Education in Latvia: school stages, the centralised exams and university entry

In short

Education in Latvia is organised nationally. The Ministry of Education and Science sets the framework, the State Education Content Centre (VISC) prepares the content of the national exams, and municipalities run most schools. Children begin basic education at about the age of seven or earlier, and the basic school lasts nine years. After that, most students continue in general secondary school for three years, or choose a vocational programme. General secondary education ends with a set of centralised exams (centralizētie eksāmeni), which are written at the same time across the country and are used both for the school-leaving certificate and for university entry. Latvian is the language of instruction in state schools, and minority-language schools teach part of the curriculum in another language.

School stages

1. Preschool education: Preschool is part of the system, and a final year before school is compulsory. Children learn through play, language and early mathematics.
2. Basic education (pamatizglītība): Nine years of compulsory schooling. Pupils study Latvian, mathematics, foreign languages, natural sciences, history, social studies, arts and sport. The basic school ends with national exams in a few subjects and a certificate.
3. Secondary education: Students choose between several kinds of programmes:
   • General secondary school (vidusskola or ģimnāzija): Three years in grades 10 to 12, with general subjects and a choice of study direction, for example humanities, science or mathematics.
   • Vocational secondary schools: Programmes that combine general subjects with training in a profession, such as technology, services or the arts.

The centralised exams and grading

The centralised exams are set by VISC and taken at the end of grade 12. Latvian language and literature, mathematics and a foreign language such as English are central parts, and students add exams in other subjects, for example history, physics, chemistry, biology or geography, depending on the programme and on their plans for higher education. The papers are marked according to common criteria, so results can be compared across schools and are accepted for admission to universities. The rules, subjects and dates change from year to year, so check the pages of VISC before you plan.

School marks in Latvia are given on a ten-step scale, in which the highest mark means excellent and the lowest steps are failing marks. The certificate of general secondary education shows the marks from the school years and the results of the centralised exams.

University entry

Latvian universities and colleges admit students on the basis of the results of the centralised exams in the subjects that each programme asks for, sometimes together with school marks. Each university publishes its admission rules and the list of subjects required for each programme, and some programmes, such as those in the arts or architecture, add a creative task or an entrance exam. State-funded places are limited and are given to the best-ranked applicants, while other students can study on a paid basis. The University of Latvia, Riga Technical University and Riga Stradiņš University are among the larger institutions, and there are also universities in cities such as Liepāja, Daugavpils and Jelgava. Studies follow the Bologna system with bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.

Driver licensing in Latvia (CSDD)

Obtaining a category B driver's licence in Latvia is overseen by the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (Ceļu satiksmes drošības direkcija - CSDD). Candidates must complete an accredited driving school course, obtain a medical certificate, and pass both the state theoretical exam and practical driving test. The theoretical test examines knowledge of Latvian road traffic regulations (Ceļu satiksmes noteikumi - CSN), road signs, priority at junctions, seasonal equipment requirements (such as 4 mm winter tyres from December 1 to March 1), and emergency first aid procedures.

Studying in Latvia as an international student

Many universities in Latvia offer degree programmes in English, especially in medicine, business, engineering and information technology. Applicants from abroad usually need a recognised secondary school certificate, proof of English or Latvian skills, and sometimes an entrance test. Fees depend on the programme and the institution, and international applicants should check the requirements, deadlines and visa rules early.

How to prepare for the centralised exams

Start with the exam programme published by VISC and make a plan by subject. Practise with timed questions, check each explanation, and keep a notebook of mistakes. For mathematics, practise algebra, functions, geometry, probability and basic calculus. For Latvian language and literature, learn the main authors and practise analysing a text. For history, learn the periods from the medieval times to the restored independence and be ready to explain causes and effects.

Practising on GetMyMockTest

These are practice questions we wrote for study. They are not official exams, and we do not claim they match an official exam's current format. Free preparation options for Latvia:

• Centralised exams (centralizetie-eksameni-latvia): secondary school-leaving practice across mathematics, Latvian language and literature, and history of Latvia, with timed mock tests and formula flashcards.
• CSDD driving theory (csdd-driving-latvia): Category B driver theory test practice covering road traffic regulations, junction priority, signs and road markings, vehicle safety condition, and emergency first aid.
• Latvian general knowledge (gk-lv): history and politics, geography and nature, science, arts and civic institutions of the Republic of Latvia.