2022]

(2) [15 September 2022]

(3) The acquisition of scientific qualification in higher education institutions shall take place in accordance with the Law on Scientific Activity.

(4) The Cabinet shall govern the procedures by which, upon a submission of a person, the degrees and vocational qualifications acquired in Latvia prior to the legal framework which came into force on 26 December 2000 shall be considered equal to the degrees and vocational qualifications specified in this Law and the conditions for such equalisation, and the equalisation shall be performed by the Academic Information Centre. The abovementioned equalisation of degrees and vocational qualifications shall be a paid service according to the price list of paid services provided by the Academic Information Centre. The main conditions for the equalisation of degrees and vocational qualifications shall be the duration of studies in full-time studies and the extent of rights which the degrees or vocational qualifications gave at the time when the laws and regulations regulating higher education provided for the validity thereof.

(5) The higher education institution has the right to annul a State-recognised diploma of higher education if it determines that the awarded degree or vocational qualification or the awarded degree and vocational qualification have been acquired in violation of academic integrity specified in the regulations of the higher education institution governing academic integrity and also due to misconduct, including plagiarism. The decision of the higher education institution to revoke the awarded degree or vocational qualification or the awarded degree and vocational qualification may be appealed to a court according to the procedures laid down in the Administrative Procedure Law. The right of the higher education institution to annul a State-recognised diploma of higher education shall not be subject to a prescriptive period.

[23 November 2000; 14 July 2011; 17 December 2014; 1 February 2018; 24 March 2022; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024 / Amendment regarding the deletion of Paragraph three shall come into force on 1 January 2027 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027. See Paragraph 108 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 59.¹ Diploma Register

(1) Information on all higher education diplomas which are issued by higher education institutions, colleges, and branches of foreign higher education institutions registered in the Register of Educational Institutions shall be recorded in the Diploma Register. The Diploma Register shall be organised by an official authorised for this by the higher education institution or college. The Diploma Register shall be organised electronically.

(2) The following information shall be recorded in the Diploma Register regarding a diploma:

1) name of the diploma;

2) diploma number;

3) the given name and surname of the person to whom the diploma is issued;

4) the name of the higher education institution, college and branch of the foreign higher education institution which issued the diploma;

5) the date of issue of the diploma;

6) the name and number of the annulled diploma, the given name and surname of the holder of the annulled diploma, and the higher education institution which has taken the decision to annul the diploma.

(3) The higher education institutions, colleges and branch of the foreign higher education institutions shall submit the information referred to in Paragraph two of this Section electronically to the Diploma Register two times a year (in March and September) regarding the higher education diplomas issued in the previous half-year.

(4) The Diploma Register data shall be accessible only in the cases specified in laws and regulations.

[2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024]

Section 59.² Studies Outside Study Programmes

(1) A person has the right to register at a higher education institution for the acquisition of an individual study module or study course. The procedures for registration shall be determined by the relevant higher education institution.

(2) A person who has registered at a higher education institution for the acquisition of an individual study module or study course shall be a listener of the relevant higher education institution.

(3) A certificate shall be issued to a listener of a study module or study course acquired at a higher education institution which shall contain information on the recipient thereof, shall indicate the name of the higher education institution, the name of the study course or study module and the amount in credit points, the given name, surname and qualification of the lecturer of the study course or study module, the amount of work performed and an evaluation of the learning outcomes. The higher education institution shall manage the register of issued certificates.

(4) A listener has the right to accumulate the amount of study work confirmed by certificates and, if he or she has an adequate previous education, to request that the higher education institution evaluates the compliance of the work amount with the study programmes or phases thereof, granting the relevant credit points for it.

(5) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures and criteria for recognising the learning outcomes achieved in previous education.

[14 July 2011; 16 November 2017; 15 September 2022]

Section 59.³ Recognising the Knowledge, Skills, and Competences Acquired Outside Formal Education or Obtained by Professional Experience

(1) A higher education institution shall assess the knowledge, skills, and competences of a person acquired outside formal education or obtained by professional experience and, if they comply with the learning outcomes to be achieved in the relevant study programme, recognise them, and shall also grant the relevant credit points. A decision to recognise such knowledge, skills, and competences acquired outside formal education or obtained by professional experience shall be taken within four months from the day of receipt of the submission of the person.

(2) The procedures and criteria for the recognition of knowledge, skills, and competences acquired outside formal education or obtained by professional experience shall be determined by the Cabinet. An individual decision shall be taken in order to recognise the obtained knowledge, skills, and competences or to refuse to recognise them. The decision and the documents justifying it shall be appended to the file of the relevant person. The decision taken by the higher education institution may be contested to its rector.

[16 November 2017; 15 September 2022]

Section 59.⁴ Joint Doctoral Studies

(1) An accredited higher education institution has the right to implement joint doctoral studies jointly with a recognised foreign higher education institution (hereinafter - the foreign higher education institution) which entails a doctoral student being concurrently admitted to a doctoral study programme implemented by the foreign higher education institution according to its admission requirements and joint supervision of one doctoral thesis or one doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work. The higher education institution shall conclude a written agreement (hereinafter - the agreement on joint doctoral studies) on joint implementation of doctoral studies with the doctoral student and foreign higher education institution on the basis of the application of the doctoral student.

(2) The doctoral student has the right to acquire the doctoral study programme of the higher education institution within the framework of joint doctoral studies whereby he or she shall, under the supervision of the supervisor of the doctoral thesis or doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work of the higher education institution and the supervisor of the doctoral thesis or doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work of the foreign higher education institution and, if necessary, in accordance with the procedures specified by the higher education institution, with participation of a co-supervisor, develop one doctoral thesis or one doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work which he or she shall defend either in the higher education institution or foreign higher education institution or in the higher education institution and foreign higher education in accordance with the requirements and procedures for joint supervision of a doctoral thesis or doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work pursuant to the concluded agreement on joint doctoral studies.

(3) The agreement on joint doctoral studies shall include provisions regarding the acquisition of both doctoral study programmes and the learning outcomes to be achieved, the time period in which the doctoral student pursues the study programmes in the higher education institution and foreign higher education institution, the development, joint supervision, and also defence of one doctoral thesis or one doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work, including the language of the doctoral thesis or doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work, the awarding of the doctoral degree, the procedures for establishing the Doctor of Philosophy conferral council or State examination commission and the composition thereof, the issuing of the doctoral diploma of the awarded doctoral degree, and also other provisions.

(4) If the doctoral student has successfully defended one doctoral thesis or one doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work according to the provisions of the agreement on joint doctoral studies, the higher education institution and foreign higher education institution shall award either one joint doctoral degree or a separate degree of the higher education institution or foreign higher education institution (double doctoral degree) and issue a joint doctoral diploma or a separate doctoral diploma of the higher education institution and foreign higher education institution (double doctoral diploma) to the holder of the doctoral degree. The agreement on joint doctoral studies shall specify the information to be included in the joint doctoral diploma or double doctoral diploma, including that the doctoral degree has been awarded within the framework of joint doctoral studies, and also the higher education institutions which have awarded the corresponding doctoral degree.

[14 March 2024]

Chapter VII
Research

[14 March 2024]

Section 60. Aim and Subject-matter of Research

(1) Research shall be an integral part of the activities of each higher education institution and the entire academic staff of a higher education institution shall take part therein in accordance with Section 26 of this Law. The aim thereof shall be the acquiring of scientific findings, the scientific justification and further development of training and studies, the solving of tasks of practical importance with the help of scientific methods.

(2) Research activity in a higher education institution shall take place in accordance with the Law on Scientific Activity.

[14 July 2011; 14 March 2024]

Section 61. Coordination of Research Work

(1) The supervisors of scientific work shall independently determine the themes of their research work within the framework of the financing of a higher education institution in accordance with the resources allocated for research work. A higher education institution shall coordinate the common plans and the most important aspects of research.

(2) Higher education institutions shall coordinate the directions of research, evaluate the significance and scientific level of research and take decisions on the financing thereof in mutual cooperation, as well as in cooperation with the relevant scientific institutions, the Latvian Council of Science and other concerned institutions.

(3) A higher education institution and State authorities shall influence the directions of research by allocating financing for particular research in which the State and society is interested. Research may also be conducted with the funds of other persons.

[14 March 2024]

Section 62. Publishing of the Results of Research

(1) The academic staff of a higher education institution has a duty to publish the results of their research.

(2) A higher education institution shall regularly publish summarising informative materials regarding conducted research, indicating the specific structural units and authors of the research. These materials shall be regularly published on the website of the higher education institution in the official language and may be published in other official languages of the European Union.

[14 July 2011; 24 March 2022]

Section 63. Awarding the Doctor of Philosophy

(1) The Doctor of Philosophy conferral council of higher education institutions shall award the Doctor of Philosophy after acquisition of an accredited academic doctoral study programme and defence of the doctoral thesis.

(2) The procedures for awarding the doctoral degree, and also all other matters related to scientific activity other than governed by this Law shall be governed by the Law on Scientific Activity.

[1 February 2018; 8 June 2021; 24 March 2022]

Chapter VII.¹
Artistic Creation

[1 February 2018]

Section 63.¹ Objective and Tasks of Artistic Creation

(1) Artistic creation shall be implemented in the following academic and vocational art study programmes: music and stage art, visual plastic art, audio-visual art and media art, design, crafts, applied art, and creative industries. The process of art studies shall include creative activity which is based on artistic creation.

(2) The objective of artistic creation shall be to ensure the acquisition of skills for the creation of highly valued works of art and develop practical skills for the implementation of unique artistic ideas within the framework of art study programmes.

(3) The task of artistic creation shall be to ensure and develop the unity of study, research, and artistic creation work, to promote excellence and quality, competitiveness and export capacity in music and stage art, visual plastic art, audio-visual art and media art, design, crafts, applied art, and creative industries within the framework of art study programmes.

[1 February2018]

Section 63.² Management of Artistic Creation Work

(1) A higher education institution shall manage artistic creation work and ensure planning, implementation, and development thereof. A senate of the higher education institution shall determine a direction and scope of the artistic creation work.

(2) Upon cooperation both amongst themselves and with culture authorities, culture education institutions, local governments, and other interested authorities, higher education institutions shall coordinate directions of artistic creation work, assess significance, artistic level thereof and decide on financing for such work.

(3) A higher education institution, State authorities, and other interested authorities shall promote and support artistic creation work by granting financing, and also attracting other sources of financing thereto.

[1 February2018]

Section 63.³ Publishing of Results of an Artistic Creation Work

(1) A higher education institution has an obligation to inform the public on the results of an artistic creation work.

(2) A higher education institution shall regularly publish compiled informative materials on the artistic creation projects carried out, indicating the authors of these projects and the implementers thereof, on the website of the higher education institution in the official language, and also they may be published in other official languages of the European Union.

[1 February 2018; 24 March 2022]

Section 63.⁴ Awarding Doctor of Arts

(1) A Doctor of Arts shall be awarded by a State examination commission after the acquisition of the accredited vocational doctoral study programme in arts and development and defence of doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work. The procedures for the establishment of the State examination commission and composition thereof shall be approved by the senate of the higher education institution.

(2) The main objectives and tasks of the vocational doctoral study programme in arts, main content of the study programme, basic principles for the evaluation of the acquired education, and also the procedures for awarding a Doctor of Arts shall be determined by the Cabinet.

[1 February2018]

Chapter VIII
Cooperation of a Higher Education Institution with State and Public Institutions

Section 64. Council of Rectors

(1) For the coordination of cooperation and the organisation of the necessary common activities, higher education institutions shall form a collegial consultative council of higher education institutions - a Council of Rectors in which the rectors of all accredited State higher education institutions are included.

(2) The Council of Rectors shall:

1) formulate proposals for the Minister for Education and Science regarding the development of higher education;

2) discuss issues regarding the establishment of common study programmes, the use of the academic staff and material base;

3) prepare proposals and opinions regarding draft laws and other laws and regulations in the field of higher education;

4) recommend experts for the accreditation of higher education institutions and particular study fields;

5) formulate proposals for the accreditation of higher education institutions based on the results of an expert-examination;

6) prepare proposals regarding the distribution of funds of the State budget to higher education institutions;

7) represent the higher education institutions of the Republic of Latvia in foreign countries;

8) solve other issues related to the activities of higher education institutions within the scope of their competence.

(3) The procedures for the operation and competence of the Council of Rectors shall be prescribed by the by-law of the Council of Rectors. The Cabinet shall approve the by-law of the Council of Rectors.

[2 March 2006; 14 July 2011 / See Paragraph 31 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 64.¹ Colleges Association of Latvia

[15 September 2022]

Section 64.² Student Union of Latvia

(1) For the representation of students and the expression of viewpoints, the student self-governance bodies of higher education institutions shall establish the Student Union of Latvia. The Student Union of Latvia is a collegial union of student self-governance bodies in which the representatives of student self-governance bodies of all accredited higher education institutions are included.

(2) The Student Union of Latvia shall:

1) provide opinions regarding draft laws and regulations that have an impact on the interests of students;

2) nominate student representatives to the Council of Higher Education and other institutions according to the procedures specified in laws and regulations;

3) ensure the representation of Latvian student self-governance bodies abroad;

4) within the scope of its competence, resolve other issues associated with the representation of student interests.

(3) The Student Union of Latvia has the right to receive information from State and local government institutions and to participate in activities, which have an impact on studies, and the rights or interests of students.

[2 March 2006]

Chapter IX
Council of Higher Education

Section 65. Status of the Council of Higher Education

(1) [23 November 2000]

(2) The Council of Higher Education shall have the status of a legal person. It shall have its own balance and an account in a bank. The Council of Higher Education shall have a seal with the name thereof.

[23 November 2000]

Section 66. Procedures for the Establishment of the Council of Higher Education

(1) The Council of Higher Education, which shall consist of 13 members, shall be approved by the Saeima on the basis of a proposal of the Minister for Education and Science. The Council of Higher Education shall include one delegated representative of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, the Latvian Association of Universities, the Association of Higher Education Institutions in Arts, the Latvian Association of Education Managers, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Colleges Association of Latvia, the Council of Rectors, the Latvian Association of Professors of Higher Education Institutions, the Employers' Confederation of Latvia, the Latvian Trade Union of Education and Science Employees, a representative of the Student Union of Latvia, and also a delegated representative of higher education institutions founded by local governments and other legal persons and natural persons. In accordance with the office held (ex officio), the Minister for Education and Science shall represent the Council of Higher Education as a member thereof in government meetings. Representatives of the Latvian Lawyers Association, the Latvian Medical Association and other professional organisations may participate in the operations of the Council of Higher Education in the capacity of an advisor in the examination of matters which are related to matters within the competence of these organisations.

(2) The Saeima may reject the nominations of members of the Council of Higher Education by submitting justified objections of the members of parliament (factions).

(3) The bodies referred to in Paragraph one of this Section have the right to recall a member of the Council of Higher Education by submitting a justified recall notice to the Saeima.

(4) The chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Council of Higher Education shall be elected by secret ballot by the Council within 14 days after the termination of the term of office of the previous chairperson and vice-chairperson.

(5) A representative of the Higher Education, Science and Innovations Department of the Ministry of Education and Science shall participate in the meetings of the Council of Higher Education as an independent advisor.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 21 June 2018; 8 June 2021]

Section 67. Members of the Council of Higher Education

(1) The members of the Council of Higher Education shall receive remuneration on the basis of an employment contract.

(2) The members of the Council of Higher Education shall be public officials.

(3) A person who has been punished for an intentional crime may not become a member of the Council of Higher Education if this person has not been exonerated or the criminal record has not been extinguished or set aside.

[18 October 2018]

Section 68. Term of Office of Members of the Council of Higher Education

The term of office of members of the Council of Higher Education shall be four years. The term of office of a student representative shall be two years. The Minister for Education and Science shall submit the nominations of members of the Council of Higher Education to the Saeima for approval not later than one month prior to the termination of the term of office of members of the Council of Higher Education.

[23 November 2000]

Section 69. Decisions of the Council of Higher Education

(1) All decisions taken by the Council of Higher Education shall be available to all interested persons.

(2) The Council of Higher Education has the right to take decisions which are related to higher education only in cases prescribed by this Law. In accordance with this Law, the decisions taken by the Council of Higher Education shall be binding on higher education institutions.

[23 November 2000]

Section 70. Basic Tasks, Competence and Functions of the Council of Higher Education

The Council of Higher Education shall:

1) formulate a national concept for the development of higher education and higher education institutions, making provisions for the development of higher education institutions founded by the State, other legal persons and natural persons, and promote the equal and balanced development of higher education institutions of all types and higher academic and higher vocational education;

2) formulate long-term plans and proposals for the development of education and science in the system of higher education;

3) formulate proposals for the improvement of the quality of the scientific work of higher education institutions, staff qualification and study programmes;

4) forecast the number of students in the State as a whole necessary for the development of the State and formulate proposals for the number of students financed from the State budget in each branch;

5) formulate proposals for changes in the structure of higher education institutions in the State;

6) formulate proposals regarding the number of professors in higher education institutions and recommendations in other issues related to higher education;

7) formulate proposals for the improvement of higher education and the study fee;

8) provide an opinion to the Minister for Education and Science and the Cabinet regarding the draft State budget for the financing of higher education institutions;

9) take a decision on the accreditation of higher education institutions as a whole and submit it for approval to the Ministry of Education and Science;

10) [23 November 2000];

11) maintain relations with the institutions of other countries which deal with issues of higher education.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006]

Section 71. Rights of the Council of Higher Education

The Council of Higher Education has the right to:

1) become acquainted with the assessment and accreditation materials of any study field of a higher education institution;

2) request extraordinary accreditation for any higher education institution or a study field thereof;

3) request from higher education institutions and State authorities the information necessary for the performance of the activities thereof.

[14 July 2011 / See Paragraph 31 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 72. Organisation of the Operation of the Council of Higher Education

(1) The operation of the Council of Higher Education shall be regulated by a by-law.

(2) Meetings of the Council of Higher Education shall take place as appropriate. Extraordinary meetings shall be convened within three days if they are requested by at least three members of the Council of Higher Education.

(3) The secretariat shall provide information on the agenda of a meeting of the Council of Higher Education and the decisions taken therein in the official gazette Latvijas Vēstnesis and in the mass media. Transcripts of decisions shall be sent to higher education institutions and other institutions to which these decisions apply.

[24 March 2022]

Section 73. Financing of the Council of Higher Education

(1) The Council of Higher Education shall be financed from the State budget.

(2) The Council of Higher Education shall, once a year, publish a report on its financial activity.

(3) A paid secretariat shall be established for ensuring the activities of the Council of Higher Education.

[8 June 2021]

Section 74. Chairperson of the Council of Higher Education

(1) The Chairperson of the Council of Higher Education shall not concurrently hold another managerial position.

(2)The Chairperson of the Council of Higher Education shall be responsible for the operation of the Council of Higher Education and the fulfilment of the functions thereof.

(3) The Chairperson of the Council of Higher Education shall:

1) represent the Council of Higher Education in State authorities as well as in relations with natural persons and legal persons in Latvia and abroad, participate in Cabinet meetings in the capacity of an advisor in the examination of issues within the competence of the Council;

2) handle the finances of the Council of Higher Education;

3) hire and dismiss from work the employees of the secretariat of the Council of Higher Education;

4) enter into agreements with natural persons and legal persons for ensuring the operation of the Council of Higher Education.

(4) The remuneration of the Chairperson of the Council of Higher Education shall be determined in accordance with the Law on Remuneration of Officials and Employees of State and Local Government Authorities.

[2 March 2006; 1 December 2009; 18 October 2018]

Section 75. Information to be Submitted to the Ministry of Education and Science on the Activity of a Higher Education Institution

(1) A higher education institution shall submit the following information to the Ministry of Education and Science on its activity:

1) information which is necessary in the accreditation process of the higher education institution in order to assess its conformity with the type of a higher education institution determined by the founder;

2) information on the performance of such tasks determined for a State higher education institution which are provided for by the cooperation and financing agreement entered into by the State higher education institution and its founder;

3) information on the implementation of the strategic specialisation of the higher education institution during the introduction period of the development strategy of the higher education institution;

4) other information which is necessary for solving the matters within the competence of the Ministry of Education and Science, including for monitoring the quality of education and for planning the development funding.

(2) The amount of the information to be submitted to the Ministry of Education and Science, the time periods and procedures for the submission thereof, and also the amount of the information to be made public and the procedures for publishing thereof shall be determined by the Cabinet.

[24 March 2022]

Chapter X
Property, Budget and Economic Activity of Higher Education Institutions

Section 76. Property of State Higher Education Institutions

(1) The property of a higher education institution which is a derived public entity may be movable property, immovable property, and intellectual property, and also funds in Latvia and abroad in conformity with laws and regulations.

(2) The property of a State higher education institution which is a derived public entity shall be comprised of:

1) movable property and immovable property which has been gifted to it, which it has inherited or also which it has purchased for its own funds;

2) property purchased with State budget funds. Immovable property shall be recorded in the Land Register as property of the higher education institution;

3) the intellectual property thereof;

4) immovable property which has been handed over thereto without remuneration by another derived public entity or the State;

5) movable property which has been handed over thereto without remuneration by another derived public entity or the State.

(3) A State higher education institution which is a derived public entity has the right to make use of its property for achieving the aims indicated in the constitution thereof. Such property shall be managed separately from the State property or that of other derived public entity handed over to it in possession.

(4) A decision-making body laid down in the constitution of a State higher education institution which is a derived public person has the right to propose alienation of the immovable property which has been handed over to it without remuneration by the State in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Law on the Alienation of Public Person's Property in accordance with the plan for the development of immovable property of the State higher education institution.

[16 June 2016]

Section 76.¹ Plan for the Development of Immovable Property of the State Higher Education Institution

(1) A State higher education institution which is a derived public entity shall develop a plan for the development of immovable property of the State higher education institution (hereinafter - the plan for the development of immovable property) in which the use of the immovable property of the State higher education institution, and also the immovable property in the possession or use thereof, shall be determined in accordance with the development strategy of the higher education institution in conformity with the functions necessary for the provision of basic activity of the higher education institution laid down in the constitution thereof.

(2) The time period of validity of the plan for the development of immovable property shall be five years.

(3) The plan for the development of immovable property shall be approved by a decision making body laid down in the constitution of the higher education institution. If the plan for the development of immovable property provides for alienation of the immovable property which has been handed over to the higher education institution without remuneration by the State, the plan for the development of immovable property shall be submitted for the examination to the Cabinet. The Cabinet shall approve the action with the immovable property which has been handed over to the higher education institution without remuneration by the State laid down in the plan for the development of immovable property.

(4) If a higher education institution plans to propose alienation of the immovable property which has been handed over to it without remuneration by the State, the need of the public entity or institutions thereof for the relevant immovable property shall be found out within the framework of drawing up the plan for the development of immovable property.

(5) The Cabinet shall determine the content of the plan for the development of immovable property, the procedures for the drawing up, updating and invalidity thereof, and also the procedures for finding out the need of the public entity or institutions thereof for the immovable property which has been handed over to the higher education institution without remuneration by the State intended for the alienation and included in the plan for the development of immovable property.

[16 June 2016]

Section 77. Financial Resources of Higher Education Institutions

(1) Higher education institutions shall be financed by the founders thereof. The founder of a higher education institution shall provide financial resources and the control of the utilisation thereof for the continuous operation of the higher education institution, and also for the fulfilling of the tasks determined by the founder. Financing of State higher education institutions (except for the National Defence Academy of Latvia) shall take place according to the development strategies approved thereby, entering into a medium-term contract (for at least three years) among the relevant higher education institution, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the sectoral ministry (if applicable) regarding mutual obligations, the tasks to be carried out, and the amount of financing throughout the period of operation of the contract. The structure of the financial resources of a State higher education institution shall be determined by the council of the higher education institution. The rector shall submit an annual report on the implementation of the budget of the State higher education institution to the council of the higher education institution, the Minister for Education and Science, and the minister of the relevant sector or the founder of the higher education institution, and publish it on the website of the higher education institution.

(2) A higher education institution shall transfer the financial resources which natural persons and legal persons assign for the financing of separate target programmes and measures directly to that structural unit, natural person or legal person which implements such programme or measure.

(3) The financial resources of separate structural units of a higher education institution shall be included in the budget of the higher education institution as an independent part.

(4) A higher education institution shall open a special budget account if it has received a donation or gift with or without the aim indicated.

[27 December 1996; 23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 18 October 2018; 8 June 2021]

Section 78. State Financing

(1) State founded higher education institutions shall receive the following financing:

1) from the State budget - financial reference amount which complies with the optimal list of study programmes and the number of students and which includes resources for the payments of utilities, taxes, the maintenance of infrastructure, the purchase of inventory and equipment, research work or artistic creation work and the salaries of the staff;

1¹) from the State budget - financing for scholarships pursuant to Section 52, Paragraphs three and 3.¹ of this Law in accordance with the procedures determined by the Cabinet;

1²) [Clause shall come into force on 1 August 2024 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 August 2024. See Paragraph 106 of Transitional Provisions]

2) from the study fee which is covered by the State or which is received in the form of repayable and non-repayable credits in accordance with the Cabinet regulations regarding the crediting of studies;

3) from resources which are anticipated for the implementation of definite goals.

(1¹) [Paragraph shall come into force on 1 August 2024 and shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 August 2024. See Paragraph 106 of Transitional Provisions]

(2) The State shall provide higher education institutions financially and materially to such an extent which guarantees the reproduction of the potential of higher education and science therein and promotes the raising of the level of culture and education in Latvia.

(2¹) Provision of data by State founded higher education institutions to the Register of Students and Graduates in accordance with Section 46.¹, Paragraph two of this Law shall be financed from the State budget in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet.

(3) State founded higher education institutions may receive additional financing from other sources of science financing.

(4) The Ministry of Education and Science, other ministries and State authorities may enter into agreements with State-accredited higher education institutions founded by other legal persons and natural persons for the preparation of specific specialists or the conducting of research, allocating the respective State financing. Any State authority and private structure may enter into agreements independently with higher education institutions for the preparation of specific specialists or the conducting of research, paying for it from resources which are at the disposal thereof, if this does not contradict with the legislation in force.

(5) As taxpayers, higher education institutions shall be equated to foundations, and they have the right to receive tax relief in accordance with the legislation in force.

(6) Higher education institutions shall be released from customs duties and fees, and also from taxes for the import of reconstruction materials and equipment.

(7) [Recognised as invalid by the Constitutional Court judgement of 29 October 2020]

[27 December 1996; 23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 23 November 2016; Constitutional Court Judgment of 29 October 2020; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024 / See Paragraph 106 of Transitional Provisions]

Section 79. Study and Student Crediting

(1) Students in accredited and licenced study programmes have the right to apply for:

1) study loan - a loan from the funds of credit institutions which is guaranteed by the State budget, European Union funds, or international financial institutions in order to cover the study fee;

2) student loan - a loan from the funds of credit institutions which is guaranteed by the State budget, European Union funds, or international financial institutions in order to ensure the social needs of students.

(2) The procedures for granting and repaying study and student loans from the funds of credit institutions which are guaranteed by the State budget, European Union funds, or international financial institutions shall be determined by the Cabinet.

[14 November 2019]

Section 80. Economic Activities of Higher Education Institutions

(1) In fulfilling the tasks thereof, a higher education institution has the right to perform the following activities in Latvia and foreign countries:

1) to open departments, branches and representative offices;

2) to enter into agreements with natural persons and legal persons, and also to perform other legal activities in accordance with this Law and other laws;

3) to announce competitions, purchase and sell movable and immovable property, different goods and securities in accordance with the legislation in force and pursuant to the aims of the activities of the higher education institution;

4) to engage in economic activities pursuant to the profile of the higher education institution, the income from which shall be transferred into the budget of the higher education institution for the development thereof, and also to invest the obtained resources in other undertakings in accordance with the aims of the higher education institution.

(2) An independent sworn auditor shall examine the compliance of financial and economic activities of a higher education institution with laws and regulations each year. A written opinion prepared by the sworn auditor regarding the financial and economic activity of a State founded higher education institution or a report by the sworn auditor regarding the use of State budget funds by a higher education institution which has received funds from the State budget shall be submitted to the Ministry of Education and Science and to the ministry to which the relevant higher education institution is subordinated.

[23 November 2000; 2 March 2006; 14 July 2011]

Section 80.¹ Statements on the Activity of a Higher Education Institution

A higher education institution shall, each year, prepare a publicly available annual statement on its activity. A statement on the annual financial results (revenues and expenditures) approved by the council of the higher education institution shall be included in the annual statement of the higher education institution. The Cabinet shall determine the procedures by and the time period in which the higher education institutions shall prepare and publish the annual statement, and also the information to be included in the public statement.

[8 June 2021; 15 September 2022]

Chapter XI
International Cooperation of Higher Education Institutions

Section 81. International Cooperation

(1) The Government of the Republic of Latvia and higher education institutions themselves shall promote the international cooperation of higher education institutions, inter-state exchange programmes of students and academic staff, exchange programmes between higher education institutions and international cooperation programmes of higher education institutions for research.

(2) In determining the amount of financing of a higher education institution in the State budget, the participation of each higher education institution in European international cooperation programmes shall be taken into account. If international cooperation programmes of higher education institutions finance part of the study tasks or the work tasks of research of a higher education institution, the financing of a higher education institution from the State budget shall not be reduced.

(3) The agreements of the government on issues related to any higher education institution shall be binding on such institution. When drafting such an agreement, the implementing provisions of the agreement shall be coordinated with the higher education institution.

[14 March 2024]

Section 82. Studies Abroad

(1) Latvian citizens and persons who have the right to a non-citizen passport issued by the Republic of Latvia, and also persons who have been issued with a permanent residence permit may enter and study in higher education institutions outside Latvia in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet. Students studying abroad may be granted scholarships which are determined by the Cabinet. Students studying abroad have the right to apply for the study loans and student loans referred to in Section 79 of this Law. The procedures for granting and repaying study and student loans for studies abroad shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(2) [19 April 2007]

[3 June 2004; 19 April 2007; 14 November 2019]

Section 83. Studies by Foreigners in Latvia

(1) Foreigners who are not referred to in Section 45, Paragraph two of this Law may be admitted to Latvian higher education institutions as full-time students in accordance with the Education Law and this Law based on the general provisions. If other procedures are not prescribed in international agreements, foreigners may be admitted to Latvian higher education institutions in compliance with the following provisions:

1) the secondary education documents of foreigners shall be in conformity with the standards of Latvia. The secondary education documents of foreigners shall be checked in accordance with the procedures laid down in Section 85 of this Law;

2) the knowledge of foreigners shall correspond to the admission regulations of the relevant higher education institution;

3) foreigners shall have sufficient knowledge of the languages in which studies take place;

4) foreigners shall pay the study fees to a higher education institution in accordance with the agreement which the higher education institution has entered into with them, however it may not be smaller than the study costs;

5) [14 July 2011].

(2) Foreigners who have not been issued with a permanent residence permit may acquire a part of a study programme in Latvian higher education institutions in accordance with international exchange agreements (between higher education institutions) or within the framework of international cooperation programmes of higher education institutions in accordance with the admission regulations. If the studies of foreigners in Latvia take place within the framework of international exchange programmes and an equivalent number of students from Latvian higher education institutions study abroad, the studies of foreigners in Latvia shall be financed from the funds of the State budget of the Republic of Latvia assigned to a higher education institution.

(3) Persons who acquired a secondary education abroad may be admitted to Latvian higher education institutions in compliance with Paragraph one, Clauses 1 and 2 of this Section.

[2 March 2006; 14 July 2011; 15 September 2022]

Section 83.¹ Scholarships for Foreigners

In accordance with the entered into international agreements and funds granted from the State budget, the authority specified in laws and regulations may allocate funds to a higher education institution for ensuring a scholarship for the studies of a foreigner. The covering of other expenditure related to the maintenance of a foreigner shall also be included in the scholarship. The Cabinet shall regulate the conditions for allocating and the procedures for administrating scholarships, and also the criteria by which a foreigner may apply for a scholarship.

[14 July 2011; 15 September 2022]

Section 84. Recognition of Part of the Higher Education Acquired Abroad

Recognition of part of the higher education acquired abroad shall be performed by that higher education institution in which the student continues his or her education. The higher education institution shall determine:

1) to which study programme the part of higher education acquired abroad corresponds;

2) in what way the student may continue his or her studies in the relevant study programme;

3) if necessary - what additional requirements shall be met in order to continue studies in the relevant study programme in Latvia.

Section 85. Recognition in Latvia of Education Documents Issued in Foreign Countries

(1) The recognition of education documents acquired in foreign countries in compliance with the provisions of the Education Law shall be performed by the Academic Information Centre or a higher education institution which has obtained the right to perform expert-examination of the abovementioned documents.

(2) The Cabinet shall determine the procedures by which a higher education institution is granted the right to perform expert-examination of education documents acquired in foreign countries.

[14 July 2022]

Section 86. Operation of Foreign Higher Education Institutions in Latvia

(1) Foreign higher education institutions may open branches and representative offices in Latvia if the relevant higher education institution is accredited (nationally recognised) in the state thereof.

(2) Branches of foreign higher education institutions in Latvia shall operate in observance of the provisions of this Law and other laws and regulations. Studies in a branch of foreign higher education institution shall take place in study programmes which are accredited in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Law.

(3) Diplomas awarded by branches of foreign higher education institutions shall be recognised in Latvia in observance of the provisions of Section 85 of this Law and in accordance with the Lisbon Convention and the documents of the European Council, European Union and UNESCO in the field of transnational education.

(4) Consent of the Cabinet shall be obtained for opening and operation of a representative office of a foreign higher education institution in accordance with the procedures stipulated by the Cabinet.

(5) The representative office of a foreign higher education institution may perform only the following activities in Latvia:

1) advertising of the foreign higher education institution;

2) dissemination of information and teaching aids;

3) transferral of documentation to the relevant foreign higher education institution and the receiving of documentation therefrom.

[23 November 2000; 18 October 2018]

Section 87. Academic Staff Register

(1) Data on the persons who hold academic positions in higher education institutions and on the persons who are employed as visiting professors, visiting associate professors, visiting docents, visiting lecturers, visiting assistants, senior visiting researchers, and visiting researchers shall be included in the Academic Staff Register. The Academic Staff Register is a part of the State Education Information System.

(2) The data to be included in the Academic Staff Register on the persons referred to in Paragraph one of this Section, and also the procedures and time periods for data entry and supplementation shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(3) Higher education institutions shall provide the data to be included in the Academic Staff Register on the persons referred to in Paragraph one of this Section electronically in online data transmission mode. The rector of a higher education institution shall be responsible for the accuracy, topicality of data provided to the Register and the conformity thereof with reality.

(4) The data included in the Academic Staff Register shall be available to the public on the website if their availability is not restricted in the laws and regulations governing personal data protection.

[24 March 2022; 15 September 2022]

Chapter XII
Integration of Higher Education Institutions and Scientific Institutions

[23 November 2000]

Transitional Provisions

1. Higher education institutions shall coordinate the constitutions thereof with the requirements of the Law on Higher Education Institutions and submit them to the Ministry of Education and Science by 1 October 2001. In a case of non-compliance with this requirement, the provisions of Section 10, Paragraph four or Section 11 of the Law on Higher Education Institutions shall be applied.

[23 November 2000]

2. Within three months after the approval of the constitution of higher education institution in the Saeima or the Cabinet, higher education institutions shall coordinate all the legal acts thereof (by-laws, regulations, rules of procedure, etc.) with the constitutions thereof and this Law.

[23 November 2000]

3. The terms of office of all elected positions and bodies shall not be changed if they do not exceed six years beginning with the day of the election.

4. Higher education institutions whose constitutions have been approved by 2 December 1995 shall be equated to accredited higher education institutions until accreditation, but not later than by 17 November 2001, and they have the right to issue an education document in accordance with the provisions of Section 7, Paragraph three of this Law, and also to participate in the work of the Council of Rectors.

[23 November 2000]

5. The Council of Higher Education shall, in cooperation with the Latvian Council of Science and the Academy of Science, formulate proposals to the Minister for Education and Science regarding the list of staff positions for professors and the schedule for the announcement of the competition within one year after the coming into force of this Law.

6. The Minister for Education and Science shall submit to the Saeima the candidatures for the personnel of the Council of Higher Education not later than within two months after the coming into force of the amendments to Section 66, Paragraph one of this Law (regarding the proposal to approve 12 members of the Council of Higher Education in the Saeima).

[23 November 2000]

7. Within three months, the Council of Higher Education shall formulate and submit to the Cabinet for approval a reform programme for universities, prescribing therein the consecutive integration of higher education and science (founding of scientific research institutes or inclusion of the existing institutes in the primary study and research disciplines), in-service training of academic staff, attraction of the new generation of scientists, new procedures for financing and work remuneration.

8. The Cabinet shall provide annual additional financial resources for the implementation of university reform.

[2 March 2006]

9. Within two months from the day of the coming into force of this Law, the Cabinet shall accept provisions for the licensing and accreditation of higher education institutions which comply with the requirements of this Law.

10. Licensed higher education institutions shall have to renew their licence within six months from the day of the coming into force of this Law.

11. The Cabinet shall, by 1 December 2014, issue the regulations referred to in Section 7, Paragraph 2.¹, Clause 1 of this Law and by 1 June 2015 approve the constitution of the National Defence Academy of Latvia. The National Defence Academy of Latvia shall submit the constitution for the coordination to the Minister for the Education and Science by 1 April 2015.

[16 October 2014]

11.¹ In relation to the colleges existing within the system of the Ministry of the Interior, the Cabinet is entitled to specify other procedures regarding issues of the representation of such colleges (Section 10.¹), the admission of students (Section 45) and the approval of study programmes (Section 55) if it is required by the professional specificity of such educational institutions.

[2 March 2006]

12. Enrolment in study programmes based on the results of centralised examinations (Section 46, Paragraph three) shall be initiated in the year 2004.

[23 November 2000]

13. Higher education institutions shall announce admissions requirements by 1 April 2001 in those study programmes which are already implemented on the day of the coming into force of this provision and in which admission is also planned in the period up to the year 2004.

[23 November 2000]

14. Section 55, Paragraph two of this Law regarding the number of full-time students in study programmes of academic education shall not relate to those study programmes which are already being implemented on the day of the coming into force of this provision - until the moment when the relevant study programme is to be accredited in accordance with the requirements of this Law.

[23 November 2000]

15. Section 55, Paragraph six of this Law regarding the licensing of every study programme shall not relate to those study programmes which are already being implemented on the day of the coming into force of this provision. These study programmes shall be regarded as licensed study programmes.

[23 November 2000]

16. Doctor Habilitus have the rights of a doctor of the relevant field.

[23 November 2000]

17. By 1 November 2004, the Cabinet shall determine the mandatory provisions to be included in the study agreement (Section 46, Paragraph two), the procedures for the drawing up and updating of the personal file of a student (Section 46, Paragraph eight), the procedures for the initiation of studies in further stages of studies (Section 47, Paragraph three) and the procedures for the registration of persons studying outside of Latvia (Section 82, Paragraph two).

[3 June 2004]

18. Higher education institutions shall coordinate the constitutions thereof with the requirements of Section 13, Paragraph three and Section 15, Paragraph four of this Law about the changes of the proportion of students in the constitutional assembly and the senate of a higher education institution and submit them for approval to the Ministry of Education and Science by 10 June 2005. The Constitutional Assemblies and senates of higher education institutions, which have been elected by 10 June 2004, shall continue to operate until the termination of the term of office of the relevant constitutional assembly or senate, preserving the proportion of students determined in the constitution of the higher education institution.

[3 June 2004]

19. A higher education institution shall ensure the conformity of the constitution thereof to the requirements specified in the Law on Higher Education Institutions and by 1 September 2006 shall submit the constitution to the Ministry of Education and Science. A State founded higher education institution shall become a derived public entity after the approval of the constitution by the Saeima. Up to the approval of its constitution by the Saeima, the higher education institution shall continue to operate in its current status - a State budget institution. State founded universities and higher education institutions the constitutions of which have been approved by the Saeima shall be deemed to be derived public entities. A college shall ensure the conformity of by-laws to the requirements specified in the Law on Higher Education Institutions and by 1 May 2007 shall submit the by-laws thereof to the Ministry of Education and Science. The Cabinet shall issue regulations regarding the by-law of the relevant college by 1 September 2007. Until the issuance of such Cabinet regulations, but not later than until 1 September 2007, the provisions of Section 9, Paragraph two, Clause 3 of this Law shall not apply to the relevant college.

[2 March 2006; 15 February 2007; 19 April 2007]

20. The rectors of higher education institutions after agreement with the representatives of academic staff shall, by 1 February 2006, submit to the Ministry of Education and Science the list of elected academic staff of the relevant higher education institution.

[2 March 2006]

21. The criteria specified in Section 3, Paragraph three of this Law shall come into force on 1 September 2007. Up to 31 August 2007 in Latvia there are the following universities: Daugavpils University, University of Latvia, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Riga Stradiņš University and Riga Technical University.

[2 March 2006]

22. Employment contracts which have been entered into with the academic staff of higher education institutions up to 31 August 2005 shall be in effect until the end of the time period specified in the relevant employment contract.

[2 March 2006]

23. Section 48 and Section 49, Paragraph three of this Law shall be repealed after the revocation of mandatory military service.

[2 March 2006]

24. [19 April 2007]

25. The provision of Section 3, Paragraph one of the Law on Higher Education Institutions regarding the proportion of persons with the doctoral degree in higher education institutions shall come into force on 1 July 2010.

[2 March 2006]

26. The provision included in the third sentence of Section 3, Paragraph five of this Law shall not apply to higher education institutions which up to the coming into force of this Law have been registered in the Register of Higher Education Institutions and in the names of which (as well as the names of institutes established by them) is included the word "institūts" [institute].

[2 March 2006]

27. In accordance with this Law the remuneration determined by State and local government institutions (monthly salary, bonuses, gratuities, allowances, etc.) in 2009 shall be determined in accordance with the Law on Remuneration of Officials and Employees of State and Local Government Authorities in 2009.

[12 December 2008]

28. Bonuses shall not be paid to the academic staff of higher education institutions and colleges founded by the State in 2011, but the material incentive thereof shall be performed and allowances paid in accordance with the Law on Remuneration of Officials and Employees of State and Local Government Authorities.

[23 December 2010]

29. Amendments to Section 3, Paragraph one and Paragraph three, Clause 2 of this Law providing that in higher education institutions at least 40 per cent of persons elected to academic positions shall have doctoral degrees, in academies at least 50 per cent, but in the universities, at least 65 per cent, as well as amendments to Section 55, Paragraph one, Clause 3 of this Law determining that not less than five doctors shall take part in the implementation of the doctoral study programme, of which at least three are experts in the relevant field approved by the Latvian Council of Science, shall come into force on 1 September 2013.

[14 July 2011]

30. The provision of Section 3, Paragraph seven of this Law shall come into force on 1 September 2014. From 1 September 2013, higher education institutions shall ensure that, during the preceding five years, the number of foreign visiting professors, visiting associate professors, visiting docents, visiting lecturers and visiting assistants in a higher education institution, employed in an academic position in one of the higher education institutions of the European Union states, except for Latvia, shall be at least 3 per cent, calculating from the number of the academic staff.

[14 July 2011]

31. Amendments regarding the licensing of study programmes and the accreditation of study fields shall come into force:

1) in respect of study fields for which the corresponding study programmes of higher education institutions or colleges fall within the thematic groups specified in Section 3, Paragraph one, Clauses 1, 2, and 3 of this Law - on 1 September 2012;

2) in respect of study fields for which the corresponding study programmes of higher education institutions or colleges fall within the thematic groups specified in Section 3, Paragraph one, Clauses 4, 5, and 6 of this Law - on 15 November 2012;

3) in respect of study fields for which the corresponding study programmes of higher education institutions or colleges fall within the thematic groups specified in Section 3, Paragraph one, Clauses 7 and 8 of this Law - on 31 December 2012.

[14 July 2011]

32. The authority determined by the Cabinet shall, by 30 June 2013, take a decision to accredit the study field of a higher education institution or college or a decision to refuse to accredit the relevant study field of the higher education institution or college. If a decision is taken on the refusal to accredit any study field of a higher education institution or college, the study programmes corresponding to such field, which have been accredited in accordance with the existing laws and regulations and the accreditation period of which has not expired until the day of taking the decision, shall be considered to be accredited until the expiry of the time period specified in the accreditation form of the relevant study programme. A decision to accredit the study field or a decision to refuse to accredit the relevant study field shall come into force on the day of taking thereof.

[14 July 2011; 21 February 2013; 9 May 2013]

33. The accreditation period for study programmes which are accredited until 1 August 2011 shall be extended until the moment when a decision is taken to accredit the study field of a higher education institution or college or decision to refuse to accredit the study field of the relevant higher education institution or college if the accreditation period of the study programme has expired in the abovementioned period.

[14 July 2011]

34. [16 June 2016]

35. The provision of Section 78, Paragraph seven of this Law regarding the action of the Cabinet when submitting the draft annual State budget to the Saeima shall come into force on 1 June 2013.

[14 July 2011]

36. The provision of Section 87, Paragraph four of this Law regarding the submission of information to the Academic Staff Register not later than a week after the changes, entering them into the Academic Staff Register electronically, shall come into force on 1 September 2012.

[14 July 2011]

37. In 2012, bonuses shall not be paid to the academic staff of higher education institutions and colleges founded by the State, but the material incentive thereof shall be performed and allowances paid in accordance with the Law on Remuneration of Officials and Employees of State and Local Government Authorities.

[15 December 2011]

38. In 2013, severance pay shall be disbursed to the academic staff of State founded higher education institutions and colleges in accordance with the Law on Remuneration of Officials and Employees of State and Local Government Authorities.

[15 November 2012]

39. The Cabinet shall, by 1 November 2016, issue the regulations referred to in Section 76.¹, Paragraph five of this Law.

[16 June 2016]

40. State higher education institutions which are derived public entities shall, in accordance with Section 76.¹ of this Law, draw up the plan for the development of immovable property of the State higher education institution by 1 April 2017.

[16 June 2016]

41. The Cabinet shall, not later than by 1 January 2017, make amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 788 of 17 August 2010, Content of the State Education Information System and Procedures for Maintaining and Updating Thereof, by determining the scope of the information to be submitted to the Register of Students and Graduates and the procedures for the submission of information, and also the amount of the information available for the general public and the procedures for the publishing thereof, and the amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 994 of 12 December 2006, Procedures for Financing Institutions of Higher Education and Colleges form the Funds of the State Budget, by determining the procedures for financing the provision of data of the State founded higher education institutions and colleges to the Register of Students and Graduates.

[23 November 2016]

42. If on the basis of solutions developed by the responsible institutions according to the assignment of the Cabinet until 31 May 2017 with a view to increase and equalise the requirements for the acquisition of the lawyer qualification the Cabinet takes the decision to introduce the State exam as a part of the State examination in law study programmes and determines the procedures for the course of the State exam in conformity with the requirements of Section 58, Paragraphs four, five, and six of this Law by 31 December 2017, then, upon providing the procedures for financing necessary for the course of such exam, the provisions of Section 58, Paragraph six, Clause 3 of this Law need not be applied.

[20 April 2017]

43. The Cabinet shall, by 30 June 2018, issue the regulations referred to in Section 59.², Paragraph five and Section 59.³, Paragraph two of this Law. Until the day of coming into force of Cabinet Regulation, Cabinet Regulation No. 36 of 10 January 2012, Regulations Regarding Recognition of the Study Results Achieved in Previous Education or Professional Experience, shall be applied.

[16 November 2017]

44. Submissions of persons for the recognition of learning outcomes which have been submitted by 31 December 2017 on the basis of Section 59.², Paragraph five of this Law shall be examined by taking into account the provisions of Section 59.² of this Law which were in force by 31 December 2017.

[16 November 2017]

45. By 31 January 2024, professors in the art sector may also participate in the implementation of the vocational doctoral study programme in arts.

[1 February2018]

46. The Cabinet shall, by 30 November 2018, issue Cabinet regulations referred to in Section 63.⁴, Paragraph two of this Law.

[1 February2018]

47. The Cabinet shall, by 30 November 2018, make amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 202 of 16 April 2013, Procedures for Issuing State-Recognised Documents Attesting Higher Education, and to Regulation No. 322 of 13 June 2017, Regulations Regarding Latvian Education Classification, in conformity with the amendments to Sections 3 and 59 of this Law which come into force on 1 April 2018.

[1 February2018]

48. Study fields which are to be accredited in 2019 shall be accredited in accordance with the following schedule for the accreditation of study fields:

1) the academic disciplines "Psychology", "Law", "Economics", "Information and Communication Sciences" and "Management, Administration and Management of Real Property" shall be accredited by 31 December 2021. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned academic disciplines shall be extended until the time when the decision to accredit the academic discipline or decision to refuse to accredit the academic discipline is taken, however not later than by 31 December 2021;

2) the academic disciplines "Mechanics and metal processing, heat power engineering, heat technology and mechanical engineering", "Power Industry, Electrical Engineering and Electrical Technologies", "Manufacture and Processing", "Architecture and Construction", "Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery, Veterinary Medicine and Food Hygiene", "Health Care" and "Social Welfare" shall be accredited by 31 December 2022. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned academic disciplines shall be extended until the time when the decision to accredit the academic discipline or decision to refuse to accredit the academic discipline is taken, however not later than by 31 December 2022;

3) the academic disciplines "Arts", "Religion and Theology", "History and Philosophy", "Geography and Earth Sciences", "Wildlife Sciences", "Chemistry, Chemistry Technologies and Biotechnology", "Physics, Material Science, Mathematics and Statistics", and "Information Technology, Computer Hardware, Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Management and Computer Science" shall be accredited by 31 December 2023. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned academic disciplines shall be extended until the time when the decision to accredit the academic discipline or decision to refuse to accredit the academic discipline is taken, however not later than by 31 December 2023;

4) the academic disciplines "Education, Pedagogy and Sports", "Language and Culture Studies, Mother Tongue Studies and Language Programmes", "Translation", "Sociology, Political Science and Anthropology", "Hotel and Restaurant Service, Tourism and Recreation Organisation", "Transport Services", "Environmental Protection", "Internal Security and Civil Protection" and "Military Defence" shall be accredited by 31 December 2024. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned academic disciplines shall be extended until the time when the decision to accredit the academic discipline or decision to refuse to accredit the academic discipline is taken, however not later than by 31 December 2024.

[21 June 2018; 24 April 2020; 3 June 2021]

48.¹ The study fields of higher education institutions and colleges which are to be accredited in 2021 shall be accredited in accordance with the following schedule for the accreditation of study fields:

1) the study field "Legal Science" of sabiedrība ar ierobežotu atbildību "Biznesa vadības koledža" [limited liability company College of Business Administration] shall be accredited by 22 February 2022. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned study field shall be extended until the moment when the decision to accredit the study field or decision to refuse to accredit the study field is taken, but not later than by 22 February 2022;

2) the study field "Information Technologies, Computer Hardware, Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Control, and Computer Science" of Riga Aeronautical Institute shall be accredited by 14 May 2022. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned study field shall be extended until the moment when the decision to accredit the study field or decision to refuse to accredit the study field is taken, but not later than by 14 May 2022;

3) the study field "History and Philosophy" of the Daugavpils University shall be accredited by 14 May 2022. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned study field shall be extended until the moment when the decision to accredit the study field or decision to refuse to accredit the study field is taken, but not later than by 14 May 2022;

4) the study field "Arts" of the University of Latvia shall be accredited by 2 June 2022. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned study field shall be extended until the moment when the decision to accredit the study field or decision to refuse to accredit the study field is taken, but not later than by 2 June 2022;

5) the study field "Psychology" of the Riga Stradiņš University shall be accredited by 2 June 2022. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned study field shall be extended until the moment when the decision to accredit the study field or decision to refuse to accredit the study field is taken, but not later than by 2 June 2022;

6) the study field "Environmental Protection" of the Liepaja University shall be accredited by 2 June 2022. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned study field shall be extended until the moment when the decision to accredit the study field or decision to refuse to accredit the study field is taken, but not later than by 2 June 2022;

7) the study field "Transport Services" of the Liepaja Maritime College shall be accredited by 18 June 2022. The time period for accreditation of the abovementioned study field shall be extended until the moment when the decision to accredit the study field or decision to refuse to accredit the study field is taken, but not later than by 18 June 2022.

[22 October 2020; 3 June 2021]

48.² The time period for accreditation of the study field "Health Care" of Riga Stradiņš University -8 May 2023 - shall be extended until the moment when the decision on new accreditation of this study field or the decision to refuse to accredit it is taken, but not later than by 7 May 2024.

[24 March 2022]

48.³ The Riga Technical University shall, by 30 July 2023, ensure that the study programmes taken over from the Latvian Maritime Academy are distinguished and included in the study field "Seafaring" of the Riga Technical University and that this study field is submitted for evaluation and accreditation in order to ensure the training of specialists in the seafaring sub-sector of the transport sector. The Riga Technical University shall ensure the implementation of the study programmes taken over from the Latvian Maritime Academy included in the study field "Mechanics and metal processing, heat power engineering, heat technology and mechanical engineering" (accredited until 17 November 2028) and the study field "Transport services" (accredited until 31 December 2024) of the Riga Technical University until the decision on accreditation of the study field "Seafaring" or the decision to refuse to accredit it is taken.

[2 February 2023]

48.⁴ The decision on accreditation of the study field "Healthcare" implemented by the Latvian Academy of Sport Education or the decision to refuse to accredit it shall be taken not later than by 30 September 2023. Until the date of entry into force of the aforementioned decision, the study field "Healthcare" implemented by the Latvian Academy of Sport Education shall be considered as an accredited study field if the accreditation procedure for the study field has been initiated before the date of entry into force of this Paragraph of the Transitional Provisions.

[2 February 2023]

48.⁵ The deadline for the accreditation of the study field "Information technologies, computer hardware, electronics, telecommunications, computer control, and computer science" of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, i.e. 24 April 2023, shall be extended until the moment when the decision on new accreditation of this study field or the decision to refuse to accredit it is taken, but not later than by 31 December 2023.

[2 February 2023]

48.⁶ The deadline for the accreditation of the study field "Information technologies, computer hardware, electronics, telecommunications, computer control, and computer science" of the Social Integration State Agency, i.e. 31 December 2023, shall be extended until 30 June 2024. Upon successful acquisition of the study programme "Software of applied systems" corresponding to the relevant study field, the Social Integration State Agency shall issue a State-recognised education document to the students, but not later than by 30 June 2024.

[6 December 2023]

49. Amendments to Section 56, Paragraph three of this Law in respect of the language of implementation of study programmes shall come into force on 1 January 2019. Higher education institutions and colleges the language of implementation of study programmes of which does not correspond to the provisions of Section 56, Paragraph three of this Law which was in force until 30 April 2021 have the right to continue implementation of the commenced study programmes in the relevant language until 31 December 2025. After 1 January 2019, admission of students in study programmes with the language of implementation which fails to comply with the provisions of Section 56, Paragraph three of this Law shall not be allowed. After 1 May 2021, admission of students in study programmes the language of implementation of which fails to comply with the provisions of Section 56, Paragraphs three and four of this Law which come into force on 1 May 2021 shall not be allowed.

[21 June 2018; Judgement of the Constitutional Court of 11 June 2020; 8 April 2021]

50. The Cabinet shall, by 30 March 2020, issue the regulations referred to in Section 79, Paragraph two and the fourth sentence of Section 82, Paragraph one of this Law. Until the day of coming into force of Cabinet regulations, but not later than by 30 March 2020, Cabinet Regulation No. 220 of 29 May 2001, Procedures for the Allocation, Repayment and Cancellation of a Study Loan and Student Loan from the Resources of Credit Institutions with the Government Guarantee, Cabinet Regulation No. 219 of 29 May 2001, Procedures for the Allocation, Repayment and Cancellation of a Study Loan from the Resources of the State Budget, and Cabinet Regulation No 445 of 23 October 2001, Procedures for the Allocation and Repayment of a Student Loan from the Resources of the State Budget, shall be applied.

[14 November 2019]

51. Study and student loan agreements concluded on the basis of the provisions of Sections 79 and 82 of this Law which were in force until 31 December 2019 shall be valid until the expiry of the term specified in the relevant study or student loan agreement.

[14 November 2019]

52. For complete fulfilment of obligations of study and student loan agreements concluded until 31 December 2019, Cabinet Regulation No. 220 of 29 May 2001, Procedures for the Allocation, Repayment and Cancellation of a Study Loan and Student Loan from the Resources of Credit Institutions with the Government Guarantee, Cabinet Regulation No. 219 of 29 May 2001, Procedures for the Allocation, Repayment and Cancellation of a Study Loan from the Resources of the State Budget, and Cabinet Regulation No 445 of 23 October 2001, Procedures for the Allocation and Repayment of a Student Loan from the Resources of the State Budget, shall be applied.

[14 November 2019]

53. Higher education institutions shall determine the following procedures by 31 March 2021:

1) the procedures under which a rector examines results of the election of a professor or an associate professor and the evaluation submitted by the council of professors in the field, and takes a decision to establish employment relationship;

2) the procedures for continuing employment relationship with a professor or an associate professor, specifying the duration of a consecutive employment contract and the criteria for the conclusion thereof;

3) the procedures for terminating employment relationship with a professor or an associate professor if the evaluation is unsatisfactory and the scientific and teaching qualifications of the professor or the associate professor do not conform to the requirements of the Cabinet.

[5 November 2020]

54. The Cabinet shall, by 31 December 2020, issue the regulations referred to in Section 34, Paragraph five of this Law.

[5 November 2020]

55. If an employment contract with a professor or an associate professor has been entered into before 31 December 2020 and the time period thereof expires during the period from 1 January to 30 June 2021, the council of professors in the field shall, in accordance with the provisions of Section 34 of this Law, evaluate the scientific and teaching qualifications or the results of the artistic creation work of the professor or the associate professor and submit the evaluation to the rector before expiry of the time period of the relevant employment contract.

[5 November 2020]

56. Amendments to Section 58 of this Law which provide for the use of languages when taking vocational qualification examinations, and also developing and defending the papers and theses necessary for obtaining a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree shall come into force concurrently with the amendments to Section 9 of the Education Law regarding the deletion of Paragraphs four and five of that Section.

[8 April 2021]

57. The requirement for a study programme to have received a good or excellent evaluation laid down in Section 56, Paragraph four, Clause 2 of this Law shall not be applicable to the study fields specified in Paragraph 48, Sub-paragraphs 1 and 2 and Paragraph 48.¹ of these Transitional Provisions until accreditation thereof within the time periods specified in those Paragraphs, and also after accreditation of the respective study fields - during the time period which corresponds to the time period specified in the relevant accreditation decision. After 1 May 2021, higher education institutions and colleges shall continue implementation of the study programmes which correspond to the study fields accredited until 30 April 2021 and licensed study programmes in the official languages of the European Union but not later than until the time period specified in the accreditation decision.

[8 April 2021]

58. After 1 May 2021, higher education institutions and colleges shall continue implementation of such study fields and licensed study programmes in the official languages of the European Union which are indicated in Paragraph 48, Sub-paragraphs 3 and 4 of these Transitional Provisions until the time period specified in the accreditation decision.

[8 April 2021]

59. The Cabinet shall, by 30 December 2021, make amendments to the Cabinet Regulation No. 793 of 11 December 2018, Regulations Regarding Opening and Accreditation of Study Fields, stipulating that higher education institutions and colleges have the right to submit for re-evaluation a study programme which has received an average evaluation before the time period for accreditation specified in the decision by the Higher Education Quality Commission if it is six years long.

[8 April 2021]

60. The social scholarship referred to in Section 52, Paragraph 3.¹ of this Law shall be awarded to students from 1 September 2021.

[16 June 2021]

61. The constitutional assembly of a higher education institution which has been elected until 15 August 2021 shall elect the senate of the higher education institution not later than by 30 September 2021 in compliance with the provisions of this Law coming into force on 16 August 2021. Until establishment of the council of the higher education institution but not later than until 31 January 2022, the senate shall continue the fulfilment of the functions of the senate provided for in the constitution of the higher education institution insofar as they are not in contradiction with that laid down in this Law, and also, if necessary, shall perform the obligations specified for the council of the higher education institution in Section 14.², Paragraph one, Clauses 4 and 8 of this Law.

[8 June 2021; 11 November 2021]

62. The council of a State founded higher education institution shall be established not later than by 31 January 2022. The members of the council of a State founded higher education institution provided for in Section 14.¹, Paragraph four, Clause 1, Paragraph six, Clause 1, Paragraph seven, Clause 1, and Paragraph eight, Clause 1 of this Law shall be nominated by the newly elected senate according to the procedures stipulated thereby. The senate shall, by 31 December 2021, develop the provisions for the commencement of operation of the council of a State higher education institution which are in effect while the council itself has not approved the by-laws of its operation.

[8 June 2021; 11 November 2021]

63. A State founded higher education institution shall, not later than by 30 April 2022, elect the constitutional assembly in compliance with the provisions of this Law which come into force on 16 August 2021. The principles of representation of the staff referred to in Section 13, Paragraphs two and three of this Law and the voting procedures shall be determined by the senate. The newly elected senate shall, by 28 February 2022, develop the draft by-laws of the election commission of the constitutional assembly and the draft constitution. The term of office of a constitutional assembly elected until 15 August 2021 shall be in effect until election of a new constitutional assembly in accordance with the conditions of this Law, and it shall operate in accordance with the provisions of Section 14 of this Law which come into force on 16 August 2021.

[8 June 2021; 11 November 2021]

64. After 16 August 2021 when amendments to this Law come into force, all higher education institutions shall ensure the conformity of their constitution with the provisions of this Law and approve it not later than by 31 May 2022. The approved constitutions of State founded higher education institutions, except for the constitution of the National Defence Academy of Latvia, shall enter into effect on 1 June 2022. The Ministry of Defence shall submit the constitution of the National Defence Academy of Latvia for approval at the Cabinet not later than by 31 March 2022.

[8 June 2021]

65. Such constitutions of State higher education institutions which were in effect on 15 August 2021 shall remain in effect until 31 May 2022, but the constitution of the National Defence Academy of Latvia shall remain in effect until approval of the new constitution at the Cabinet, and they shall be in effect insofar as it is not in contradiction with the provisions of this Law.

[8 June 2021]

66. The higher education institutions founded by private individuals shall ensure the conformity of their constitutions with the provisions of this Law not later than by 31 May 2022 and submit them to the Ministry of Education and Science for information.

[8 June 2021]

67. From 1 June 2022 the following laws are repealed:

1) the law On the Constitution of the Art Academy of Latvia (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2003, No. 15);

2) the law On the Constitution of the Daugavpils University (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2001, No. 21);

3) the law On the Constitution of the BA School of Business and Finance (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2007, No. 10);

4) the law On the Constitution of the Latvian Maritime Academy (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2007, No. 23);

5) the law On the Constitution of the Latvian Academy of Sport Education (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2007, No. 12);

6) the law On the Constitution of the University of Latvia (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 1998, No. 6);

7) the law On the Constitution of the Liepaja University (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2008, No. 15);

8) the law On the Constitution of the Rezekne Academy of Technologies (Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2015, No. 248);

9) the law On the Constitution of the Riga Technical University (Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2014, No. 220);

10) the law On Approval of the Constitution of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2008, No. 3);

11) the law On the Constitution of the Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2008, No. 3);

12) the law On the Constitution of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 1998, No. 6);

13) the law On the Constitution of the Riga Stradiņš University (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2002, No. 14);

14) the law On the Constitution of the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2006, No. 24);

15) the law On the Constitution of the Latvian Academy of Culture (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 2005, No. 8).

[8 June 2021]

68. During the time period from 16 August 2021 to 31 May 2022, elections of the rector shall not be organised in State higher education institutions. If the term of office of the rector of the State higher education institution ends during this time period, he or she shall retain the office of the rector until election of a new rector and shall fulfil the duties of the rector in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.¹ of this Law which come into force on 16 August 2021.

[8 June 2021]

69. A person who, in the time period until 15 August 2021, has been approved by the Cabinet in the office of the rector of a higher education institution for the first term of office is entitled to apply for the second term of office of the rector in this higher education institution in accordance with that laid down in Section 17, Paragraph six of this Law.

[8 June 2021]

70. A person who, in the time period until 15 August 2021, has been approved by the Cabinet in the office of the rector of a higher education institution for the second term of office is not entitled to apply for the third term of office of the rector in this higher education institution in accordance with that laid down in Section 17, Paragraph six of this Law.

[8 June 2021]

71. The founder of such higher education institution which has been registered with the Register of Educational Institutions by 15 August 2021 shall, by 31 August 2021, determine the type of the relevant higher education institution, taking into account the provisions of Section 3.¹, 3.², 3.³, or 3.⁴ of this Law.

[8 June 2021]

72. The Academic Information Centre shall, by 31 December 2024, evaluate the conformity of the higher education institutions which have been registered with the Register of Educational Institutions by 15 August 2021 with the type of the higher education institution determined by the founder, except for State founded higher education institutions regarding which the Cabinet has taken the decision on reorganisation in accordance with Section 11, Paragraph three, Clause 2 of the Law on Higher Education Institutions. If the Higher Education Quality Commission takes the decision on the conformity of the higher education institution with a specific type, the Academic Information Centre shall make a relevant entry in the Register of Higher Education Institutions. If the Higher Education Quality Commission establishes that the higher education institution does not conform to the type determined by the founder, it shall make a proposal to the founder for determination of another type of the higher education institution. If the founder of the higher education institution has not, by 31 December 2025, taken the decision on changing the type of the higher education institution according to that stipulated by the Higher Education Quality Commission, the higher education institution shall lose the right to issue a State recognised diploma. If the higher education institution has not, by 31 December 2024, submitted an application to the Academic Information Centre with a request to assess its conformity with a specific type of the higher education institution, it shall lose the right to issue a State recognised diploma.

[8 June 2021; 15 September 2022; 14 March 2024]

72.¹ The second sentence of Section 9, Paragraph one of this Law regarding the competence of the Higher Education Quality Commission shall come into force on 1 January 2025.

[15 September 2022]

72.² Amendments to Section 70 of this Law regarding the deletion of Clause 9 shall come into force on 1 January 2025.

[15 September 2022 / Amendment regarding the deletion of Section 70, Clause 9 shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2025]

73. The founder of a higher education institution shall, by 30 April 2022, determine an initial strategic specialisation of the higher education institution.

[8 June 2021]

74. The Cabinet shall, by 31 December 2022, develop and submit a draft law to the Saeima on amendments to this Law, determining that from 2024 cyclic accreditation of higher education institutions is introduced gradually replacing the current accreditation of a higher education institution and accreditation of a study field.

[8 June 2021; 15 September 2022]

75. The Cabinet shall, by 31 December 2021, develop and submit to the Saeima amendments to the Law on Scientific Activity which determine the criteria for the registration of the National Defence Academy of Latvia in the Register of Scientific Institutions and for obtaining the status of a scientific institution, assessing the necessity of determining the regulation of scientific activity for the National Defence Academy of Latvia beforehand and taking into account its specific military nature.

[8 June 2021]

76. The Cabinet shall, by 31 August 2021, develop and submit to the Saeima the necessary amendments to this Law, the Education Law, the Vocational Education Law which determine the regulation of institutional activity of colleges in the system of vocational education.

[8 June 2021]

77. The Cabinet shall, by 31 December 2021, develop and submit a draft law on universities of science to the Saeima which, inter alia, provides for additional financing conditions in order to promote inclusion of universities of science in 500 leading positions of global ratings.

[8 June 2021]

78. The Cabinet shall, by 31 December 2021, develop and submit a draft law on higher education and scientific activity to the Saeima.

[8 June 2021]

79. The Cabinet shall, by 31 August 2021, develop and submit to the Saeima the necessary amendments to the relevant laws which provide for a new regulation of institutional activity of the Council of Higher Education in the system of higher education, ensuring that the Council of Higher Education is an independent national institution of experts the members of which are appointed by the Saeima and which creates the development strategy of higher education and assesses its implementation.

[8 June 2021]

80. The Ministry of Education and Science shall develop an informative report on the institutional development and consolidation plan of State higher education institutions and, by 31 March 2022, submit it to the Cabinet for examination.

[8 June 2021]

81. The Ministry of Education and Science shall develop and, by 31 December 2021, submit the informative report on improvement of the financing model of higher education to the Cabinet for examination, taking into account the strategic specialisation of higher education institutions.

[8 June 2021]

82. The Ministry of Education and Science shall, by 31 August 2021, prepare and submit a proposal to the Cabinet for examination regarding the financing for the introduction of the internal administration model and for the development of the development strategies of higher education institutions within the scope of the financing from the 2014-2020 planning period of the Social Fund of the European Union.

[8 June 2021]

83. [15 September 2022]

84. The Cabinet shall, by 31 December 2021, issue the regulations referred to in Section 80.¹ of this Law.

[8 June 2021]

85. Section 3.³, Paragraph three, Clause 5 and Section 3.⁴, Paragraph three, Clause 5 of this Law which determine that a university of applied sciences and a higher education institution of applied sciences, for the achievement of their objectives, are registered with the Register of Scientific Institutions and participate in international evaluation of the operation of scientific institutions shall come into force in relation to the National Defence Academy of Latvia concurrently with the relevant amendments to the Law on Scientific Activity which determine the criteria for the registration of the National Defence Academy of Latvia in the Register of Scientific Institutions and for obtaining the status of a scientific institution.

[8 June 2021]

86. The Cabinet shall, by 31 August 2021, issue the regulations referred to in Section 14.¹, Paragraph nine of this Law.

[8 June 2021]

87. Amendments to Section 9, Paragraph two, Clause 1 of this Law regarding its supplementation with the words "and a type of a higher education institution entered in the Register of Higher Education Institutions" shall come into force on 1 January 2026.

[8 June 2021 / The abovementioned amendment shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2026.]

88. The Cabinet shall, by 30 June 2022, make amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 276 of 25 June 2019, Regulations Regarding the State Education Information System, in accordance with the amendments to Section 46.¹ and Section 46.² of this Law.

[24 March 2022]

89. Taking into account that the reorganisation process of the Latvian Maritime Academy has been commenced in order to add the Latvian Maritime Academy to Riga Technical University and for the former to continue its existence in the status of a structural unit of Riga Technical University, the Senate of the Latvian Maritime Academy which has been elected in accordance with the provisions of this Law which came into force on 16 August 2021 shall carry out the duties of the council of a higher education institution referred to in Section 14.² of this Law insofar as it is not in contradiction with the provisions of this Law not longer than until 31 October 2022, including approve the Constitution of the higher education institution not later than until 15 June 2022.

[8 June 2022]

90. Within six months after amendments to Section 55.¹ of this Law come into force in relation to the formation and implementation of joint study programmes in conformity with the joint principles for the European Higher Education Area, the Cabinet shall issue the regulations referred to therein.

[14 July 2022]

91. Within six months after amendments to Section 85 of this Law come into force in relation to the new wording thereof, the Cabinet shall issue the regulations referred to therein.

[14 July 2022]

92. Amendment to Section 8, Paragraph eight of this Law regarding the replacement of the words "in the Register of Higher Education Institutions" with the words "in the Register of Educational Institutions", amendments to the title of Section 8.¹ and to Paragraph one regarding the new wording thereof, amendment to Section 8.⁴, Paragraph six of this Law regarding the replacement of the words "of the Register of Higher Education Institutions" with the words "of the Register of Educational Institutions", and amendments to Section 59.¹, Paragraph one regarding the new wording of the first sentence thereof shall come into force on 1 January 2023.

[15 September 2022]

93. A higher education institution shall, in accordance with amendments to Section 1, Clause 8 of this Law regarding the new wording of the term "credit point", ensure transition to the amount of credit points specified in Section 1, Clauses 9 and 10 and Section 57, Paragraphs two, three, four, and five of this Law until 31 December 2024.

[15 September 2022]

94. Amendments to Section 1, Clause 3 of this Law regarding the new wording thereof shall come into force on 1 January 2025.

[15 September 2022 / Amendment regarding the new wording of Section 1, Clause 3 shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2025]

95. Within six months after amendments to Section 27 of this Law come into force as regards the supplementation thereof with Paragraph six in relation to the recognition of competence for a candidate to the position of academic staff who does not have a doctoral degree, the Cabinet shall issue the regulations referred to in this Paragraph.

[15 September 2022]

96. After coming into force of amendments made to Section 59, Paragraph one of this Law regarding degrees and vocational qualifications to be acquired in studies after acquisition of a higher education programme of the relevant cycle, the degrees and vocational qualifications acquired in studies in accordance with the regulatory framework that came into force on 26 December 2000 shall be considered equal to the following degrees and vocational qualifications specified in Section 59, Paragraph one of this Law:

1) an academic bachelor's degree shall correspond to a bachelor's degree acquired in the first-cycle higher education;

2) an academic master's degree shall correspond to a master's degree acquired in the second-cycle higher education;

3) a doctoral degree shall correspond to a Doctor of Philosophy acquired in the third-cycle higher education;

4) a first-level higher vocational education and a fourth-level vocational qualification shall correspond to the short-cycle higher vocational education and fifth-level vocational qualification;

5) second level higher vocational education:

a) a fifth-level vocational qualification shall correspond to a sixth-level vocational qualification acquired in the first-cycle higher education or a seventh-level vocational qualification acquired in the second-cycle higher education according to the code of the study programme in conformity with the second classification level of the classification of education in Latvia;

b) a vocational bachelor's degree and a fifth-level vocational qualification shall correspond to a bachelor's degree acquired in the first-cycle higher education and to a sixth-level vocational qualification;

c) a vocational master's degree or a vocational master's degree and a fifth-level vocational qualification shall correspond to a master's degree acquired in the second-cycle higher education or a master's degree acquired in the second-cycle higher education and to a seventh-level vocational qualification;

6) a Doctor of Arts shall correspond to a Doctor of Arts acquired in the third-cycle higher education.

[15 September 2022; 2 February 2023; 14 March 2024]

97. The Maritime School of the Latvian Maritime Academy which is a part of the Riga Technical University shall operate in the status of a vocational secondary school until 31 December 2025 and shall continue implementing vocational secondary education programmes "Maritime transport" with the vocational qualification "Officer in charge of a navigational watch on vessels of less than 3000 GT", "Navigator on vessels of up to 500 GT in near-coastal voyage" or "Mechanic on vessels with a propulsion power of less than 750 kW" and "Ship mechanics" with the vocational qualification "Officer in charge of an engineering watch on vessels with a propulsion power of less than 3000 kW" corresponding to the thematic area of education "Engineering and technology" as defined in the classifications of Latvian education. The Riga Technical University, on the basis of the laws and regulations governing vocational education, by 31 December 2025 shall take the decision on the future status of the Maritime School of the Latvian Maritime Academy as a vocational education institution and shall perform activities specified in the laws and regulations in order to ensure the implementation as of 1 January 2026 of vocational secondary education programmes in the thematic area of education "Engineering and technology" as defined in the classifications of Latvian education at the request of the transport sector, training specialists in the seafaring sub-sector.

[2 February 2023]

98. To extend the term of office of the rector of the Rezekne Academy of Technologies until the completion of the reorganisation of the Rezekne Academy of Technologies, but not later than by 31 March 2025.

[2 February 2023]

99. From 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026, a model of institutional financing of higher education institutions is being implemented within the framework of a pilot project which entails granting a subsidy from the State funds to a higher education institution to ensure its basic activity. The pilot project is implemented in State higher education institutions that have given their consent and regarding which the Cabinet has taken the decision to implement the pilot project.

[7 December 2023]

100. For the implementation of the pilot project referred to in Paragraph 99 of Transitional Provisions, the Ministry of Education and Science shall conclude an agreement with the State higher education institution on the preparation of a certain number of specialists and other achievable indicators and shall allocate them appropriate State financing in the following financing components: study financing for the preparation of a certain number of specialists, a grant for the performance of tasks specified in the agreement, and performance financing for results in the provision of research-based higher education and preparation of specialists. If the State higher education institution is subordinated to another ministry, the aforementioned agreement is concluded between the Ministry of Education and Science, the State higher education institution, and the relevant sectoral ministry.

[7 December 2023]

101. Prior to concluding the agreement referred to in Paragraph 100 of Transitional Provisions, the council of the State higher education institution shall, upon the proposal of the rector and the opinions of the senate and the student self-governance body, determine the number of study places, the principles according to which the study places are financed from the budget of the higher education institution, the budget of private individuals, and the allocated funds from the State budget, and also the provisions regarding the study fee.

[7 December 2023]

102. The provisions of Paragraphs 99, 100, and 101 of these Transitional Provisions shall not apply to those students admitted to State higher education institutions who have been matriculated in State-financed study places before the agreement on the implementation of the pilot project comes into effect.

[7 December 2023]

103. Sections 51, 52, and 78 of this Law shall, during the period of validity of the agreement, be applicable to a State higher education institution with which the agreement on the implementation of the pilot project has been concluded, insofar as it is not in contradiction with Paragraphs 99, 100, and 101 of these Transitional Provisions.

[7 December 2023]

104. The Cabinet shall, by 30 June 2025, submit to the Saeima an informative report on the results of the pilot project on the model of institutional financing of higher education institutions and the further implementation of the model of institutional financing.

[7 December 2023]

105. The provision laid down in Section 25.², Paragraph five of this Law, specifying that the assessment entity that is substantively related to the doctoral study programme must be evaluated in the previous international evaluation of scientific institutions activity with at least three points out of five, shall come into force on 1 January 2026.

[14 March 2024]

106. Amendments regarding the supplementation of Section 46, Paragraph two of this Law with a new fourth sentence, the amendment regarding the supplementation of this Law with Section 47.¹, the amendment regarding the new wording of Paragraph three of Section 52, the amendment regarding the supplementation of Paragraph one of Section 78 with Clause 1.², and the amendment regarding the supplementation of Paragraph 1.¹ of Section 78 shall come into force on 1 August 2024.

[14 March 2024 / The abovementioned amendments shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 August 2024]

107. The Cabinet shall, by 31 July 2024:

1) make amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 70 of 23 January 2007, Mandatory Provisions to be Included in the Study Agreement, according to Section 46, Paragraph two of this Law;

2) determine the requirements and procedures for calculating the remuneration referred to in Section 47.¹, Paragraph two of this Law;

3) determine the procedures and criteria for assigning scholarships referred to in Section 52, Paragraph three of this Law;

4) determine the procedures for the State budget financing for the remuneration of doctoral students referred to in Section 78, Paragraph one, Clause 1.² of this Law;

5) determine the procedures for financing doctoral studies and the procedures for allocating and calculating the financing referred to in Section 78, Paragraph 1.¹ of this Law.

[14 March 2024]

108. Amendment regarding the supplementation of Section 55.², Paragraph eight of this Law with Clause 11, amendments regarding the supplementation of this Law with Sections 58.¹, except for Paragraph six thereof (regarding the name of a Doctor of Philosophy of Latvia), 58.², 58.³, except for Paragraph seven thereof (regarding the name of a Doctor of Arts of Latvia), and 58.⁴, the amendment regarding the deletion of Section 59, Paragraph three of this Law, the amendment regarding the deletion of Section 63 of this Law, and the amendment regarding the deletion of Section 63.⁴ of this Law shall come into force on 1 January 2027.

[14 March 2024 / The abovementioned amendments shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2027]

109. Amendments regarding the new wording of Section 55.², Paragraph five of this Law shall come into force on 1 January 2025.

[14 March 2024 / The new wording of Section 55.², Paragraph five shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 January 2025]

110. Amendments regarding the supplementation of Section 55.², Paragraph twelve of this Law with the words "requirements for licensing study programmes, including requirements for their assessment" shall come into force on 1 November 2024.

[14 March 2024 / Amendments to Section 55.², Paragraph twelve shall be included in the wording of the Law as of 1 November 2024]

111. The Cabinet shall, not later than by 31 December 2024, issue regulations on the State higher education standard corresponding to the amendments made in Section 57, Paragraph seven of this Law.

[14 March 2024]

112. The Cabinet shall, by 31 July 2025, determine:

1) the basic requirements for a scientific and pedagogical qualification of the supervisors of doctoral theses involved in the implementation of academic doctoral study programmes, as specified in Section 58.¹, Paragraph three of this Law;

2) the basic requirements for the qualification of the Doctor of Philosophy conferral council members and the establishment of the Doctor of Philosophy conferral council, as specified in Section 58.², Paragraph six of this Law;

3) the basic requirements for a scientific and pedagogical qualification of the supervisors of doctoral theoretical research and artistic creation work involved in the implementation of vocational doctoral study programmes in arts, as specified in Section 58.³, Paragraph four of this Law;

4) the basic requirements for the qualifications of the members of the State examination commission and the establishment of the State examination commission, as specified in Section 58.⁴, Paragraph four of this Law.

[14 March 2024]

113. For students who commence their studies in a doctoral study programme from 1 September 2024, the studies shall be organised and the degree shall be awarded in accordance with the Law on Higher Education Institutions. For students who have commenced their studies in a doctoral study programme by 31 August 2024 and doctoral degree candidates who have successfully acquired the academic part of an accredited doctoral study programme or who have conducted the academic activity outside the doctoral study programme and have successfully passed the examinations in the selected field of study, the doctoral degree shall be awarded by 31 December 2026 in accordance with the Law on Higher Education Institutions and the Law on Scientific Activity, but from 1 January 2027 - in accordance with the Law on Higher Education Institutions.

[14 March 2024]

Informative Reference to European Union Directives

[14 July 2011; 5 November 2020; 24 March 2022]

The Law contains legal norms arising from:

1) Council Directive 2003/109/EC of 25 November 2003 concerning the status of third-country nationals who are long-term residents;

2) Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States amending Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 and repealing Directives 64/221/EEC, 68/360/EEC, 72/194/EEC, 73/148/EEC, 75/34/EEC, 75/35/EEC, 90/364/EEC, 90/365/EEC and 93/96/EEC. Text with EEA relevance;

3) Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing;

4) Council Directive 1999/70/EC of 28 June 1999 concerning the framework agreement on fixed-term work concluded by ETUC, UNICE and CEEP.

The Law has been adopted by the Saeima on 2 November 1995.

President G. Ulmanis

Rīga, 17 November 1995

¹ The Parliament of the Republic of Latvia

Translation © 2024 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre)