Abstract:

Purpose:
This paper seeks to analyse the level of internationalisation of Latvian higher education in the context of the competitiveness of national higher education and to define criteria for measuring the internationalisation level of Latvian higher education institutions at present. It is a part of the bigger research aimed to create a model of internationalisation of Latvian higher education to enhance competitiveness of Latvian higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach:
The study utilizes a theoretical perspective that asserts that internationalisation is one of the best ways to develop Latvian higher education. It combines literature analysis with qualitative interviews to investigate the level of internationalisation of Latvian educational institutions at present.

Findings:
Education can be one of the national export products, which will facilitate the development both of Latvian educational institutions and the country in general. However, the study reveals that the level of internationalisation of Latvian universities is not sufficient. Besides, there are many external barriers, which hamper realisation of institutional internationalisation strategy, i.e. existing legislation, politics, immigration regulations and public mindset.

Research limitations/implications:
The current study is aimed to analyse only the current level of internationalisation of the Latvian higher education. The future work would be aimed to create a model for internationalisation of Latvian higher education by using certain instruments to enhance competitiveness of Latvian higher education.

Practical implications:
As a result of study criteria for measuring the level of internationalisation of Latvian educational institutions have been defined and can be used by Latvian higher education institution to foster their internationalisation development.

Originality/value:
The paper creates a basis for a more broad-based study across the Latvian higher education market. Its results will make a contribution to the scientific debate on the competitiveness of higher education and internationalisation as one of the most important tools for it.

Keywords:

Internationalisation, Higher education, Educational institutions, Competitiveness, Latvia.