Latvia seeks extra funding for National Defence Service graduates' studies

The Latvian Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) is requesting approximately one million euros in additional funding to support state-funded study places for graduates of the National Defence Service (VAD). This request was discussed during a meeting of the Saeima Defence, Home Affairs and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Data shows that 297 VAD graduates are starting state-funded studies this academic year, a significant increase compared to previous years. The total number of VAD graduates currently studying with state funding is approximately 500. Most graduates are enrolling in science universities, with the highest numbers at the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University.

The Ministry expressed concerns regarding the diversity of applicants, noting the need to better involve women and individuals with less-than-perfect health profiles. There are also concerns regarding the transition to an institutional funding model, as more than one-third of VAD graduates are choosing social sciences, business, and law rather than technical fields, which complicates university planning and result-based funding targets.

The Ministry of Defence has responded by requesting more comprehensive data, including a breakdown of costs, distribution across universities, and specific program details, before committing to additional funding.