Career Counsellor

Career Counsellor program at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is designed to prepare students for a pivotal role in guiding individuals through their career development processes. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to equip future professionals with the ability to analyze labor market trends, identify clients’ strengths and interests, and develop personalized career plans. Students will engage in comprehensive studies covering psychology, counseling techniques, labor market analysis, and communication skills essential for effective career guidance. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, diversity awareness, and contemporary challenges faced by career counsellors in various settings such as schools, universities, and private practice. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, internships, and project work, students will gain hands-on experience and develop a deep understanding of the factors influencing career choices among different populations. The program aims to foster critical thinking, active listening, and empathetic communication to build strong relationships with clients. Graduates will be qualified to work as career counsellors, human resource specialists, education consultants, and in other related fields where professional guidance is essential. The program also prepares students for lifelong learning and continuous professional development in response to evolving labor market demands and societal changes. By the end of the program, students will be capable of conducting career assessments, providing tailored advice, and supporting clients in making informed decisions about their educational and professional paths. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments in career counselling theories, best practices, and technological tools, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet contemporary challenges and contribute significantly to individual and organizational success.

This programme provides students with knowledge in career counseling and management of career development in multicultural environment of education and employment.

The full-time degree programme covers 2 academic years. In the 1st year, general skills and abilities for career counselors in different types of educational and employment institutions are acquired, practices in investigation of counseling fields and observation of counseling process are carried out. The 2nd year focuses on specific and common professional skills in career counseling, application of these skills in two practices of counseling and counseling research. The study programme is completed with the defense of a masters thesis.

The studies are based on a dynamic and innovative knowledge provided by experienced knowledgeable and responsive academic staff as well as open and friendly study environment. The programme offers you practical solutions how to organize and manage the career counselling process of education and employment sectors.

• Applicants with the Bachelor‘s degree of education sciences in pedagogy, or Bachelor‘s degree of social sciences in psychology or the psychologist‘s qualification or applicants with completed second-level professional higher education and the teacher‘s qualification are approved for admission to the programme;
• Applicants must be able to present good English knowledge (IELTS score 6.0, TOEFL score 547, TOEFL-iBT score 76). 

The financing of the Career Counsellor program at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies offers a range of options tailored to meet the diverse needs of prospective students. This program, designed to prepare qualified specialists in career guidance and counselling, benefits from the university's comprehensive financial support system, which includes government-funded grants, student loans, and self-financing options. Latvian residents may be eligible for state funded study places based on national admission quotas, where tuition fees are covered by the government, allowing students to pursue their education without incurring full tuition costs. For students who do not secure a state-funded place, the university offers paid study programs with relevant tuition fees specified annually, which can often be paid in installments to ease financial burdens.

In addition to government support, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies provides scholarships specifically for students enrolled in the Career Counsellor program. These scholarships aim to promote academic excellence, social support, and special achievements in the field. Scholarship application procedures typically require verification of academic performance and financial need, and award amounts vary annually based on available funding. The university also participates in national student loan schemes, enabling students to borrow funds at preferential interest rates to finance their studies and related expenses such as accommodation, textbooks, and other educational materials.

International students enrolled in the program may have access to different financing options, including international scholarships, Erasmus+ mobility grants, and private sponsorships, depending on bilateral agreements and specific funding programs. The university's financial office provides detailed counseling and guidance on the available funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, ensuring that students can plan their finances accordingly.

Moreover, part-time study options and cooperative education models integrated into the program offer students opportunities for practical work experience, which can also include paid employment, thereby offsetting some of the study-related costs. Overall, financing the Career Counsellor program at Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is structured to support both domestic and international students, making higher education accessible and affordable for those committed to developing their expertise in career guidance and counselling.

Educational and leadership positions in career counseling institutions, adult education, career and counseling centers, government institutions in the education sector. Students may also choose to continue studies in a respective Doctoral study programme at universities of Latvia or abroad.