On 30 May 2018, ahead of the new school year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the annual meeting with Latvian higher education institutions to discuss topics of current importance related to attracting foreign students. The seminar brought together representatives from 24 higher education institutions accredited in Latvia, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, the State Border Guard, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Academic Information Centre. 

The participants took stock of what has been accomplished over the past year to attract foreign students. Information was provided on the Memorandum of Cooperation on attracting foreign students signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Higher Education Export Association, and opinions were shared on practices in the selection of foreign students at various higher schools and universities.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the commitment of the Higher Education Export Association and its members to ensure careful selection of students, this being one of the key topics in discussions between higher education institutions and the relevant public authorities in recent years. We hope that other schools will take up this example of a responsible approach,” said Guna Japiņa, Director of the Consular Department. 

Officials from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and the State Border Guard gave an update of regulations on foreign students’ stay and employment, and of how those rules are complied with in Latvia. Development concerning the recognition of education documents issued abroad was also discussed.

The previous meeting with higher education institutions and relevant authorities were held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 10 May 2017, and it gathered representatives from nine schools and universities.