The objectives of the reform are to increase the international competitiveness of higher education institutions, via structural changes in governance, funding and human resources.
Latvia has already adopted the regulatory framework for implementing the governance reform of the higher education system.
It covers (i) higher education institution typologies and qualification criteria; (ii) the procedure for the establishment and approval of higher education institution councils; (iii) the procedure for selecting and approving new university rectors; (iv) defining the strategic specialization of higher education institutions.
The Ministry of Education and Science has already approved seven consolidation plans of higher education institutions.
The consolidation activities are underway and by August 2026 at least four consolidations will have to be completed.
By the indicative date of 31 December 2024, the reform should ensure the entry into force of legal provisions (i) introducing a new doctoral model; (ii) introducing cyclical institutional accreditation of higher education institutions and colleges; (iii) further development of the financing model for higher education and (iv) linking public funding to the results of the international evaluation of scientific institutions.
By mid-2026, all state-founded higher education institutions should start operating under the new governance model.
More information about the project could be found on the webpage of the Ministry of Education and Science at the following links:
- Reference
- 5.2.1.r.
- Project locations
- Latvia
- Project website
- https://www.izm.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/...