Thousands of curious youngsters and a new tradition: School 2026 finishes strong

The most notable education event in Latvia, School 2026 trade fair, closed its doors on 21 February after successfully bringing together 118 exhibitors from five countries Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Germany and France.

15 743 visitors turned out to see the diverse content of School 2026. Trade fair that lasted three days, from Thursday to Saturday, attracted young people keen to find out more about opportunities offered by universities, colleges, tech schools and other education providers, including, of course, from other countries.

Riga Technical University, Riga Stradiņš University (RSU), Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Turība University, RISEBA Business, Art and Technology University, Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, BA School of Business and Finance of the University of Latvia, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Riga Graduate School of Law, Transport and Telecommunication Institute, Riga Aeronautical Institute, Daugavpils University and academic staff, students of other higher education providers were gladly sharing information about study programmes and state-funded education, student exchange and internship programmes, and also extracurricular activities. There was also information about various training courses, language and other camps, informal education options.

Climb with the School campaign
Climb with the School is a special campaign inaugurated at this year’s trade fair. During the ceremony, rectors and other representatives of universities placed on the installation symbolic items that best described their 2026 priorities, challenges and future ambitions. Each item told a story of growth, ambitions and vision of the future education. You can read those stories here: ej.uz/skola_akcija

Launch of the new campaign was attended by Tālis Juhna, Rector of the Riga Technical University, Aigars Pētersons, Rector of the Riga Stradiņš University, Irina Arhipova, Rector of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Ilona Meija, Rector of the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, Arvīds Barševskis, Rector of the Daugavpils University, Zane Driņķe, Rector of Turība University, Ilmārs Blumbergs, Rector of the Riga Aeronautical Institute, Mihails Savrasovs, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of the Transport and Telecommunication Institute, Andris Nātriņš, acting Vice-Rector for Development of BA School of Business and Finance of the University of Latvia, and Valts Jirgensons, Project Manager of School trade fair.

Diverse events
This year’s education trade fair offered a diverse programme of events, giving visitors an in-depth look into education and career paths. There were more than 90 events, such as presentations, discussions, conversations, demonstrations, quizzes and shows packed into three days. StartSchool and Datorium stages were devoted to all kinds of discussions, masterclasses and inspirational stories from industry professionals and youth. Practical tips on how to start an IT company or startup venture. Time for the Young was an insightful event that informed how to promote youth representation and self-governance through existing participatory platforms. VIAA booth offered interactive quizzes, vast information about Erasmus+ programme and professional opportunities, competitions with various prizes, various career planning and self-assessment tools, entrance exam challenge that was based on similar tests taken in Year 9 and Year 12.

See you next year. In 2027, education trade fair School will take place at the Ķīpsala International Expo Centre from 18th to 20th of February for the thirty-second time.

More at: www.bt1.lv/skola/
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