International expert team, including OECD and European Commission staff  on June 2 visited Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences to progress the activities and outputs of the project “Support for Institutionalising the New Academic Careers Framework in Latvia”.

Within the project funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the OECD, in cooperation with the Reform and Investment Task Force of the European Commission the activities are designed to support the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science and Latvian higher education institutions and research organisations as they navigate the complex process of institutionalising new approaches to academic career development.

The team visiting Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences comprised of Gillian Golden and Kristiana Egle from OECD Higher Education Policy team, Thomas Weko, International Expert on Higher Education and Research Professor at the George Washington Institute of Public Policy, United States, as well as Sébastien Combeaud, Policy Officer, SG REFORM, European Commission. “We are conducting site visits, to collect information on challenges associated with reform implementation and provide opportunities for academic staff to discuss specific issues facing their organisations with international experts. The June 2025 round of visits focus on smaller, specialised and regional higher education institutions, following the Project Team's visits to the four largest Universities in November 2024,” Gillian Golden, the project manager, explains the purpose of the visit.

Kārlis Krēsliņš, vice-rector for academic work, Iveta Putniņa, vice-rector for development, Oskars Java, senior researcher, head of the Senate and director of institute, Vineta Silkāne, senior researcher, associate professor and head of the Science Council, Arnis Cīrulis, senior researcher, associate professor and head of VR/AR laboratory, Linda Veliverronena, senior researcher and assistant professor, Liene Ločmele, research assistant and lecturer, as well as Zane Kudure, lecturer and science secretary  represented Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences during the visit. “With involvement in this project we acknowledge the importance of effective implementation of the new academic careers’ framework in Latvia. We have been participating in the project’s meetings since 2024 and look forward to the results in 2026,” the motivation of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences was summarised by Zane Kudure.

The project “Support for Institutionalising the New Academic Careers Framework in Latvia” will be finalized in February 2026.

•  June 10
• 14:30–15:30 (CEST)
• Online Event

!Apply here: https://forms.office.com/e/s7jtKJnqVa
Watch in ViA YouTube or ViA Facebook page: Discover the GRACE Master’s Programme – Live Online Info Session - YouTube

Are you ready to explore the future of learning and technology?

Join us online on June 10 from 14:30 to 15:30 CEST (15.30 Riga time) to learn all about the innovative Master’s programme “Gamified Reality Applications for Real-World Challenges and Experiences (GRACE).”

Dr.sc.ing. Linda Lancere will present the programme, highlight key benefits, and offer insights into the international study environment.

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions live or send them in advance to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All questions will be answered during the session.

 A representative from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences will then introduce the GRACE Consortium – including St. Pölten UAS (Austria), Saxion UAS (Netherlands), and Vidzeme UAS (Latvia) – along with details on student life, mobility opportunities, and more.

The GRACE Master’s Programme prepares you to design cutting-edge solutions using Extended Reality (XR) and gamification. You'll study in three European countries, gaining valuable theoretical and hands-on experience.

Learn more: https://grace.eudres.eu/ 

Are you a non-EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation applicant still considering your study destination this autumn? Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) in Valmiera, Latvia, is offering a last-minute opportunity to apply for studies starting this September! The deadline for applications is June 15.

ViA welcomes prospective students to apply for its internationally accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programmes in English. This call specifically invites applicants for the following programmes:

Bachelor’s Programme (Professional Degree):

• Information Technologies (4 years)
  Specialisation options:
  • Cybersecurity and Programming
  • Development of Virtual Reality and Mobile Systems
• Tourism organization and  management (4 years)

Master’s Programmes (Professional Degrees):

• Business Environment Administration (1,5 or 2 years (depending on previous education)
• Media and Information Literacy (1,5 or 2 years (depending on previous education)
• Strategic Communication and Governance (2 years)
• Virtual Reality and Smart Technologies (2 years)
• Tourism Competitiveness Management (1,5 or 2 years (depending on previous education)
• Gamified Reality Applications For Real-World Challenges And Experiences (Grace) (2 years)

Doctor’s Programmes

• Economics and Business (3 years)
• Sociotechnical Systems Modelling (3 years)

All programmes are taught in English, with opportunities to learn the Latvian language and immerse yourself in local culture and traditions.

🎓 Scholarships

Scholarships covering tuition fees are available to non-EU, non-EEA students for these programs

✈️ Arrival & Start of Studies

Studies begin in autumn 2025. Latvia is open for international arrivals, though visa and residence permit processes may vary based on your country’s embassy operations and current travel regulations. ViA provides support and guidance throughout the process.

🌿 Why Choose ViA?

Located in Valmiera, one of Latvia’s greenest and most dynamic cities, ViA offers more than just education. You’ll enjoy:

• Modern campus and student life
• Opportunities to collaborate with companies in Valmiera and the wider region
• Safe, welcoming environment with nature, culture, and innovation

📩 For questions and application assistance, contact:
ViA International Office
📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The European Union, under the framework of the EU4Belarus – SALT (Support for Advanced Learning and Training) programme, is offering scholarships to Belarusian master's students studying in Poland, Lithuania, Czechia, or Latvia who have been affected, persecuted, or threatened by the political regime in Belarus.

These scholarships are intended to provide financial support to students who have been expelled from their universities or otherwise obstructed in their educational paths due to political reasons. The programme aims to enable these students to continue their academic journey without interruption, thereby safeguarding their educational and professional development.

• Target number of beneficiaries: 150 master’s students
• Target group: Master’s level students
• Scholarship amount: €550 per month
• Duration: 1 academic year (up to 10 months)
• Application period: 3 – 31 June 2025 (tentative dates)

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a current or former citizen of Belarus
• Hold an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree
• Have been expelled from a university in Belarus or faced persecution or threats on political grounds
• Have commenced or applied for full-time postgraduate (master’s) studies at a university in Czechia, Latvia, Lithuania, or Poland no earlier than the 2020/2021 academic year
• Hold a conditional or unconditional offer of admission, or already be enrolled in a master’s programme at a university in one of the above-mentioned countries for the 2025/2026 academic year
• Demonstrate strong personal motivation and the ability to begin, continue, and successfully complete postgraduate studies

Please find more information, including the official SALT III scholarship announcement and guidelines for applicants, on the CPVA website:

Cost of Living Scholarship Scheme for Master’s Students – Support for Advanced Learning and Training (SALT III) – CPVA

Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences is an institution delegated by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia, responsible for coordinating the EU4BELARUS SALT programme projects in Latvia. Between 2020 and 2025, scholarships under the EU4BELARUS SALT I and EU4BELARUS SALT II programmes were awarded to 10 students from Belarus who studied at higher education institutions in Latvia.