GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE EUROPEAN EDUCATION AT VIA!
THE APPLICATION PERIOD FOR STUDENTS FROM UKRAINE WILL START ON 1ST OF MARCH
At Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Latvia, we have prepared a package of assistance measures for the people of Ukraine fleeing the war. We offer places for immediate reception of Ukrainian war refugees in our dormitories for 50 people. In May, we will increase our capacity to 130 people.
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences offers 20 scholarships for students from Ukraine to study in one of its study programs at bachelor, master or PhD programs. The scholarships from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences cover the study costs.
The university is engaged with the Ministry of Education and Science in Latvia and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange also scholarships for living costs once the students have started their studies in Latvia. All the Ukrainian students are invited to apply for Latvian State Scholarship. Application deadline is 1st of April, 2025.
If you would like to start studies at master or bachelor level, please check the study program offer at the subsection "Bachelor's Degree" or "Master's Degree".
All the students from Ukraine are exempt from Registration fee.
If you have already studied at the university in Ukraine and you have completed at least one academic year, you can apply for transfer to the studies in later study years (the 2nd or 3rd study year) in the chosen study program. You have to receive an academic transcript of records from your current university. You have to complete online form for application for studies at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. Upon receipt of your application, the program director of your chosen study program will evaluate your options for transfer at the later study years (the 2nd or 3rd study year), prepare study courses transfer application and will contact you. You will receive the individual study plan based on your previous obtained courses.
According to the Ministry of Education in Ukraine, all the Ukrainian students can apply for their transcripts of records here: https://info.edbo.gov.ua/
If you have more questions regarding application process, please contact International Office: [email protected]; +371 22042022.
FREE EDUCATION AT VIA
According to the Law on Support for the Civilian Population of Ukraine in Latvia, Ukrainian citizens have the right to access education on the same terms as Latvian citizens. This means that Ukrainian students can study at public higher education institutions, such as Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (VIA), on the same terms, as Latvian citizens.
This is a great opportunity to receive a high-quality European education at one of Latvia’s leading universities.
More additional information you can find here: Закон про підтримку цивільного населення України
In Latvia, a "budget-funded study place" means that the student’s tuition fees are covered by the state. In other words, the student does not have to pay for their studies, as the costs are funded by the government.
These places are usually:
- Allocated based on competition, considering academic performance, centralized exam results, or other admission criteria,
- Conditional on academic performance – if a student’s results decline, they may lose the budget-funded place,
- More commonly available in full-time study programmes, though they may also exist in part-time studies.
Students who do not qualify for a budget-funded place are usually offered a tuition-based (self-funded) study place.
Budget place competition
The competition for state budget-funded study places at ViA full-time study programs takes place at the end of each academic semester. The competition involves all successful (throughout the entire study period) budget and fee-paying students.
The results from the previous study period (semester) are considered in the competition – academic performance. The competition is held separately among the students of each study program and each course. The right to study in state budget-funded places is granted to students with the highest grades obtained during the previous study period. The grades of elective (part C) courses are not taken into account in the academic performance calculations.
For the Bachelor's programs in the Faculty of Social Sciences, the average grade must be at least "7" for the "Communication and Public Relations" and "Media Studies and Journalism" programs to participate in the rotation; for the "Tourism Organization and Management" program, it must be at least "6.5"; for Master's programs, such as "Media and Information Literacy" and "Strategic Communication and Management", the average grade must be at least "7".
Students who temporarily suspend their studies but return to the same status they had before the break will participate in the budget place competition after completing a full reporting period (semester), along with other students (exception – students who suspended studies due to pregnancy or long-term illness and were previously on a budget-funded place). Students who change their study program or study form can only apply for fee-paying study places, but they may enter the competition for a budget place after completing a full reporting period (semester).
Students who study in state budget-funded places and who have studied at foreign universities as part of an exchange program during the relevant reporting period retain their budget place, provided they have successfully earned the required credits according to their study plan during the exchange period.
Students have the right to appeal the competition results to the university rector no later than five working days after the results are published.
In Latvia a 10-point grading scheme is used for knowledge assessment:
ECTS AND EVALUATIONAchievement level | Grade | Meaning | Approx. ECTS grade |
|---|---|---|---|
Very high | 10 9 | with distinction excellent | A A |
High | 8 7 | very good good | B C |
Medium | 6 4 | almost good satisfactory almost satisfactory | D E E/FX |
Low | 3-1 | unsatisfactory | Fail |
ECTS AND EVALUATION
1 ECTS is defined as a study workload of 40 working hours. An average workload of a full time study year in most study programmes is 60 ECTS, and 30 ECTS per semester. Latvian credit system is compatible with ECTS. The number of ECTS credits is found by multiplying the number of Latvian credits by a factor of 1.5. The university does not have any requirements for minimum or maximum number of ECTS chosen by exchange students. However, it is recommended to have 30 ECTS per semester to provide a reasonable amount of study load.
Evaluation of study courses is organized in the form of examination or continuous assessment. Students in Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences do not have so called session weeks. Exams and tests are taken at the end of the course. In addition to the tests and exams, students are evaluated by the assignments regularly given to the students during the course. Independent study and research work of the students is the key factor for improvement of the knowledge acquired and development of various professional skills of the students. In bachelor study programmes students work on research projects, and in the final year they write a bachelor thesis. In master study programmes students have to write a master thesis at the end of their studies.
The comparatively small number of the students in groups ensures good relationships between students and lecturers, which contributes to the quality of the study process.
To find out more on the education system in Latvia, see here.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Autumn Semester
Other holidays:
September 27 - Anniversary Day of the foundation of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
November 18 - Independence Day of Latvia
Spring Semester
Other holidays:
March/April – Easter holidays (each year Easter is on a different date)
May 1 - Labour Holiday
May 4 - Day of Proclamation of Independence Declaration
June 23 - 24 - Summer Solstice celebration
REGISTRATION (FULL-DEGREE STUDENTS)
Starting from the 2nd semester of the 1st year, full-degree students are required to register for their studies. Registration takes place before every semester and confirms the student’s intention to continue the studies. International full-degree students will receive an e-mail from Student Administration Unit with further instructions regarding registration before every semester, as well as information regarding the financial, library, student hostel or academic debts, if any.
LECTURE SCHEDULE
Note: some courses may meet for two or three consecutive sessions, one day per week. Other courses may meet for one or two sessions, multiple times per week. Furthermore, some courses may meet one day in one week, and two days in the following week. It is wise to regularly review your schedule.
The building in Cēsu Street is open:
-
Working days 7:45 – 21:15 (or according to lecture schedule)
-
Saturdays 9:00 – 17:15 (or according to lecture schedule)
-
Sundays – building open only if there are lectures
The building in Tērbatas Street is open:
-
only if there are lectures (30 minutes before and 15 after the lectures)
LANGUAGE COURSE
All exchange students and full time international students are offered a Latvian language and culture course (6 ECTS in Autumn semester, 3 ECTS in Spring semester) during their studies at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. It is our belief that learning the local language helps to get acquainted with the local culture and gives a better understanding of the Latvian spirit.
Apart from Latvian language course, students can also choose to study the following languages: English, German, French, and Russian.
ORIENTATION WEEK
Every semester an Orientation Week is held for all exchange students and full time international students before the beginning of studies. Orientation Week is designed to help international students settle and get acquainted with life in Valmiera and studies at ViA. Orientation Week consists of sessions concerning academic and practical issues, library, Student Union, life in Valmiera, as well as social events and trips. Usually orientation week is held one week before the semester while regular courses and studies starts from the 1st week of the semester. The programme for the orientation week will be emailed to all international students before their arrival.
Orientation Week is organised in close cooperation with student mentors. Mentors are Latvian students who want to spend time with international students, introduce international students with a lot of practical things connected to living in Valmiera and who are the best advisors for international students. Each international student has been assigned a student mentor who will get in touch before arrival.
ENTRY QUALIFICATION AND LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
To apply for studies at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (VIA), applicants must have completed high school or secondary education for bachelor degree. For foreign applicants, an additional condition applies: the average grade in the Diploma Supplement must be at least 60% of the maximum possible.
To apply for a Master’s programme at ViA, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree. Those with a degree in another discipline will be required to take an online entrance exam. Foreign applicants should have an average of at least 60% in their diploma supplement. Entrance exam details will be provided individually.
To apply for PhD studies at ViA, candidates must hold a Master’s degree, and submit a 2–3 page proposal outlining their intended doctoral research. Foreign applicants must also have an average grade of at least 60% in their diploma supplement.
Entry qualification documents must be submitted in English or Latvian (officially translated and notarized with appostille). In many cases, a suitable transcript can be obtained directly from your previous educational institution. If your documents are in another language, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the originals. Please remember that the original entry qualification documents must be presented upon arrival at the university.
As for language requirements, applicants must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency. Accepted proofs include an FCE or CAE certificate, an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher, or a TOEFL score of at least 69. Alternatively, a certificate from an international testing institution issued within the last five years may be submitted, confirming English proficiency at a minimum B2 level. If your previous education was conducted entirely in English, you do not need to submit a separate language proficiency certificate (however this information should be indicated in your diploma or diploma supplements).
Applications should be submitted online through the VIA admission platform: Apply here!
VISA AND RESIDENCE PERMIT ASSISTANCE
For Ukrainian students planning to study in Latvia, ViA provides guidance on obtaining the necessary travel and residence documents. After signing the study agreement and paying the tuition fee, the university initiates the visa process if required.
Students intending to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days must apply for a residence permit. The application process includes submitting documents such as a letter of invitation from ViA, a completed application form, a valid passport, proof of sufficient funding, proof of accommodation, and a copy of the study agreement. The residence permit process can take over 40 days, so early application is recommended. This is prepared by ViA International office.
For personalized assistance, students are encouraged to contact ViA's International Office at [email protected] or +371 22042022.
For more detailed information, please visit this site where valuable information can be found for International students: Things You Should Know Before Studying in Latvia.
INTERNSHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT
Students can apply for an internship during their study period at ViA. Internships are provided in cooperation with many enterprises and professional partners of the university. In most cases, internships are without salary.
The unemployment rates are still rather high in Latvia, thus finding a part-time job while studying is very difficult, especially if students do not know the local language.
The citizens of EU/ EEA and Swiss Confederation do not have any limitations regarding their employment; they have the same status as local citizens. Students from all other countries will need a work permit or specific visa to do a job.
Full-degree international students are eligible to apply for a scholarship and participate in international internship programmes offered at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences to do an internship abroad. For more information, please contact International Office by email [email protected].
DIPLOMAS AND DIPLOMA SUPPLEMENTS
The diploma of higher education - an educational document acknowledged by the state, which attests higher education acquired by the person after the acquisition of internationally accredited educational programme agreeably to the certain level of higher education.
Diploma Supplement – the document made according to the regulations of the European Commission, the Council of Europe, Education, science and culture organisation of the United Nations (UNESCO/CEPES), which provides objective information and ensures an academic and professional acknowledgement of the corresponding diploma in Latvia and abroad.
The data on the essence, level, context, contents and status of the successfully graduated studies by the person listed in the original of the diploma have been included in the diploma Supplement.
In order to be awarded with The Diploma Supplement label, diploma supplement must demonstrate that all the elements of the model developed by the European Commission, Council of Europe and UNESCO are included.
The European Commission awarded Vidzemes University of Applied Siencies with the Diploma Supplement label in 2010.
Diploma Supplement is being issued in English and Latvian, given automatically and free of charge to every student upon graduation.
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS GROUP, INTERNATIONAL PROJECT MANAGER – MĀRĪTE BALAŅUKA
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
ERASMUS+ PROGRAM: EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS
ViA holds the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) for 2021–2027, enabling active participation in the Erasmus+ program. This initiative supports student exchanges, staff mobility, and international cooperation projects within Erasmus+ programme, aiming to modernize higher education across Europe. Students can study or intern abroad, experiencing different cultures and educational systems, which enriches their personal and academic development and growth.
E³UDRES² ALLIANCE: COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION
Since 2020, ViA has been a member of the E³UDRES² (Engaged and Entrepreneurial European University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions) alliance. This network of Applied Science universities focuses on regional development through human-centred education, applied research, and innovation. Students benefit from joint programs, collaborative projects, and the opportunity to work on real-world challenges in an international context.
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS: ENGAGE AND NETWORK
ViA organizes various international events annually, such as International Weeks, Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programs, and scientific conferences. These events provide platforms for students to engage in cross-cultural collaboration, gain new perspectives, and enhance their academic and professional skills.
EXCHANGE OPPORTUNITIES: DIVERSE LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Through Erasmus+, Nordplus, and bilateral agreements, ViA welcomes exchange students from partner institutions worldwide. Students can enroll in courses taught in English across various disciplines, including business, information technologies, communication, and tourism. The university offers a supportive environment with resources like a comprehensive library, computer facilities, and student mentors to assist international students.
ORIENTATION AND SUPPORT: SMOOTH INTEGRATION
An Orientation Week is held each semester to help international students acclimate to life in Valmiera and studies at ViA. The program includes sessions on academic and practical matters, cultural activities, and social events, ensuring students feel welcomed and supported from the start of their journey.
STUDENT STORIES
PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
At Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, we care about the well-being of our students. If you ever feel overwhelmed, stressed, or simply need someone to talk to, you can reach out to the university psychologist, Ms. Agita Šmitiņa.
She offers free individual consultations to students and is available to support you. The meetings for International students are held in English.To schedule a meeting, simply send her an email: [email protected].
Your mental health matters — don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
VIA — MORE THAN A UNIVERSITY!TOMORROW STARTS HERE!UPGRADE YOURSELF!
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is not just a place to gain knowledge. It is a launchpad for your future. Here, you don’t just build a professional career — you develop as a person capable of thinking critically, acting boldly, and driving change. This is where you receive not only a high-quality European education but also experiences that open doors to a world of opportunities: international exchange programs, innovative projects, modern laboratories, and lecturers who act as mentors and partners in your learning journey.
We are waiting for you at VIA — a university where learning inspires, and every day brings you closer to achieving your dreams. Start your journey with us — and take the first step towards a great future today.
Website: www.va.lv/en
Phone: +371 22042022
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Address: Tērbatas iela 10, Valmiera (T-107)
