Is anything wrong with higher education in Latvia?
Is anything wrong with higher education in Latvia?

Summary/Abstract: This question may strike many, especially those in the higher education sector, as odd. After all, is it not true that, by some nominal measures, Latvians are among the most educated people in the world?2 Is it not true that, in spite of a shrinking population, the number of students has increased almost threefold since 1990, from 46 thousand to an estimated 125 thousand in 2010? Is it not true there is much competition in the market for higher education, with 34 higher education establishments, of which 15 are private? It is hard to disagree that, in nominal terms, Latvia’s numerous universities churn out huge and ever-increasing numbers of graduates. And yet, higher education has serious problems, some of which are well known. First, it is well known that large numbers of students combine studies with work and are absent from classes.

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