free phd program in estonia

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Applications for entry in 2024/25 open on 1 February 2024 on  DreamApply .

Application deadline for doctoral programmes is 31 March 2024.

Doctoral studies info session on 7 February 2024

Nominal duration of doctoral studies is 4 years and study load is 240 ECTS.

Doctoral positions offered by EKA Architecture and Urban Planning: 1 doctoral student – junior researcher position at the Faculty of Architecture; 1 doctoral student position with an EKA scholarship.

Art History and Visual Culture: 1 doctoral student – junior researcher position at the Faculty of Art and Culture; 1 doctoral student position with EKA scholarship.

Art and Design: 1 doctoral student – junior researcher position at the Faculty of Fine Arts; 1 doctoral student position with EKA scholarship. 1 doctoral student – junior researcher position at the Faculty of Design; 1 doctoral student position with EKA scholarship. Cultural Heritage and Conservation: 1 doctoral student – junior researcher position at the Faculty of Art and Culture; 1 doctoral student position with EKA scholarship. Additionally, EKA can create knowledge transfer doctoral student positions in cooperation with companies, public and third sector institutions.

Please specify the position you are applying for in your motivation letter.

In 2024, the salary of a doctoral student – junior researcher is €1,840/month (gross salary) and EKA PhD scholarship is €750/month (net).

Please read more about the status and funding of PhD students HERE .

The Estonian Academy of Arts offers the following PhD level programmes for international applicants:

ART AND DESIGN (detailed curriculum HERE)

ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING   (detailed curriculum HERE)

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION (detailed curriculum HERE )

ART HISTORY AND VISUAL CULTURE (detailed curriculum HERE )

The requirement for admission to doctoral studies is a master’s degree or other relevant qualification that gives access to doctoral level studies in Estonia. Educational qualifications obtained abroad are recognised by the Estonian Academy of Arts on the basis of assessments and opinions of the Estonian ENIC/NARIC Centre.

NB! Students graduating in the summer of 2024 who are unable to submit their educational documents (diploma and transcript of records) before the deadline are required to submit their latest transcript of records containing their current grades, and a written confirmation (email, certificate etc) from their educational institution stating that educational documents will be issued to graduates no lather than at the end of June 2024.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Application for admission to doctoral studies submitted on DreamApply :

– copies of your bachelor’s and master’s degree certificate or equivalent, and their translation into Estonian or English (both the copy and translation have to be attested)

– transcript of records (for both, the MA and BA level studies), and their translations into Estonian or English (both the copy and translation have to be attested)

– English language proficiency certificate (please check the requirements  here )

– copy of the data page of your passport or ID-card

Please note that we also have country specific requirements that can be found  here .

NB! Translations are only requested if documents are not in English or Estonian. Both the copies of documents in their original language and translations have to be attested.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

– CV (please find the form here )

– portfolio (including a defended master’s thesis if you wish) is required for an artistic or practice-based doctoral thesis, and a defended master’s thesis is sufficient for a text-based doctoral thesis

– motivation letter (please specify the position you are applying for)

– proposal of the doctoral thesis (form for Art and Design here /form for Architecture and Urban planning here )

– academic CV of the prospective supervisor(s). Please note that having a supervisor is not required for applying. However, if you have a supervisor, you will need to ask their consent for submitting their CV. You will also need to include their name and email in your thesis proposal. If the supervisor is employed at the Estonian Academy of Arts, CV is not required.

The results will be based on the interview, PhD thesis project and portfolio or defended MA thesis. Based on submitted documents the committee will decide who will be invited for an interview. Interviews will take place in April 2024.

Admission documents will only be processed after the application fee (60 EUR) is received by the Estonian Academy of Arts .

NB! International PhD applicants

• who have completed their previous studies in Estonia;

• who are about to graduate from an educational institution in Estonia;

• who have completed their previous studies abroad but have had their qualifications assessed by ENIC/NARIC Centre may apply via SAIS  and are exempt from application fee.

Admission information:

Doctoral School Irene Hütsi Coordinator of doctoral studies phone: +372 53 068 909 e-post:  [email protected]

Admission Helen Jürgens Senior Specialist Phone: +372 6267 305 e-post:  helen.jyrgen [email protected]

Põhja puiestee 7, D206 www.artun.ee

Call for applications: EKA admissions 2024

Online info session: doctoral studies at EKA

Estonian Academy of Arts Doctoral Study Regulations

Doctoral School of EKA

Admission rules of Estonian Academy of Arts 2024

Research topic areas

Helen Jürgens

Senior Specialist, Academic Affairs

+372 6267 305 Põhja pst 7, room D206

Irene Hütsi

Coordinator of Doctoral School

+37253068909

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Doctoral school

Welcome to the Doctoral School of Estonian University of Life Sciences!

Doctoral School is responsible for:

• organization of general PhD courses;
• organization of supervisors competitions and PhD students admission;
• councelling of PhD students and their supervisors;
• developing cooperation between Estonian and foreign PhD schools.

Contact: Diana Pungar [email protected] Doctoral School Estonian University of Life Sciences Kreutzwaldi 1a-0043, Tartu 51014, Estonia  Phone 00372 731 3071

Estonian University of Life Sciences currently offers five different Ph.D programmes:

Environmental Sciences and Applied Biology

Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is included in the research of this programme. 

The curriculum

Detailed description

Graduates of Forestry Ph.D programme will be qualified to hold positions in higher education establishments and research and development institutions, hold executive positions in forest management and timber processing industries in governmental agencies and in the private sector, and take up employment as top Forestry and Environmental Protection specialists.

Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering  is included in the research of this programme. 

Agricultural Sciences

Specialities included in the programme are Grassland Science, Field Crop Science, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Entomology, Plant Physiology, Agricultural Economics, Animal Health and Welfare, Farm Animal Breeding and Genetics, Animal Nutrition and Metabolism, Technologies of Fish Farming. 

Institute of A gricultural and Environmental Sciences and Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences are included in the research of this programme. 

Engineering Sciences

Institute of Technology and Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering are included in the research of this programme. 

Veterinary Medicine and Food Science

Specialities included in the programme are Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Biomedicine, Food Hygiene and Food Science.

Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences is included in the research of this programme. 

• Institute of Forestry and Engineering
• Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
• Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
• Open University
• Centre of Bioeconomy
• Märja Dairy Research Farm
• Järvselja õppe- ja katsemetskond
• Limnoloogiakeskus
• Nature collections
• Organic Centre
• Polli aiandusuuringute keskus
• Centre of Renewable Energy
• Teadusloo Uurimise Keskus
• Student Union
• Võrtsjärve Learning Center
• Animal Clinic

Doctoral studies at the Estonian Business School

EBS Doctoral Programme in Management is a unique, highly individualised double-track PhD programme, which focuses on real-world impact. Doctoral candidates are offered a choice between a classical academic research track and a NEW experimental applied track.

Application deadline:

EU & et*: August 1st, 2023

*inc. USA, Canada, Japan, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and countries who do not need a visa to enter Estonia

Non-EU: May 1st, 2023

Applied and Experimental Track

Aims to dramatically bridge the gap between academic and business activities, increase the relevance of research in real world settings as well as provide students with a practical „beyond research“ tool-box for implementing their ideas in practice.

Focuses on applied and experimental research, seeking to create a two-way interaction between business and academia within a comprehensive support ecosystem.

Classical Academic Research Track

Aims to broaden our understanding of the world by giving deep knowledge of organisational theories and society while developing critical and analytical thinking and research skills.

Focuses on the research of business, public and civil society organisations offering a comprehensive perspective on management and organisation studies.

Calls for Research Fellow Positions

When applying to EBS to become a PhD student, you also have the opportunity to become a research fellow. Research fellows are selected by the EBS Research and Development Council, are employed by EBS and work as part of a research group on a specific priority topic (see below for 2023 research calls).

These positions are financed either by EBS or external funding (or a combination of both). The research fellow is therefore both employed by EBS and enrolled into the PhD programme. As an employee, a research fellow is provided with a workplace and a competitive salary while also being provided with teaching and supervision as a PhD student.

This scholarship and position include an obligation to contribute to teaching and other core activities of the school. The duration of the employment is four years (reflecting the nominal PhD study period) with flexibility depending on individual circumstances. Research fellow positions are limited and offered to exceptional PhD candidates with a similar vision to fit the EBS academic faculty.

EBS PhD Student Profiles

PhD in Management is divided into two main tracks:

• a classical academic research track , focusing on theories, analyses and critical thinking in areas related to contemporary management, business and entrepreneurship related subjects;
• an applied/experimental track , where research is directly combined with the development and implementation of real-life changes in organisations (private or public) or with the design and launch of new business or societal-impact ventures based on innovative product or service concepts.

Both main tracks include the possibility to uptake the desired Research Fellow study route. Learn more about the available Research Fellow positions for the academic year 2023/2024 here .

The EBS doctoral programme has three different student profiles:

PhD students concentrating only on their studies and research are called individual or independent PhD students. The requirements for enrolment as an individual student are the same as for research fellows, meaning you have to apply for a vacant PhD position.

Independent students have no additional teaching obligation, but they must pass the teaching internship which is a mandatory part in the curriculum. As an independent student, you do not have to apply for a vacant PhD position. You can, therefore, choose any research topic within the EBS research field.

PhD students from other institutions, who wish to spend a period of study at EBS, should contact the department they wish to visit. Individual agreements may be made on supervision, participation in courses and a workplace between the student and the department.

The research fellow will work in a research group with a specific research topic. These positions are financed either by EBS or external funding (or in a combination of both). The research fellow is thus employed by EBS but is also a student at EBS being enrolled in the PhD programme.

As an employee, a research fellow is provided with a workplace and a salary, and as a student, teaching and supervision. This scholarship and position include an obligation to contribute to teaching at EBS. The duration of the employment is four years according to the nominal PhD study period. Research fellow positions are limited and offered to exceptional PhD candidates with a similar vision to fit the EBS academic faculty.

Comparison of the Classical and Applied PhD tracks

EBS PhD programme awaits

Cookie info here .

How to prepare for PhD admission in Estonian Universities

This blog post was written by Pankaj, a Digital Technologies PhD student at Tallinn University. In this post, I ( Pankaj Chejara) am sharing suggestions for the applicants for Ph.D. admission in Estonia. The suggestions shared in this post helped me to secure a position in the Ph.D. program in School of Digital Technologies, Tallinn University, and I hope it will be helpful for prospective Ph.D. applicants as well. 

1. Start early by contacting the professor/researchers

So, my first advice is to get yourself familiar with the research team in your field in the respective universities in Estonia. Once you become familiar, identify some potential supervisors (whose research area coincides with yours’), and read some of their research work. If you find their research work interesting then send an email. Don’t send emails randomly without checking their research profile. You can put your CV and share your preliminary research idea (plus if you have a motivational letter then you can share that as well). 

In case if you are not able to identify the researcher/professor in your research area then you can try sending the aforementioned documents (CV, research idea, motivation letter/personal statement) to the head of the study program. I and one of my colleagues did the same. We sent the email to the head of the study program and received some suggestions on who is working in the similar research field and could be contacted.

2. List down some of the top conferences and journal publication venues in your field

3. Read research papers and prepare a summary

4. Invest time in writing the research proposal and try to get feedback on it 

Introduction 

State of art

Research questions & objectives

Research methodology

Research plan

You can share your draft with the professor and can request feedback if he/she could review it before submission. In my case, my supervisor gave me feedback which helped me in improving the quality of my research proposal. You can also share your proposal with people you know and are working in a similar field to their feedback. I will strongly recommend you to spend some time writing and revising your proposal.

5. Read your research proposal before the interview

• Tell us about yourself (Just to know you)
• What is your proposed research about? (summary)
• Why did you not cite any research work from our university? (I simply answered that I did not find any researcher’s work closely related to the proposed work)
• Why did you select Estonia (and also the university to which you are applying to pursue your PhD.)? 
• What are the similar studies conducted in the research field?

6. Done! Wait for results

Now, you have to wait for the results. You will receive a score out of 100 (in most cases). This score will be computed based on your education, research proposal, and interview. The qualification score is 75 which means to be eligible for Ph.D. admission you must get above 75. The eligibility does not guarantee admission. Your score is compared to other applicants’ scores and the final decision will be made based on available Ph.D. positions.

7. Ph.D. admission process timeline

Just to give you an idea about how much time the entire admission process usually takes, I have included the timeline of my Ph.D. admission application process in the figure below. I hope it will be useful.

Some useful link

• Estonian universities study programs and admission deadlines
• Estonian doctoral programs
• Blog post: The road to PhD: where to start
• Blog post: Life of a PhD student 
• Blog post: Why I chose Estonia for my PhD studies: 4 reasons

Acknowledgement: Thanks to Mahesha Harshani De Silva for adding some additional points from her experience of Ph.D. admission process in Tallinn University.

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PhD in Estonia

No colleges record, why study phd (doctor of philosophy) in estonia.

1. High-Quality Education: Estonia is known for its high-quality education system, with several universities offering world-class research and academic programs. Many Estonian universities rank well in international university rankings.

2. Research Opportunities: Estonia has a strong emphasis on research and innovation. PhD students have access to cutting-edge research facilities, resources, and opportunities to collaborate with renowned professors and researchers.

3. English-Taught Programs: Many PhD programs in Estonia are taught in English, making them accessible to international students. This eliminates language barriers and allows students from diverse backgrounds to participate.

4. Innovative Environment: Estonia is a tech-savvy nation known for its innovation and digital solutions. This innovative environment can provide a unique backdrop for research and development in various fields.

5. International Community: Estonia is home to a diverse and welcoming international student community. This multicultural atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging and promotes cultural exchange.

6. Cost-Efficient Education: Tuition fees for PhD programs in Estonia are generally lower than in many other Western European countries. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively affordable, making it an economically attractive option.

7. Scholarship Opportunities: Estonian universities and institutions offer various scholarships and funding options for international PhD students, including government scholarships, university-specific grants, and research assistant positions.

8. Research Focus: Estonia is particularly strong in fields such as information technology, cybersecurity, e-governance, environmental sciences, and bioinformatics, offering unique opportunities for research and specialization.

9. Quality of Life: Estonia consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life, safety, and overall well-being. The country offers a high standard of living, efficient public services, and a clean environment.

10. European Union Membership: Estonia's EU membership offers opportunities for collaboration, networking, and participation in EU-funded research projects and programs.

11. Beautiful Natural Scenery: Estonia boasts beautiful landscapes, including forests, lakes, and a long coastline. This provides opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities, offering a balanced lifestyle.

12. Ease of Travel: Estonia's central location in Europe allows for easy travel to neighboring countries, making it convenient for academic conferences, research collaborations, and exploration.

13. Post-Graduation Opportunities: Completing a PhD in Estonia can open doors to academic positions, research roles in academia and industry, as well as opportunities to contribute to the country's growing knowledge-based economy.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Specializations in Estonia

Admission intake for phd (doctor of philosophy) in estonia.

Fall Intake (Autumn Semester):

The primary admission intake for PhD programs in Estonia is typically in the Fall, which corresponds to the start of the Autumn semester. This intake usually begins in September.

Application deadlines for the Fall intake typically fall within the early months of the year, often between January and March. However, these deadlines can vary depending on the university and program, so it's essential to check the specific deadlines for the program you're interested in.

Spring Intake (Spring Semester):

Some universities in Estonia may offer a limited number of PhD programs with a Spring intake, which usually starts in February or March.

The application deadlines for the Spring intake are usually in the previous year, around September to November.

Top 10 Universities in Estonia for PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Tuition fees for phd (doctor of philosophy) in estonia.

Full-Time PhD Programs:

• For international students from non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries, tuition fees for full-time PhD programs in Estonia typically range from approximately €3,000 to €7,000 per academic year. The actual fees can vary depending on the university and the specific field of study.

Part-Time PhD Programs:

• Part-time PhD students may pay reduced tuition fees compared to full-time students, but the exact fees can vary based on the university and program. Part-time PhD students often have the flexibility to work alongside their studies.

EU and EEA Students:

• If you are an EU or EEA citizen, you may be eligible for tuition-free education in Estonia for your PhD studies. However, you may still need to pay some administrative fees and cover your living expenses.

Cost of Studying PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Estonia

Eligibility for doing phd (doctor of philosophy) in estonia.

1. Master's Degree: You generally need to hold a relevant master's degree or an equivalent qualification in a related field. The master's degree should be recognized and accredited by the relevant authorities in your home country.

2. Academic Excellence: Strong academic performance in your previous studies, including your master's degree, is often a crucial eligibility criterion. Universities may require a minimum grade point average (GPA) or equivalent academic qualifications.

3. Research Proposal: You may need to submit a detailed research proposal outlining your intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and potential contributions to the field. Your proposal should align with the research interests of the university and faculty members.

4. Language Proficiency: As many PhD programs in Estonia are taught in English, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Some universities may also accept other English language proficiency tests.

5. Letters of Recommendation: PhD applicants are typically required to submit letters of recommendation from professors or individuals who can assess your academic and research potential. The number of required letters may vary.

6. Interview or Entrance Examination: Some PhD programs may require you to participate in an interview or take an entrance examination as part of the admission process. This is especially common in competitive programs.

7. CV/Resume: Prepare a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume outlining your educational background, research experience, publications, and any relevant professional experience.

8. Work Experience: While not always mandatory, some PhD programs may prefer applicants with prior research or work experience related to their field of study.

9. Proof of Funding: You may be required to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs during your PhD studies.

10. Motivation Letter: Write a motivation letter explaining why you want to pursue a PhD in Estonia, your research interests, and how the program aligns with your academic and career goals.

11. Passport or Identification: Provide a copy of your valid passport or identification document.

12. Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of your studies in Estonia.

13. Visa/Residence Permit: If applicable, you will likely need to apply for a student visa or residence permit to study in Estonia. Check with the Estonian embassy or consulate in your home country for specific requirements.

Documents Required for PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Estonia

1. Application Form: Complete and submit the university's online application form through their admissions portal.

2. Copy of Passport or ID: A clear copy of your valid passport or national ID card.

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV outlining your academic and professional background, research experience, publications, and any relevant achievements.

4. Statement of Purpose (Motivation Letter): A written statement explaining your research interests, academic and career goals, and reasons for pursuing a PhD in the chosen field.

5. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts of your previous academic qualifications, including bachelor's and master's degrees. These should include a list of courses taken and grades obtained.

6. Diploma or Degree Certificates: Official copies of your bachelor's and master's degree certificates or equivalent. If your documents are not in English or Estonian, you may need to provide translations by an authorized translator.

7. Research Proposal: A detailed research proposal outlining your intended research project for the PhD, including research questions, methodology, and expected outcomes. This is a critical part of the application, and it should align with the research interests of the department or faculty.

8. Letters of Recommendation: Usually, you will need at least two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can attest to your qualifications, skills, and potential for research.

9. Proof of English Proficiency: If your program is taught in English and your native language is not English, you may need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Commonly accepted tests include TOEFL or IELTS scores. Some universities may waive this requirement if you have studied in English or are a native English speaker.

10. Interview: In some cases, you may be required to participate in an interview as part of the application process. This interview may be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing.

11. Application Fee: Check if the university requires an application fee and pay it according to their instructions.

12. Other Supporting Documents: Some programs or universities may have specific requirements, such as a writing sample, portfolio (for certain creative or arts programs), or additional standardized test scores (e.g., GRE for some programs).

Scholarships for PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Estonia

1. Estonian Government Scholarships for Doctoral Studies: The Estonian Ministry of Education and Research offers scholarships for international doctoral students through the Estonian Government Scholarship program. These scholarships cover tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses. The program is available for both full-time and part-time doctoral students.

2. University-Specific Scholarships: Many Estonian universities offer scholarships and grants to international PhD students based on academic excellence, research potential, or specific research projects. Each university may have its own scholarship programs, so it's important to check with your chosen university for available opportunities.

3. Research Fellowships: Estonian research institutions and organizations may provide research fellowships or grants for doctoral students working on specific research projects. These opportunities can help fund your research and provide valuable experience.

4. External Scholarships: Explore scholarship opportunities from international organizations, foundations, and governments that support doctoral studies and research. Organizations like the Fulbright Program and the European Research Council (ERC) offer scholarships for international doctoral students.

5. Erasmus+ Doctoral Scholarships: The Erasmus+ program provides funding for international mobility and collaboration in higher education. Doctoral students can benefit from Erasmus+ scholarships to study and conduct research in Estonia or other European countries.

6. Bilateral Agreements: Some countries have bilateral agreements with Estonia that provide scholarships or financial support to doctoral students from those countries. Check with your home country's Ministry of Education or relevant government agencies for information on such agreements.

7. Field-Specific Scholarships: Depending on your field of study, you may be eligible for scholarships and grants from organizations or institutions that support research and education in specific disciplines.

8. Estonian Development Cooperation Scholarships: The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships to students from certain countries, primarily in the developing world, to study in Estonia. These scholarships aim to promote cooperation and cultural exchange.

Jobs and Salary after PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Estonia

Academia and Research:

• Job Opportunities: PhD graduates often choose careers in academia as researchers or university professors. They may conduct research, publish academic papers, and teach at universities and research institutions.
• Salary Range: University salaries for academic and research positions can vary significantly. Junior faculty members may earn salaries starting at around €2,000 to €3,500 per month, while more experienced professors can earn higher salaries.

Industry and Private Sector:

• Job Opportunities: PhD graduates are in demand in various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering. They can work in research and development, data analysis, project management, and consulting roles.
• Salary Range: Salaries in the private sector can vary widely depending on the industry and role. In technology and IT sectors, salaries for experienced professionals can range from €3,000 to €6,000 or more per month.

Government and Public Sector:

• Job Opportunities: PhD holders may find opportunities in government agencies, research institutes, and public policy organizations. They can work in roles related to policy analysis, program management, and research.
• Salary Range: Salaries in the public sector are often competitive, with salaries for government researchers and analysts starting at around €2,500 to €4,000 per month.

Entrepreneurship and Start-ups:

• Job Opportunities: Some PhD graduates choose to start their own companies or join innovative start-ups. They can contribute their expertise to entrepreneurial ventures and research-focused projects.
• Salary Range: Earnings in entrepreneurship can vary widely and depend on the success of the venture. Entrepreneurial success may lead to significant financial rewards.

Nonprofit and NGOs:

• Job Opportunities: PhD graduates interested in social impact and advocacy can work for nonprofit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They may engage in research, program management, and policy advocacy.
• Salary Range: Salaries in the nonprofit sector can vary, with entry-level positions typically starting at around €2,000 to €3,500 per month.
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Doctoral programmes and centres

Here, you can find an overview of the doctoral programmes at the University of Tartu. The University of Tartu offers eight doctoral programmes (further divided into specialisations), all of which fall under one of four centres for doctoral studies:

The information on this page is relevant from the 2022/2023 academic year. Please visit the Study Information System here if you are interested in programmes before 2022/2023.

Doctoral programme in Humanities

Information regarding the programme and application process

Specialisations in the Institute of Cultural Research

• Comparative Literature
• Estonian Literature
• Folkloristics
• Theatre Studies

Specialisations in the Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics

• Finno-Ugric Studies
• Linguistics

Specialisations in the Institute of Foreign Language and Cultures

• Classical Philology
• English Language and Literature
• French Language and Literature
• German Language and Literature
• Russian Language and Literature
• Scandinavian Languages and Literature
• Spanish Language and Literature
• Translation Studies

Specialisations in the Institute of History and Archaeology

• Archaeology
• Art History

Specialisations in the Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics

• Semiotics and Culture Studies

Specialisations in the School of Theology and Religious Studies

• Religious Studies

Homepage of the Centre for Doctoral Studies in Humanities

Doctoral programme in Educational Sciences

• Educational Science
• Science Education

Doctoral programme in Social Sciences

• Business Administration
• Media and Communication
• Political Science

Homepage of the Centre for Doctoral Studies in Social Sciences

Doctoral programme in Medicine and Sport

• Exercise and Sport Sciences
• Neurosciences

Homepage of the Centre for Doctoral Studies in Medicine and Sport

Doctoral programme in Chemical and Physical Sciences

• Space Research and Technology

Doctoral programme in Engineering and Technology

• Computer Engineering
• Environmental Technology
• Materials Science
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Sustainable Energetics

Doctoral programme in Life and Earth Sciences

• Biodiversity and Ecological Sustainability
• Molecular Biosciences

Doctoral programme in Mathematics and Computer Science

• Computer Science
• Mathematical Sciences

Homepage of the Centre for Doctoral Studies in Science and Technology

Doctoral defence: rodolfo basile "invenitive-locational constructions in finnish: a mixed methods approach".

Science Fiction Research Association annual conference at University of Tartu

High genetic risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder suggests possible health consequences

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Application procedure for Estonian programmes

The following steps outline the application process for international students considering applying for an Estonian-based programme in Tallinn University.

• Find the programme you are interested in applying for. Familiarize yourself with the programme's description and  programme-specific requirements  which are described on the web site of the programme you are interested in. You can find the list of programmes here . Please note that for applying to an Estonian degree programme, the minimum level of Estonian proficiency is B1.
• Make sure you know the Country-specific Requirements   that apply to the country you graduated from your previous level of studies in.   If the country you studied in is not listed, no country-specific requirements apply and general requirements are to be followed.
• For PhD applicants – please find a prospective supervisor by contacting the respective unit. All PhD programmes can be seen here  and you can find the contact person on the programme page. Please attach your PhD proposal for reviewing to the e-mail.
• Take your documents to Estonian ENIC/NARIC centre for evaluation. NB! Please note that getting the evaluation from the Estonian ENIC/NARIC centre takes approximately  one month . You should have the ENIC/NARIC's decision on your qualification by the time you apply. If you graduate the same year and do not have time to send the documents to ENIC/NARIC, please send the scans of the documents and passport to [email protected] .
• Apply through SAIS if you have an Estonian ID-code, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID. If you do not have access to SAIS you can come to university and the admission specialist can submit the application with you. When submitting the documents, make sure you follow the  Country-specific Requirements .

The application deadlines:

January 29 – July 1 at 15:00 – English programmes (Bachelor's and Master's programmes)

May 1 – July 1 at 15:00 – Estonian Master's programmes 

June 14 – July 1 at 15:00 –  Estonian Bachelor's programmes 

Dates of the entrance exams can be found here: Bachelor's programmes, Master's programmes.

If you need help applying or want to bring the education documents to university you can come on 26 or 28 June (times will be announced here ).

* Bachelor level applicants are expected to send their secondary education documents; Master level applicants are expected to send their Bachelor level documents or documents certifying a corresponding qualification; Doctoral level applicants are expected to send their Bachelor and Master level documents or documents certifying corresponding qualifications.

** At least 60% of the possible maximum results is expected from the previous degree(s) when applying to studies in Tallinn University

• You will be notified of the time and place of the admission exam. The admission exams take place in July.

Once you have received an accepted offer you should apply for  Estonian Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)  for studies if you are from a Non-EU/EEA country.

In order to obtain the right of temporary residence EU/EEA citizens   (who stay in Estonia longer than three months)   must register themselves as citizens of Tallinn within three months from the date of entering Estonia and apply for the  Estonian identity card  (ID-card). Please read  here . 

Tallinn University Requirements and Procedure for the Admission to Degree Studies