Vidzemes augstskola (Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences) enrolled its first students in the autumn of 1996. It was founded to promote economic, political and social development of the area by providing higher education in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia, and to counteract the brain drain that was occurring as youths left the area to pursue further studies.
The university offers a higher professional education on the Bachelor's degree level as well as Master’s studies. Currently Vidzeme University offers five study programmes: Business Administration; Information Technology; Communication and Public Relations; Political Science; Tourism Organisation and Management. The graduation diplomas are eligible for Master's studies in Latvia and abroad. In 2004 the first professional Master’s study programmes were launched: Public Administration and Strategic Tourism Administration, and a college type two-year programme in Information Technology.
On January 1, 2001, Vidzeme University College changed its status from a regional governmental institution to a state university college.
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences organizes the Baltic International Summer School, which has been attracting international students for summer courses in Baltic issues and languages since 1999, as well as scientific conferences, including the Baltic Studies Conference in Europe.