Riga – Latvia is preparing to tighten regulations surrounding the admission and monitoring of international students, responding to growing concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the system. Proposed amendments to both the Immigration Law and the Higher Education Law aim to increase university responsibility throughout the student lifecycle, from initial application to ongoing academic performance. The move comes as Latvian authorities seek to balance the benefits of international education with the need for greater control and security.
The proposed changes signal a shift towards a more proactive approach to managing international student populations. Key among the planned measures is a requirement for students expelled from Latvian higher education institutions to return to their home country before being eligible to reapply. This aims to prevent students from repeatedly attempting to enroll after facing academic or disciplinary issues. A minimum average grade of 60 percent in relevant subject areas is being considered as a modern admission benchmark.
Universities could too face restrictions on future recruitment if a significant proportion of their invited students are denied visas. Specifically, institutions will be barred from extending new invitations if more than 30 percent of previously invited students have been refused entry. The Cabinet of Ministers is also developing regulations to standardize English language proficiency requirements, accepting only internationally recognized certificates, and mandating at least an A2 level proficiency in Latvian for all foreign students. These measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure students are adequately prepared for academic life and integration into Latvian society.
Alongside these specific regulations, the Ministry of Education and Science is developing a comprehensive strategy for the internationalization of higher education. This strategy will focus on identifying key target countries for student recruitment and implementing a data-driven approach to assess the quality of education and research, as well as track the career paths of international graduates. The goal is to attract students who are likely to contribute positively to the Latvian economy and academic community.
Riga Technical University Adjusts Internationalization Focus
Riga Technical University (RTU), a major destination for international students, has already begun to adjust its internationalization policy. RTU is prioritizing quality, safety, and a more targeted approach to attracting students, according to a statement. The university is gradually reducing its intake of students from non-EU countries while increasing recruitment from within the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and countries with established economic ties. Currently, students from 106 countries study at RTU, representing approximately one-fifth of the total student population.
RTU Rector Talis Juhna stated the university is focused on attracting talented individuals and aspires to rank among the top 500 universities globally. To achieve this, RTU is raising entrance examination requirements, emphasizing a strong foundation in science subjects, and increasing the proportion of students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees. The university’s shift reflects a broader trend towards attracting higher-caliber students who are more likely to succeed academically and contribute to research.
Increased Scrutiny and Monitoring of Student Attendance
The proposed changes extend beyond admissions and academic standards to include increased monitoring of student activity. The Ministry of the Interior has submitted proposals to amend the Immigration Law to require universities to notify the State Border Guard within three days – a reduction from the current 14 days – if a third-country student unjustifiably misses lectures. This aims to provide quicker alerts regarding potential issues with student compliance and residency status. These proposals are currently with the Saeima for a third reading.
These amendments complement an existing action plan developed by the Interior Ministry and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers to strengthen control over third-country nationals. According to data from the Central Statistical Office, around 4,000 mobility students began their studies at Latvian universities in the academic year 2025/2026, a 2.4 percent increase from the previous year. A total of 11,900 students who received their prior education abroad are currently enrolled in Latvian institutions, with the majority pursuing degrees in social sciences, business, healthcare, and STEM fields.
The largest numbers of international students come from India, Uzbekistan, Sweden, Ukraine, and Germany. RTU and Riga Stradins University together account for nearly half of all mobility students. The government’s actions reflect a growing awareness of the need to balance the economic and cultural benefits of international education with the importance of maintaining security and ensuring the integrity of the higher education system.
As these legislative proposals move forward, Latvian universities are preparing to adapt to a new landscape of increased oversight and accountability in international student admissions and management. The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of these changes on the country’s higher education sector and its role in attracting global talent.
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