University of Latvia – it is science-based higher education!
University of Latvia – it is science-based higher education!
The University of Latvia with its 17,000 students, 13 faculties and more than 20 research institutes is one of the largest comprehensive and leading research universities in the Baltic States. The University offers more than 150 state-accredited academic and professional study programmes. At University of Latvia, research is conducted in over 50 research fields which represent four main areas of inquiry: the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and education sciences. The University of Latvia pays great attention to the development of international collaboration. At present the University of Latvia has signed more than 500 agreements with 326 institutions in 31 European countries within ERASMUS programme.
The University of Latvia named at that time “The Latvia Higher School” was founded on September 28, 1919 on the basis of the former Riga Polytechnic (founded in 1862). In 1923 this school received its now resumed name – the University of Latvia (Universitas Latviensis).
In the period between 1919 and 1940 the University of Latvia was the greatest centre of higher education, science and culture. The former building of Riga Polytechnic in 19 Raina boulevard serves as the symbol of the University even nowadays.
In the pre-war years it was possible to gain higher academic education not only at the University of Latvia but also at the Conservatoire of Latvia and Academy of Arts. The University of Latvia is the first of classical universities in the history of Latvia and follows the slogan “Scientiae et Patriae”.
In the course of time such higher educational establishments as Latvian University of Agriculture, Latvian Academy of Medicine, Riga Technical University separated from the University of Latvia and became well-known centres of education and research.
With Latvia regaining freedom the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia confirmed the Constitution of the University of Latvia on September 18, 1991. It stated that the Higher School is “a state establishment of academic education, science and culture which serves the needs of Latvia and people”.
Alongside with the Constitution the flag, the hymn, the University’s emblem, the Rector’s chain and the official garments for the Rector, Vice-Rector and deans were renewed as attributes of the University of Latvia.