Latvia's largest education and career fair returns to Ķīpsala, Riga, on 18–20 February 2027, with universities, colleges, study-abroad advisers and career guidance.
Dates
18–20 Feb 2027
City / country
Riga, Latvia
Venue
Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre
Time
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
School Riga 2027, the 32nd International Education Trade Fair SKOLA, turns Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre into Latvia's largest study and career guide for three days, 18–20 February 2027. Universities, colleges, technical schools, language and preparatory course providers, and education-technology suppliers meet school-leavers, students, parents, teachers and career advisers.
The fair combines study programme advice, admissions and budget-place guidance, study-abroad options, hands-on profession trials, career consultations and a busy stage programme. It is a public, family-friendly fair with a strong school-group audience, and the practical place to compare Baltic and European study pathways before the summer admissions season.
TL;DR
Compare university, college and vocational routes side by side, get admissions and budget-place answers directly from institutions, test trades hands-on, and use free career consultations to turn interests into a shortlist before application deadlines.
Reach thousands of motivated school-leavers, parents, teachers and career advisers in three days, generate qualified admissions leads for the autumn intake, and position a programme or education service in front of the whole Latvian guidance network.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Ķīpsalas iela 8, Riga, LV-1048, Latvia
Entrances & gates
Main entrance
Facing Ķīpsalas iela, a short walk from the trolleybus and bus stops.
About 1,200 spaces; paid zones P1, P2 and D plus free parking. Pay by card at the machine or via the Mobilly app in the SIC zone.
1,200 spaces ·
Step-free main entrance and lifts to upper floors; ask at the information desk for the accessible route to the halls.
Food options
Main foyer café and coffee points
On-site diningParking: On-site parking for about 1,200 cars, with paid zones P1, P2 and D and free parking areas; pay at the machine by card or in the Mobilly app (SIC zone).
Gate: Enter through the main Ķīpsalas iela doors; bag checks and school-group queuing apply at peak morning times.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Ticket info
Badge collection
Buy or show a ticket at the main entrance; school groups check in together with the accompanying teacher.
Ticket notes
Online ticket sales for 2027 open closer to the event. At the 2026 edition an adult day ticket was EUR 6.00, pensioners and disabled visitors EUR 4.00, school groups EUR 4.00 per person, and children under 7 entered free; confirm the 2027 rate at checkout.
Who runs the show
SIA BT 1
Organiser
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 15,743
Exhibitors: 118
Edition #: 31
Exhibitor countries: 5
This edition
2027
Visitors: 16,500
Exhibitors: 130
Next edition
2028
No 2028 edition has been announced; the fair is expected to return to Ķīpsala in the same February window, but dates and edition number are not confirmed.
New this edition
Photos
Impact
School Riga concentrates Latvia's study decision into three February days, immediately before spring open days and summer admissions. For a university, college or training provider, the value is not raw footfall but the share of visitors actively comparing programmes, budget places and entry requirements. School groups arrive with teachers and career advisers, so one conversation can reach a whole class and influence next year's guidance.
Audience quality
The audience is unusually broad for a trade fair: teenagers at the first major study decision, their parents, university and vocational students considering a change, and the teachers and counsellors who advise them. Intent is high in the higher-education and vocational zones, lower in the supplies aisles. Expect strong morning school-group peaks and a more family-oriented Saturday.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI is best measured in qualified admissions leads and applications, not badge scans. A 9 sqm stand with two trained staff, a programme-specific QR code and a 48-hour follow-up can convert interest into open-day bookings. Study-abroad and language providers should budget for a multilingual stand and a clear price-and-entry-requirements sheet. No audited ROI or rebooking rate is published.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Riga is the Baltic region's largest education market and a natural meeting point for Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian providers. The fair sits in February, ahead of spring open days and summer admissions, and draws school groups from across Latvia.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Skills shortages push vocational routes up the agenda
Latvian employers in engineering, ICT, healthcare and logistics continue to report hard-to-fill vacancies, so technical colleges and professional schools are using fairs to recruit earlier and to show real workshop equipment.
What it changes: Visitors can compare wage outlook and practical training, not only degree prestige.
Outbound student mobility is broadening
More Baltic school-leavers are comparing English-taught degrees and exchange options across Northern Europe, while local universities counter with international programmes and Erasmus+ placement guarantees.
What it changes: Study-abroad advisers and language-exam providers are now core exhibitors, not a side aisle.
Career guidance moves into the exhibition hall
Schools increasingly treat the fair as a timetabled careers lesson, with teacher-led group visits and one-to-one consultant sessions replacing passive brochure collection.
What it changes: Exhibitors need a lead-capture and follow-up plan, not only a stand design.
Skola anchors the February decision window; Riga's autumn business-technology and industry shows serve the same guidance and recruitment audience later in the year.
Riga Comm 2027
Riga, Latvia
Baltic business-technology exhibition at Ķīpsala; dates are an autumn circuit estimate.
websiteTech Industry 2027
Riga, Latvia
Riga engineering and industry fair; dates are a late-autumn circuit estimate.
websiteSkola 2028
Riga, Latvia
Expected return to Ķīpsala in the same February slot; dates are a circuit estimate, not an official announcement.
websiteFebruary decision window
School-leavers finalise applications before spring open days.
Autumn recruitment window
Employers and training providers recruit for the next academic year.
Circuit dates outside Skola 2027 are planning estimates.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Main gateway; bus 22 to the city centre, then tram or taxi to Ķīpsala.
about 10 km
to venue
10-20 minutes
by car
Vilnius Airport
Alternate international gateway via the Via Baltica; allow a full travel day.
about 300 km
to venue
3 hours 30 minutes - 4 hours
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 55–85 / night
February is low season; rates are room-only and rise during school-holiday weeks.
USD 95–150 / night
Ten to fifteen minutes by taxi or tram to the venue; breakfast usually included.
USD 180–300 / night
Suites and river-view rooms; book early if the fair overlaps a city event.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Trolleybus and bus
Buy a single ticket in the app or by card; validate on board.
Taxi / ride-hailing
Use a metered taxi or the app; the airport run is about 10-20 minutes outside peak.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen short-stay visa (type C) | Visitors who are not visa-exempt and plan a stay of up to 90 days | $100.00 | about 15 working days |
Many EU, EEA, UK, US, Canadian and other visa-exempt nationals may enter Latvia visa-free for business visits; check the current 90/180-day rule before booking.
Latvia accepts ATA Carnets for qualifying temporary exhibits; confirm the code and customs office with the freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
February is cold and changeable: roughly -6 to +1 C, with snow, sleet and icy pavements. Daylight is short, so allow extra time for travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
EU roaming applies for EU SIM cards. Venue Wi-Fi is not published; bring a local data SIM or power bank for a full day.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Punctuality and appointments
Latvians keep to agreed times; arrive ten minutes early for meetings and confirm stand appointments the day before.
Tipping
A tip of 5-10 percent is normal in restaurants and bars when service is not included; taxis usually accept rounding up.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: RIX - Riga International Airport
Book six to eight weeks ahead for February; allow a connection buffer for snow delays.
Book flightsVisa-exempt visitors can enter for business under Schengen rules; others need a type C visa before travel.
Estimated cost: USD 100 (EUR 90 published fee)
Processing: about 15 working days
Carry an invitation or stand confirmation and travel insurance; the border may ask for proof of purpose.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Bus 22 to the city centre then tram or taxi, about 40-50 minutes total, or a 10-20 minute taxi for EUR 15-25.
Hotel → venue: Tram or trolleybus from the centre in 10-15 minutes; taxi EUR 8-15.
Ride-hail: Bolt and Yandex are widely used; confirm the car and fare in the app.
Public transit: Riga's tram, trolleybus and bus network uses a single-ticket app; validate on boarding.
Parking: About 1,200 spaces at the venue; paid zones P1, P2 and D plus free parking, payable by card or Mobilly.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February
Temperature: -6 to +1 C
Seasonality: Snow and sleet are common; pavements can be icy and daylight is short.
Packing: Warm coat, waterproof boots, gloves and a power bank; indoor halls are heated but queues form outside.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Friday 19 February 2027
Friday combines a full programme with school groups and decision-makers still on site; Saturday is busier with families and Sunday is not a show day.
Shortlist five institutions and the programmes you want to compare — Check entry requirements and budget-place rules on each institution's site.
Check the 2027 ticket price and opening hours, and register or buy online when sales open — School groups should book through the teacher or group organiser.
Book travel and a hotel in the Old Town or city centre — February is low season, but allow for snow delays.
Download the floor plan and mark the stands and talks you prioritise — Group halls by theme to avoid crossing the venue repeatedly.
Pack ID, tickets, a power bank and warm outdoor clothing — Arrive at opening to meet admissions staff before the school-group peak.
Register, collect a badge and walk the higher-education hall before the school groups arrive
Main entrance and Hall 1Attend an admissions talk and put questions to two universities
StartSchool stageLunch and a short career consultation
Main foyer café and consultation areaCompare vocational and study-abroad options, then close supplier meetings
Hall 2Riga Old Town and Riga Cathedral
Walking Heritage
about 1 km, 15-20 minutes from the venue
Compact UNESCO-listed streets, coffee stops and a view of the Daugava after the show.
Jūrmala seaside walk
Coastal Day Trip
about 40 minutes by train from Riga
A bracing winter beach walk and wooden villas if you stay the weekend.
Main foyer café
informal meeting point
Central, easy to find and quieter before 11:00.
StartSchool stage
programme and networking
Meet speakers and startup-education teams after sessions.
Education decisions are slow and involve families, so follow-up should be useful rather than pushy: one clear next step, one document and one date.
Budget
Shell scheme
EUR 180–260 / m²
Raw space
EUR 110–170 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 exhibitor manual or per-square-metre tariff has been published; these bands are modelled on comparable Baltic education fairs.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth_shell
exhibitor · standard
USD 1800–2610 / 9 sqm stand
hotel
both · mid
USD 345–450 / 3 nights
per_diem
both · standard
USD 165–220 / 3 days
visa
visitor · standard
USD 90–110 / per person
insurance
exhibitor · standard
USD 100–150 / per stand
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth_shell | exhibitor | standard | USD 1800–2610 / 9 sqm stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 345–450 / 3 nights | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 165–220 / 3 days | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | visitor | standard | USD 90–110 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| insurance | exhibitor | standard | USD 100–150 / per stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Answer six quick questions to see whether School Riga 2027 is worth a visit, a stand, or a skip.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You are choosing a study route or advising someone who is.
Best for
Students, parents, teachers and career advisers comparing programmes
Min. budget
$50.00
Timeline
One day; book two to three weeks ahead
Risks
School-group crowds at mid-morning
Too many brochures and no shortlist
exhibit
You need qualified admissions leads for the next intake.
Best for
Universities, colleges, training providers and education suppliers
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
Book 8-12 weeks ahead for stand and freight
Risks
Low-quality badge scans
Understaffing at peak school-group times
skip
Your study or recruitment plan is fixed and you cannot act on new options.
Best for
Buyers with no education interest or a decision already made
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing a programme change that affects a later intake
Book with
Ķīpsala International Exhibition Centre
Riga's largest specialised exhibition venue and the home of School Riga.
Venue address and facilities; not a commercial partner of this listing.
airBaltic
Riga-based carrier with direct routes across the Baltics and Northern Europe.
Useful flight provider for Riga; not an official show sponsor.
Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia
National education policy body and a public stakeholder in the education sector.
Public body relevant to the sector; no partnership is claimed.
Latvian Education and Science Employees' Union (LIZDA)
Represents teachers and education employees and contributes to sector debate.
Sector association; no official show partnership is claimed.
Recommended providers
Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Schengen visa guidance; apply at the Latvian mission in your country of residence.
Compare Old Town and Skanste hotels; confirm cancellation terms for snow disruption.
Direct routes to RIX from major Northern European cities; book early for February.
Exhibition freight and customs brokerage; request a door-to-stand quote.
Travel and public-liability cover; confirm exhibition and business-travel clauses.
Official Riga tourism site for Old Town walks and Jūrmala transport.
Badge capture and CRM export; prepare a GDPR-compliant privacy notice.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
3
References
2
Publishers
3
Date checked
SIA BT 1
Meet Riga
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
