Education Funding for Ukrainian Children and Youth: Latvia Continues Its Commitment
As a key host country for Ukrainian refugees, Latvia has now renewed state funding for the education of Ukrainian children and young people for the 2026/2027 academic year. The new financing terms come into force on 1 September 2026. According to the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science, the support is aimed at youngsters registered in the State Education Information System (VIIS) with the sub-status "Ukrainas civiliedzīvotājs."
Additional funding will apply to students who enter Latvia's education system for the first time in 2026. Those registered between 1 January and 1 September 2026 will receive 50% of the standard budget rate; for registrations from 2 September 2026 onward, full funding will be provided. The funding covers the period from 1 September to 31 December 2026.
Facts, Figures, and Plans for 2026/2027
As of 13 July 2026, there were 3,482 people registered with the "Ukrainas civiliedzīvotājs" sub-status in Latvia's education system. This total breaks down as follows:
- 996 children in preschool education,
- 2,316 pupils in general education programmes,
- 170 students in vocational education.
During the 2026/2027 academic year, educational institutions will create individual curriculum plans for students with this sub-status in grades 1–8 and 10–11, as well as in years 1–3 of vocational secondary education. The extended state funding is intended to help schools support these learners, deliver education programmes, and teach the Latvian language.
It is also worth noting that Ukrainian children aged five and older can take free Latvian language courses in 2026 under a state programme. Separate rules will apply to Ukrainian civilians entering vocational education on general terms from 1 September 2026: their studies will be financed exactly like those of other students, without any additional earmarked support.
Earlier in 2026, the Latvian government allocated more than €5.2 million to cover teacher salaries and educational activities for Ukrainian civilians up to 31 August 2026. Funding for Ukrainian children's education in Latvia has been in place since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Extending education funding for Ukrainian children in Latvia marks another important measure in supporting refugees who have fled the conflict. It ensures access to quality schooling and helps young people integrate into Latvian society — a crucial priority for the next generation.
In addition to Latvia's ongoing support for Ukrainian students, it's important to note that a new framework for educational regulations has been established in Ukraine for the upcoming academic year. These changes, approved by the Cabinet, aim to enhance the learning environment and align with modern educational standards. For more details on these new school rules, see the latest updates regarding Ukraine's educational policies.