The University of Latvia has announced a new co-financing model for educational programs that will come into effect in the 2026/2027 academic year. This model will operate alongside existing state-funded and tuition-based study placements, providing students with the opportunity to share the cost of their education with the institution. The move aims to enhance access to higher education and ensure the sustainability of unique and important study programs critical to the country’s academic landscape.

Under this model, a total of 214 co-funded spots will be available across 20 bachelor's and master's programs in four faculties: Economics and Social Sciences, Exact Sciences and Technology, Humanities, and Law. The distribution of co-funded places will range from one to thirty-two per program, thereby providing variety and competitiveness in educational offerings. The student contribution will vary between 998 to 2000 euros annually, which will constitute approximately half of the total tuition fee, and candidates applying for studies will have the option to select between budget-funded or tuition-based placements.

Furthermore, the allocation of co-funded places will be merit-based, awarded to the highest-performing candidates who apply for tuition-based positions. This initiative represents a significant shift in the financing of higher education in Latvia, positioning the University of Latvia to be more adaptable to the financial needs and realities of students while promoting excellence in education. This reform could have far-reaching implications for accessibility in higher studies and may motivate other educational institutions in the region to consider similar approaches to financing education.