Estonia : Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?

The academic branch of higher education follows the three tier system of Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees. Bachelor-level study is normally for three years (bakalaureusekraad). Masters-level study is normally for one or two years, with a Bachelors degree being a prerequisite (magistrikraad).

Following Masters-level study is Doctoral study, lasting between three and four years (doktorikraad). The exceptions to this are medicine, veterinary science, architecture, pharmacy and civil engineering, which are taken as long-cycle study, lasting five to six years and leading to the magistrikraad.

What type of courses are available?

You may study a wide range of subjects at magistrikraad and doktorikraad level. Estonia also has a number of specialist institutions in the arts, science, business and technology. Many postgraduate courses are offered in English.

Where can I study?

There are six public universities:

• Estonian Academy of Arts
• Tallinn University of Technology
• Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre
• Estonian University of Life Sciences
• Tallinn University
• University of Tartu

The University of Tartu is the only general institution. All other institutions specialise in a particular field. There are four private universities and several private professional higher education institutions. Full details are available at Smart Estonia.

What are the entry requirements for postgraduate study?

As with UK universities, most Estonian institutions require a Bachelors-level degree or equivalent for admission to postgraduate study. For Doctoral-level study, a Masters-level qualification is sometimes preferred. It is advisable to check with the institution you wish to apply to for their individual entry requirements.

When do I apply?

Closing dates vary according to each institution. Please check each institution’s website for details.

How much will it cost?

Fees range from €1023 - €6730 (16,000 - 105,000 EEK) a year. Graduate and postgraduate study is more expensive. Check with the individual institution’s website for specific details for each course.

Are any scholarships available?

Yes, some institutions do offer scholarships to eligible and exceptional applicants. Visit their individual websites for details.

Are there any exchange programmes?

Estonia is part of the Erasmus programme, which enables students from 31 countries to study for a period of time in another country.

Will my qualifications be recognised in the UK?

Please refer to the UK NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom) website for information about recognition of academic qualifications.

You may also want to visit the UK National Europass Centre (UK NEC) website for information on how to make your skills and qualifications easily understood in Estonia.