In Latvia, there has been a notable increase in the number of foreign students enrolling in higher education institutions, with universities like Rīga Stradiņš University and Rīga Technical University leading in foreign enrollments. Contrarily, statistics show that a considerable number of these students do not complete their studies, which has sparked worries regarding their motivations for coming to Latvia. The Rīga North European University, a smaller private institution, has reported the highest disparity between enrolled foreign students and those who graduated from the institution, further intensifying the discussions around this trend.

Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science highlighted during a meeting with the Saeima’s subcommittee on higher education that the dropout rates are decreasing. In the current academic year, approximately 40% of foreign students withdrew, which is a significant drop from the previous year's 20%. Notably, this dropout rate among foreigners is now more aligned with that of local students, which indicates that the issue may not be as severe as it once appeared. Universities are asserting that they are implementing rigorous checks to ensure foreign students are genuinely engaged in their academic pursuits.

The disproportion between enrollments and completions has raised questions about the sustainability of such recruitment practices. As discussions continue in governmental and educational circles, the potential need for stricter admission requirements for foreign students is being considered. As more foreign students enter Latvian universities, maintaining educational quality and integrity becomes increasingly critical, influencing future policies and institutional approaches to international student admissions.