The biggest trade show in the Baltics School 2026 – your guide to education and professional career

This week, from 19th to 21st of January, Ķīpsala International Expo Centre will host School 2026 trade fair, which has become the most important education sector event in Latvia, offering information about diverse education opportunities in Latvia and abroad, career guidance and professional growth. Notably, for the first time ever, trade fair will last from Thursday to Saturday.

Higher education
State and private universities will spend three days in Ķīpsala offering visitors information about entrance requirements, new study programmes in 2026/2027, publicly funded education, entrance exams, student exchange, internship and career programmes, and various other activities. Visitors will be able to chat with academic staff and students of 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 numerous other universities.

Vocational education
Vocational schools, technical schools and colleges from all over Latvia will offer visitors of Ķīpsala Expo Centre extensive information about pros of choosing vocational education after 9 or 12 years of general education. Riga Management College, RTU International School of Science and Technology, RTU Olaine Technical College, RTU Latvian Maritime Academy Maritime School, RTU Liepāja Maritime College, Liepāja State Technical School, Jāzeps Mediņš Riga Music Secondary School, Riga State Technical School, Riga Style and Fashion College, Riga Technical College, Colonel Oskars Kalpaks Defence College, Novikontas Maritime College, Riga Building College, Fire Safety and Civil Protection College, State Border Guard College, State Police College and many others will be among the registered exhibitors.

Education abroad
If you are not sure whether to continue education in Latvia, School 2026 will provide plenty of opportunities to study abroad. Find out more from representatives and experts of other countries about various study arrangements abroad, as well as language proficiency tests and how to prepare for studying in another country. Visit the booths of Vytautas Magnus University, Tallinn Technical University, Tartu Applied Health Sciences University, Estonian university of Life Sciences, Tartu University and many other education institutions from neighbouring countries.

All Latvian education providers
State Education Development Agency (VIAA) will be happy to see everyone at their booth and explain how national education information database or NIID.lv works. If you can’ t find the right study programme, this database will give you information on any study programme offered by the Latvian education provider. It contains extensive information about higher education, second-level vocational education, general education and arts, musical education programmes available in Latvia. Moreover, visitors will also be introduced to Profesijupasaule.lv platform, which contains vast information about different professions, working environments and professional training choices.

Student exchange programmes
Children, pupils, students and other visitors of VIAA booth will be able to access vast information about Erasmus+ programme – a student mobility scheme for pupils, professional college students, university students, lifelong learning students, teachers and academic staff. Meanwhile, Time for the Young booth will offer information about informal education programmes that are specifically targeting and supporting children and young people’s inclusion.

Climb with the School campaign
For the first time in the history of School trade fair, in a joyous and inspiring atmosphere, at 11:00, on 19 February, in the lobby of the Expo Centre, rectors of universities will launch a special and symbolic campaign, Climb with the School, by placing symbolic items on the installation Life Ladder that best describe 2026 priorities, challenges and future ambitions of their universities. Each item will tell a story of growth, ambitions and vision of the future of education. Various celebrities and influencers have also been invited to make the event even more exciting. Come and experience the launch yourself to make your first step on the Life Ladder!

Job try on
Exhibitors have prepared a lot of activities that will allow youth try different professions to learn more about what it is like to work in them or what hidden talents they actually have. For example, State Border Guard College and Fire Safety and Civil Protection College will give young people a chance to try on rescue gear and various gadgets. Meanwhile, Pauls Stradiņš Medical College of the University of Latvia will offer simulations on dummies, during which teachers will allow everyone to perform guided emergency procedures, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and tracheal intubation, among other fun things. RSU booth will give an opportunity to try the hand at medical procedures, for example, dental procedures like drilling or filling. Come to School and try out these professions.

Creer guidance
To make education choices easier for the young people, Latvian Career Development Support Association will offer a chance to talk to career guidance counsellors. They will help youngsters identify their strengths like talents, interests, skills and competencies that could be useful in chosen profession or education and need to be unlocked to become successful.

Diverse programme of events
In addition to trade show, Ķīpsala will also offer various youth and adult-oriented activities and events. On 19-21 February, StartSchool and Datorium stages will be devoted to all kinds of discussions, masterclasses and inspirational stories from industry professionals and youth. Practical tips on how to start and IT company or startup venture. Time for the Young is another insightful event that will take place on 19 February in Hall 3 to promote youth representation and self-governance through actual participatory platforms or environment that enables young people to freely express their opinions, take ownership and advance various ideas. Detailed programme available here: ej.uz/skola26prog

School education trade fair is organised by BT 1 International Expo Company together with Atlants.lv online library.

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Venue:
Ķīpsala International Expo centre, Ķīpsalas iela 8, Riga


Opening hours:
19-21 February: 10:00–17:00

Entrance fees:
Adults: €6
Seniors and disabled: €4
Children under 7: free
Group ticket (10+): €4 per person

Parking (cars): €5
Parking (busses): €5