University of Latvia Foundation Patron Scholarships

Overview

The University of Latvia Foundation operates a portfolio of named patron scholarships for students at all levels — from first-year undergraduates through to doctoral candidates. These awards are funded by individual donors, corporations, local municipalities, and family foundations, each with its own name, criteria, and amount. The Foundation's goal is to create the conditions that allow students to engage fully in their chosen field without financial pressure forcing them to compromise on their studies.

More than 100 students receive Foundation support each year. Some scholarships target outstanding academic performance, others are focused on specific fields, regions, or personal circumstances like financial need or a dual career in sports. Named scholarships include the Ceļamaize award for first-year students, the Kristaps Morbergs Scholarship for second-year and above undergraduates, the Mundheim Family Excellence Scholarship for Master's students, and the Timermanis Scholarship for doctoral students working in competitiveness research. The range is genuinely broad.

Because these are patron-funded named awards, the criteria, amounts, and application windows vary considerably from one scholarship to the next. The Foundation publishes calls at the start of each academic year. As a student at the University of Latvia — including as an international student — your first step is to visit the Foundation's website at fonds.lv and eszf.lu.lv to see which current calls match your level, programme, and background. Some scholarships are open internationally; others are tied to specific Latvian regions or family connections.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Enrolment at the University of Latvia

All Foundation scholarships require you to be enrolled as a student at the University of Latvia. You must apply to and be accepted by the University through standard admission procedures before you can access Foundation support.

Academic Level and Year

Different scholarships apply at different stages of your studies. First-year scholarships (Ceļamaize, Latgale, Gunta Sendmeijere, Memorial Scholarship of M. M. V. Petkevičs) are for students just starting their programmes. Second-year and above Bachelor's scholarships (Kristaps Morbergs, Galenieki Family, Dual Career Basketball) require you to have completed at least one year. Master's scholarships (Kurt Hagen for Germany exchanges, Mundheim Family Excellence, Diplomacy Scholarship) target graduate students. Doctoral scholarships (Timermanis for Competitiveness Research, Kurt Hagen for Germany exchanges) are for PhD candidates.

Field-Specific and Regional Criteria

Some named scholarships are tied to specific fields or regions. The Diplomacy Scholarship clearly targets students in international relations or related fields. The Timermanis Scholarship is for competitiveness research. The Latgale and certain municipal scholarships (Jelgava, Salaspils, Valka) are for students from specific Latvian regions. The Dual Career Basketball Scholarship applies to students who are also competitive basketball players.

Performance and Need

Some Foundation scholarships reward outstanding academic performance; others support students facing financial hardship. The call documentation for each named scholarship specifies whether it's merit-based, need-based, or both. Read each call carefully before applying.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Financial support toward tuition, living costs, or study-related expenses — the exact coverage depends on the named scholarship
• Potential support for exchange study in Germany (Kurt Hagen Scholarship)
• Named recognition from donors including family foundations, corporations, and municipal governments
• Access to a Foundation network of alumni and supporters

How to Apply

1. Enrol at the University of Latvia: You must be an admitted student at UL before applying for any Foundation scholarship. Apply through UL's standard admissions process first.
2. Review available scholarships: Visit eszf.lu.lv/en/financial-support/scholarships/ and fonds.lv at the start of the academic year to see which named scholarships are currently open and which match your level, field, and background.
3. Read each scholarship's call carefully: Every named scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and deadline. Don't assume the requirements are identical across scholarships — they vary significantly.
4. Prepare targeted applications: Gather the documents required by each specific scholarship you're applying for. This typically includes an application form, academic transcripts, a motivation statement, and one or more recommendation letters.
5. Submit before each scholarship's deadline: Each named scholarship has its own deadline. Track them separately and submit each application on time. There are no blanket extension policies.
6. Await selection: The Foundation reviews applications for each named scholarship according to its donor's criteria and notifies recipients. Some scholarships involve interviews; others are decided on documents alone.

Required Documents

• University of Latvia student enrolment confirmation
• Completed application form for the specific named scholarship
• Academic transcripts from your studies at UL (and from prior institutions if required)
• Motivation letter or personal statement (length and focus vary by scholarship)
• One or more letters of recommendation from UL faculty
• Proof of regional origin (for regional scholarships)
• Evidence of athletic achievement (for Dual Career Basketball Scholarship)
• Research proposal or summary (for doctoral scholarships such as the Timermanis)
• Any additional documents specified in the specific named scholarship's call

Key Dates & Deadlines

Foundation scholarship calls are published annually, typically at the start of the academic year (September/October) or at the beginning of the spring semester (January/February). Each named scholarship has its own deadline. There is no single centralised deadline for all Foundation awards. Monitor eszf.lu.lv and fonds.lv regularly throughout the year and set reminders when you identify scholarships that match your profile.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Applying to the named scholarships most closely matched to your field, level, and personal background — a targeted application beats a generic one every time
• Building a strong relationship with UL faculty who can write specific and credible recommendation letters on your behalf
• Checking the Foundation website at the very start of the academic year rather than waiting until mid-semester, so you have time to prepare before deadlines pass
• Demonstrating academic achievement clearly in your transcripts — for merit-based awards, your grades are the primary selection factor
• For the Diplomacy or Mundheim Excellence scholarships, showing depth of engagement in your field rather than just listing grades

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying to a regional scholarship if you're not from that Latvian region — each call specifies the geographic criteria clearly
• Missing the scholarship-specific deadline because you tracked only one of the many available awards
• Submitting a motivation letter that's too generic to show genuine fit with the named scholarship's purpose or donor's intent
• Failing to check fonds.lv for updated scholarship information — some awards are added or modified between academic years
• Applying for multiple scholarships that cannot be held simultaneously without disclosing the overlap

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students apply for University of Latvia Foundation scholarships?

Yes. The Foundation's scholarships are open to University of Latvia students, including international students enrolled in degree programmes. Some named scholarships have regional or heritage criteria that may exclude most international applicants; others are purely merit-based and open to all enrolled students. Review each call individually.

How much money do University of Latvia Foundation scholarships provide?

Amounts vary by named scholarship and are not centrally published on the main Foundation page. Visit the individual scholarship call or contact the Foundation at fonds.lv for specific figures. Some awards are one-time grants; others are paid monthly over the academic year.

Can I hold a University of Latvia Foundation scholarship alongside a government scholarship?

This depends on the specific named scholarship's terms. Some may prohibit concurrent institutional support; others don't address it. Disclose any other scholarships you hold when applying, and check the call documentation for any stacking restrictions.

Is the Kristaps Morbergs Scholarship available to international students?

The Kristaps Morbergs Scholarship targets Bachelor's students in their second year or above. Whether it's open to international students depends on the current call's eligibility criteria. Check the Foundation's website for the current year's terms.

What is the Mundheim Family Excellence Scholarship for Master's students?

The Mundheim Family Excellence Scholarship is one of the Foundation's named awards for outstanding Master's students. It's funded by the Mundheim family and awarded based on academic excellence. The specific amount and current eligibility criteria are published in the annual call — check eszf.lu.lv for the current details.

Does the Foundation offer emergency financial support?

Some Foundation programmes or partner funds may provide emergency support for students facing sudden financial hardship. Contact the University of Latvia's student services or the Foundation directly at fonds.lv to ask about emergency assistance options.

How is the Timermanis Scholarship for doctoral students selected?

The Timermanis Scholarship targets PhD students working in competitiveness research. Selection is based on the quality and relevance of your research. A research proposal or summary demonstrating your work's fit with the scholarship's research focus is typically required. Contact the Foundation for the current call's specific requirements.

Is the Kurt Hagen Scholarship for exchange studies in Germany available for both Master's and PhD students?

Yes. The Kurt Hagen Scholarship supports exchange study in Germany and is listed as available for both Master's and doctoral students. The specific exchange institutions and eligible fields may vary by cycle. Review the current call on eszf.lu.lv for detailed terms.