How to improve your chances of a budget place?
Practical tips for getting a budget place: CE results, a smart order of priorities, less competitive programs and extra points.
Updated 4 October 2026
1. CE results matter most
In most programs the is made of results. Find out which exams count the most for your program and spend your study time on those. A few percent can decide whether you get a .
2. Apply to several programs
One application can have up to 20 . Use them: put the programs you want most at the top, and lower down also ones where your chances are better. A higher priority never hurts the lower ones.
3. Look at the competition, not just the name
Similar programs at different schools can have very different competition. At regional universities and in less known programs, budget places are often easier to get. You can find statistics from earlier years on the joint admission statistics website.
4. Extra points
Many programs give extra points or priority for prizes in subject olympiads and sometimes for other achievements. Check the program's admission rules and don't forget to upload your diplomas.
5. If it didn't work the first time
- In the 2nd round you can move up to a higher priority when someone gives up their place.
- Budget places are sometimes left in the extra admission in August.
- Through , good grades can get you a budget place while you study.
Sources
Information can change – check it on the school's website before applying.
Read next
What is the admission score and how is it calculated?
What the admission score (konkursa vērtējums) is when applying to university in Latvia, what it's made of, why every program has its own and how to find yours.
Read →
Budget or paid place – what's the difference?
What a budget place is, what a paid place is, how rotation works and whether you can move from paid to budget. All in plain words.
Read →