The debate over the “Studētgods” stipend fund has intensified as the Latvian Ministry of Finance (FM) and the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) proposed reducing its funding by over 2.6 million euros, affecting socially vulnerable student groups. The “Studētgods” stipend is currently the only state-provided financial support based on social criteria, targeting students from large families, those with disabilities, orphans, and students with limited parental support. The Student Union of Latvia (LSA) has voiced concerns over the negative impact of these cuts, arguing that they will force vulnerable students to abandon their studies. LSA previously called for increasing the stipend amount from €175 to €200 and expanding its eligibility to…

The Student Union of Latvia (LSA) conducted a survey between August 13 and 28, focusing on students’ views regarding the National Defense Service (NDS). The goal was to assess risks related to NDS and evaluate student awareness of available support. The survey results revealed significant gaps in public knowledge about alternative service options, training, and support mechanisms. LSA urges the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to expand alternative service opportunities, increase monthly compensation, and provide budgetary support for students completing NDS training, without affecting existing higher education funding. Respondents expressed concern that NDS conscription disrupts academic progress, particularly for those already enrolled in higher education. LSA recommends excluding students from mandatory conscription…

The Student Union of Latvia (LSA), in collaboration with the Ombudsman’s Office and Berg Research, launched a survey addressing experiences of sexual harassment in higher education institutions. This initiative arises from recent reports of sexual harassment within Latvian universities and the broader societal response, highlighting the need for a more in-depth exploration of this issue. The survey, now closed, invited students, academic staff, and administrative personnel to participate, aiming to gather reliable data on incidents of unwanted sexual behavior over the past three years. The primary focus was to assess the prevalence and impact of sexual harassment in academic environments, as well as to improve institutional responses. Anete Ilve, Head of…

The Baltic Organizational Meeting (BOM) is a regional cooperation agreement between the national student associations of the Baltic States, which aims to promote cooperation and knowledge transfer between student organizations in the Baltic States. This year, BOM will take place in Estonia from the 2nd through to the 4th of August and will focus on student mental health in higher education. Student Union of Latvia (LSA) announces the opportunity for any student to apply for one of two LSA representative places. Send your CV, letter of motivation and any other documents to lsa@lsa.lv to apply by the 10th of July. If you have any questions, please contact Rūdolfs Aleksandrs Strods at …

To improve the urban environment and promote greener neighborhoods, Riga City Council wants to hear students’ opinion. Your ideas will help to improve the overall look and functionality of the city! One of the problems that the City Council has discovered – there are abandoned and environment-degrading bicycles in the city. They undermine the city’s aesthetics and also cause inconvenience for cyclists and pedestrians. Students are invited to share their observations and ideas. Your answers are important for the Riga City Council and will be used to develop effective solutions and promote the development of the city. Taking part in this survey is possible till 17th of July 20:00. We invite…

The Student Union of Latvia has developed a student housing guide to help incoming international students find a suitable and comfortable place to live when starting their studies in Riga. In consultation with international students, it was concluded that moving to a new city can be a great challenge if the possibilities of local housing and the procedures for obtaining it are not known. The purpose of this guide is to provide clear and accessible information on different housing choices, including dormitories, apartments and shared accommodation. The guide focuses on recommendatory guidance when renting a home, which is the so-called part of the process to pay special attention to.  The student…

The Student Union of Latvia (LSA) announces the application for the position of the LSA representative at the 86th Board Meeting (BM) of the European Students’ Union (ESU), which will take place from May 6th to 12th in Geneva, Switzerland. The main focus of the BM is to participate in the decision-making process of several internal regulations and other binding documents, as well as to use the opportunity to participate in informative lectures and master classes. Additionally, in this BM elections of the Board will be held. LSA will cover one delegate’s event participation (including participation fees and travel expenses). To apply, send your CV and motivation letter to lsa@lsa.lv by…