Modernization of study solutions to be implemented in Latvian universities and colleges

In the process of modernization of higher education, study management will be significantly improved, offering flexible course selection (also between faculties, universities, as well as in other European countries), introducing e-diplomas, promoting the development of lifelong learning and transitioning to "paperless" processes.

The modernization will also include four study support systems: integrated digital resource and library management with extensive AI support for search and content processing, modern student internship management, assessment of the study process and management of personal data use in student research. These solutions will ensure a more efficient and modern approach to education management.

"Latvia's competitiveness and societal prosperity will be determined by our ability to comprehensively use the opportunities of new technologies, including intensive digitalization of higher education. This is a priority for European universities, and we will also implement solutions in Latvia, adopting the best international practices. Our goal is to provide all young people with competitive education and an individualized approach to development, as well as opportunities for all adults to effectively improve their qualifications throughout their lives," says Minister of Education and Science Anda Čakša.

A comprehensive modernization of study solutions will take place from autumn 2025 to the end of 2029. It will open up wide opportunities for students, higher education institutions and society as a whole, creating the basis for a modern, efficient and innovative higher education system.
The measure "Digitalization of the Study Process" will be implemented in two rounds. The first round (23.4 million euros) will be jointly implemented by the "Higher Education and Science Information Technology Shared Services Center" (Unified Service Center – VPC), the founders of which are four science universities – the University of Latvia (LU), Riga Technical University (RTU), Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) and the Latvian University of Biosciences and Technology (LBTU). VPC is an association jointly established by these four science universities, the aim of which is to develop and develop innovative solutions that promote the growth of all higher education institutions and provide support for the comprehensive development of science and higher education in the country. VPC members represent 66% of the total number of students, or 49,200 Latvian students.

The Ministry of Education and Science provides funding for the modernization of studies, the development and improvement of regulations to modernize study services in cooperation with VPC, as well as project supervision. This will benefit not only specific institutions, but the entire Latvian higher education and science space, promoting its international competitiveness and sustainable development.
The second round, with a total funding of 10 million euros, provides support in the form of grants for the implementation of new solutions in all higher education institutions, ensuring their effective integration. All Latvian higher education institutions and colleges will be able to obtain funding, which will individually or in cooperation with each other apply for the grant program, promoting innovation and the introduction of digital changes in the higher education system.

LU Vice-Rector for Science, Assoc. Prof. Guntars Kitenbergs explains: "Digital technologies are an integral part of our daily lives. Applying for service or buying a ticket on a smartphone and e-documents have become a norm. The activities of the event "Digitalization of the Study Process" will also enable the Latvian higher education space for the next leap in development. We will be able to offer a new study and research experience to students, lecturers and researchers. From now on, diplomas or micro-certificates will be easily accessible in a digital environment. It will become easier to personalize your study path, for example, by choosing from an easily accessible study program and course catalog. We, the University of Latvia, are aware of the importance of such solutions, as the University of Latvia has long been a leader in terms of the number of users of digital study solutions."

RTU Rector, Prof. Tālis Juhna says: "Our main customers and allies are students, so we need to improve the internal processes of universities so that students have the most comfortable and modern study environment possible, and science universities have easier cooperation opportunities. Digital solutions will allow us to work even more efficiently, so that the Latvian University of Science can present itself more convincingly in the global higher education environment and be able to compete with other internationally strong universities."

RSU Rector, Prof. Aigars Pētersons points out: "Digitalization’s reform is a significant step in the development of Latvian higher education, centered on students. Riga Stradiņš University has already accumulated valuable experience in this area – we provide modern digital infrastructure on an international scale. During COVID-19, RSU was the first and completely switched to distance learning within a month, thanks to the earlier laid foundations in digitalization. This reform will not only expand student opportunities and improve the quality of studies, but will also allow all universities to cooperate, reduce costs and strengthen our competitiveness in the international environment. There is strength in cooperation, and together we are shaping the future of education."

LBTU Rector, Prof. Irina Arhipova emphasizes: "Modern digital solutions, their uniform implementation in Latvian universities, and data exchange with all European universities are a meaningful direction for the development of higher education. This will allow for more efficient management of various processes and strengthen international competitiveness. LBTU study process is unthinkable without close cooperation with employers, therefore LBTU sees a particularly great benefit in the unified internship management system, which will help students conveniently find the most suitable internship for their interests. Equally important is a unified student identification system, as well as a survey and evaluation module, providing the opportunity to quickly obtain students' opinions on various issues, while saving university resources."

With digitalized and student-oriented higher education, Latvia will strengthen its position in the international education and science ecosystem.