University of Riga
| Latvijas Universitāte | |
 |
|
| Latin: Universitas Latviensis | |
| Motto | Scientiae et patriae (For science and fatherland) |
|---|---|
| Type | Public |
| Established | 1919 |
| Rector | Indriķis Muižnieks |
| Students | 14,020 (2014) |
| Undergraduates | 9,680 (2014) |
| Postgraduates | 3536 (2014) |
| 804 (2014) | |
| Address |
Raiņa bulvāris 19, Riga,  Latvia
|
| Affiliations | Campus Europae, Utrecht Network, EUA |
| Website | www.lu.lv |
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|
The University of Latvia (LU) (Latvian: Latvijas Universitāte) is a state-run university located in Riga, Latvia. It was established in 1919.
The university is ranked 701st–750th in the world, as well as 4th in the Baltic states after the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology, and Vilnius University.
The University of Latvia, named at that time "Higher School of Latvia" (Latvian: Latvijas Augstskola) was founded on September 28, 1919 on the basis of the former Riga Polytechnic (founded in 1862). The first rector of the university was chemist Paul Walden. In 1923, this school received its now resumed name – the University of Latvia (Universitas Latviensis).
In the period between 1919 and 1940, the University of Latvia was the greatest center of higher education, science and culture in Latvia. The former building of the Riga Polytechnic on Raiņa bulvāris 19 serves as the university's main building.
In the pre-war years, it was possible to gain higher academic education not only at the University of Latvia, but also at the Latvian State Conservatory and Academy of Arts. Over time, the Latvian University of Agriculture, Riga Stradiņš University, and Riga Technical University separated from the University of Latvia and became well-known centers of education and research in their own right.
With Latvia regaining independence, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia reconfirmed the Constitution of the University of Latvia on September 18, 1991. It stated that the Higher School is "a state establishment of academic education, science and culture which serves the needs of Latvia and people". Alongside the Constitution, the flag, the hymn, the University's emblem, the Rector's chain, and the official garments for the Rector, Vice-Rector and deans were renewed as attributes of the University of Latvia.
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