Founded in 1997, Ventspils Augstskola (Ventspils University of Applied Sciences) is a non-profit public higher-education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Ventspils (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Kurzeme. Officially recognized by the Latvijas Republikas Izglitibas un zinatnes ministrija (Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia), Ventspils Augstskola (VeA) is a very small coeducational Latvian higher education institution. Ventspils Augstskola (VeA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 25 years old Latvian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. VeA also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.