Estonian education system

One of the tasks of the Estonian ENIC/NARIC is providing information about the Estonian education system, qualifications and higher education institutions in order to facilitate recognition of Estonian qualifications in foreign countries. We provide information on both current and former systems of higher education and qualifications awarded therein.

Higher education institutions and study programmes

Public universities

Eesti Kunstiakadeemia (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Eesti Maaülikool (Estonian University of Life Sciences)
Eesti Muusika- ja Teatriakadeemia (Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre)
Tallinna Tehnikaülikool (Tallinn University of Technology)
Tallinna Ülikool (Tallinn University)
Tartu Ülikool (University of Tartu)

Private university

Estonian Business School

State professional higher education institutions

Eesti Lennuakadeemia (Estonian Aviation Academy)
Kaitseväe Akadeemia (Estonian Military Academy)
Sisekaitseakadeemia (Estonian Academy of Security Sciences)
Tallinna Tehnikakõrgkool (TTK University of Applied Sciences)
Tallinna Tervishoiu Kõrgkool (Tallinn Health Care College)
Kõrgem Kunstikool Pallas (Pallas University of Applied Sciences)
Tartu Tervishoiu Kõrgkool (Tartu Health Care College)

Private professional higher education institutions

EEKBKL Kõrgem Usuteaduslik Seminar (Theological Seminary)
EELK Usuteaduse Instituut (The Institute of Theology of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church)
Eesti Ettevõtluskõrgkool Mainor (Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences)
Eesti Metodisti Kiriku Teoloogiline Seminar (Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary)

You can find more information about the study programmes of Estonian HEIs, incl. the right to conduct studies at the database of Estonian Quality Agency for Higher and Vocational Education.

In Estonia, only higher education providers which have passed the quality assessment are allowed to provide higher education programmes. As of 2012, higher education programmes may only be conducted if the Government of the Republic has granted the right to provide higher education programmes in this study programme group and at this cycle of higher education. This includes the right to issue graduation diplomas and degrees recognised by the state.

To make the transition from the accreditation system valid until 2008, to the new assessment system, a transitional assessment of the study programme groups of all higher education institutions was conducted from 2009 to 2011. Quality assessment of higher education programmes took place per study programme group, with one group containing all of the programmes in the same field of study. As the result of quality assessment, the higher education institution was either granted an indefinite right to conduct studies or obtained the right to do so for a fixed period of up to three years.

Accredited study programme groups (document in the pdf-format).

Akadeemia Nord / University Nord

Arvutikolledž / Computer Science College

Audentese Kõrgem Ärikool / Audentes Business School

Audentes Mainor Ülikool / Audentes Mainor University

Audentese Ülikool / Audentes University

Concordia Rahvusvaheline Ülikool Eestis / Concordia International University Estonia

EEKBKL Kõrgem Usuteaduslik Seminar / Theological Seminary

EELK Usuteaduse Instituut / Theological Institute of the Estonian Evangelical Luth. Church

Eesti-Ameerika Äriakadeemia / Estonian-American Business Academy

Eesti-Ameerika Ärikolledž/ Estonian American Business College

Eesti Ettevõtluskõrgkool Mainor / Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences

Eesti Hotelli- ja Turismikõrgkool / Estonian School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Eesti Humanitaarinstituut / The Estonian Institute of Humanities

Eesti Infotehnoloogia Kolledž / The Estonian Information Technology College

Eesti Kõrgem Kommertskool / Estonian Business School

Eesti Metodisti Kiriku Teoloogiline Seminar / Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary

Eraakadeemia Nord / Private University Nord

Erakommertskolledž / Private Commercial College

Estonian Business School

Euroakadeemia / Euroacademy

Euroülikool / EuroUniversity

International University Audentes

Kõrgkool “I Studium” / Higher School I Studium

Mainori Kõrgkool / Mainor Business School

Mainori Majanduskool / Mainor School of Economics

Mainori Majandusinstituut / Mainor Institute of Economics

Majanduse ja Juhtimise Instituut / Institute of Economics and Management

Rahvusvaheline Sotsiaalteaduste Rakenduslik Kõrgkool LEX / International University of Social Sciences LEX

Sillamäe Majanduse ja Juhtimise Instituut / Sillamäe Institute of Economics and Management

Sotsiaal-Humanitaarinstituut / Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences

Sotsiaalteaduste Erakõrgkool “Veritas” / The Private School of Social Sciences Veritas

Tallinna Kommertskolledž / Tallinn Commercial College

Tallinna Ärijuhtimise Kolledž / Tallinn College of Business Administration

Tartu Teoloogia Akadeemia / Tartu Academy of Theology

Õigusinstituut / Institute of Law

Akadeemia Nord / University Nord

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Economic Law (Majandusõigus)  Bakalaureus Conditionally 28.01.1999
Public Administration and European Studies
(Avalik haldus ja Euroopa õpingud)
Bakalaureus Fully 28.02.2002
Law (Õigusteadus)  Bakalaureus Fully 05.05.2000
Fully 30.09.2008
 Magister Fully 15.05.2001
Conditionally 30.09.2008
Marketing and Advertisement
(Marketing ja reklaam)
 Bakalaureus Fully 03.06.2003
Psychology (Psühholoogia)  Bakalaureus Fully 16.03.2004
 Magister Fully 16.03.2004

Arvutikolledž / Computer Science College

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Programming (Programmeerimine) Prof Fully 03.06.2003
Computer Graphics (Arvutigraafika) Prof Conditionally 14.05.2004
Prof Fully 19.05.2008

Audentese Kõrgem Ärikool / Audentes Business School

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärikorraldus) Bakalaureus Fully 28.02.2002
Information Technology (Infotehnoloogia) Bakalaureus Conditionally 1.08.2002
International Business Administration (Rahvusvaheline ärijuhtimine) Diplom Conditionally 14.06.1999
International Financial Management (Rahvusvaheline finantsjuhtimine) Diplom Conditionally 14.06.1999
International Business Management (Rahvusvaheline ärikorraldus) Diplom Conditionally 14.06.1999
Diplom Fully 22.12.2000
International Relations and European Studies (Rahvusvahelised suhted ja Euroopa uuringud) Magister Conditionally 28.02.2002

Audentes Mainor Ülikool / Audentes Mainor University

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärikorraldus) Bakalaureus Fully 28.02.2002
Information Technology (Infotehnoloogia) Bakalaureus Conditionally 1.08.2002
International Business Management (Rahvusvaheline ärikorraldus) Diplom Fully 22.12.2000
International Relations and European Studies (Rahvusvahelised suhted ja Euroopa uuringud) Magister Conditionally 28.02.2002

Audentese Ülikool / Audentes University

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärikorraldus) Bakalaureus Fully 28.02.2002
Magister Conditionally 15.03.2004
Magister (80 ap) Fully 13.02.2008
Magister (40 ap) Fully 13.02.2008
Business Law (Majandusõigus) Bakalaureus Conditionally 23.05.2005
Communication Management (Kommunikatsiooni juhtimine) Magister Conditionally 21.06.2005
Information Technology (Infotehnoloogia) Bakalaureus Conditionally 1.08.2002
Bakalaureus Fully 14.05.2004
International Business Administration (Rahvusvaheline ärijuhtimine) Bakalaureus Fully 22.12.2005
Bakalaureus Fully/transfer from CIUE 14.05.2004
International Business Management (Rahvusvaheline ärikorraldus) Diplom Fully 22.12.2000
International Relations (Rahvusvahelised suhted) Bakalaureus Fully 30.06.2004
International Relations and European Studies (Rahvusvahelised suhted ja Euroopa uuringud) Magister Conditionally 28.02.2002
Magister Fully 30.06.2004
Law (Õigusteadus) Bakalaureus Fully/transfer from CIUE 05.05.2000
Bakalaureus Fully 23.05.2005
Magister(80 ap) Fully 23.05.2005
Magister (40 ap) Conditionally 23.05.2005
Magister Fully 26.08.2008
Media (Meedia) Bakalaureus Fully/transfer from CIUE 19.06.2001
Psychology (Psühholoogia) Diplom/Prof Conditionally 16.03.2004

Concordia Rahvusvaheline Ülikool Eestis / Concordia International University Estonia

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
International Business (Rahvusvaheline ärijuhtimine) Bakalaureus Fully 11.02.1997
Magister Conditionally 26.02.2001
Law (Õigusteadus) Bakalaureus Fully 05.05.2000
Media (Meedia) Bakalaureus Fully 19.06.2001

EEKBKL Kõrgem Usuteaduslik Seminar / Theological Seminary

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Theology (Usuteadus) Diplom Fully 18.06.1998
Diplom Fully 29.12.2004
Prof Fully 29.12.2004
Pastoral Theology (Pastoraalteoloogia) Diplom Fully 18.06.1998
Diplom Fully 29.12.2004
Religion Pedagogics (Religioonipedagoogika) Diplom Fully 18.06.1998
Diplom Fully 29.12.2004
Divinity (Teoloogia) Diplom Fully 30.06.1998

EELK Usuteaduse Instituut / Theological Institute of the Estonian Evangelical Luth. Church

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Theology (Usuteadus) Diplom Fully 18.06.1998
Church Workers Study (Koguduse töötegijate õpe) Diplom Fully 18.06.1998
Academic Theology (Akadeemiline ususteadus) Bakalaureus Fully 21.06.2005
Magister Conditionally 21.06.2005
Magister Fully 11.12.2008
Practical Theology (Praktiline usuteadus) Bakalaureus Fully 21.06.2005
Religion Pedagogics (Religioonipedagoogika) Magister
(40 credits)
Fully 21.06.2005
Magister
(80 credits)
Conditionally 21.06.2005
Magister Fully 11.12.2008
Divinity (Teoloogia põhiõpe) Bakalaureus Fully 21.06.2005
Christian Culture Study (Kristlik kultuurilugu) Magister Conditionally 21.06.2005
Magister Fully 11.12.2008

Eesti-Ameerika Äriakadeemia / Estonian-American Business Academy

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärijuhtimine) Diplom  Fully 19.06.2001
Prof Conditionally 07.06.2005
Prof Conditionally 11.12.2008
International Business Administration
(Rahvusvaheline ärijuhtimine)
Prof Conditionally 07.06.2005
International Business Administration
(Rahvusvaheline ärijuhtimine (inglise keele süvaõppega))
Prof Conditionally 11.12.2008

Eesti-Ameerika Ärikolledž/ Estonian American Business College

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärijuhtimine) Diplom Conditionally 21.02.1997
Diplom Conditionally 14.06.1999
Diplom Fully 19.06.2001
Prof Conditionally 07.06.2005
International Economic Relations
(Rahvusvahelised majandussuhted)
Diplom Conditionally 11.02.1997
International Business Administration
(Rahvusvaheline ärijuhtimine)
Prof Conditionally 07.06.2005

Eesti Ettevõtluskõrgkool Mainor / Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärijuhtimine) Prof Fully 19.05.2008
Design For Creative Entrepreneurship (Disain loovettevõtluses) Prof Conditionally 30.12.2009
Information Technology (Infotehnoloogia) Prof Fully 14.05.2004
Information Technology Management (Infotehnoloogia juhtimine) Magister Conditionally 07.07.2009
Financial Management and Information Technology (Finantsjuhtimine ja infotehnoloogia) Magister Conditionally 07.07.2009
Tourism Entrepreneurship and Service Management  (Turismiettevõtluse ja teeninduse juhtimine) Magister Conditionally 07.07.2009

Eesti Hotelli- ja Turismikõrgkool / Estonian School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Hotel Management (Hotellimajandus) Prof Fully 23.05.2005
Tour Operation (Reisikorraldus) Prof Fully 23.05.2005
Guide (Giid) Prof Conditionally 23.05.2005
Catering Management (Toitlustuskorraldus) Prof Fully 21.05.2007

Eesti Humanitaarinstituut / The Estonian Institute of Humanities

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
History (Ajalugu) Bakalaureus Conditionally 17.05.2001
History (Ajalugu) (id 116) Bakalaureus Conditionally 14.05.2004
History (Ajalugu) (id 2950) Bakalaureus Conditionally 14.05.2004
Sociology (Sotsioloogia) Bakalaureus Fully 28.02.2002
Magister Fully 28.02.2002
Estonian Cultural Studies (Eesti kultuurilugu) Bakalaureus Fully 28.01.1999
Cultural Theory (Kultuuriteooria) Bakalaureus Conditionally 23.05.2002
Magister Conditionally 23.05.2002
Magister Fully 30.06.2004
General Cultural Theory (Üldine kultuuriteooria) Bakalaureus Conditionally 23.05.2002
Asian Studies (Aasia kultuurilugu) Bakalaureus Conditionally 23.05.2002
Bakalaureus Fully 30.06.2004
Magister Fully 23.05.2002
Theatre (Teater) Bakalaureus Conditionally 1.07.2001
Theatre (Näitlejameisterlikkus) Bakalaureus Conditionally 22.12.1999
English Studies (Anglistika) Bakalaureus Conditionally 1.07.2000
Bakalaureus Fully 31.01.2003
Germanic Studies (Germanistika) Bakalaureus Conditionally 1.07.2000
Bakalaureus Fully 31.01.2003
Romance Studies (Romanistika) Magister Conditionally 1.07.2000
Magister Conditionally 21.06.2005
Bakalaureus Conditionally 11.12.2002
Bakalaureus Fully 31.01.2003
Bakalaureus Conditionally 21.06.2005
Philosophy (Filosoofia) Bakalaureus Fully 1.08.2002
Bakalaureus Fully 21.06.2005
Magister Conditionally 21.06.2005
Doktor Conditionally 21.06.2005

Eesti Infotehnoloogia Kolledž / The Estonian Information Technology College

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Systems of Information Technology (Infotehnoloogia süsteemid) Diplom Fully 3.06.2003
Information Systems Analysis (Infosüsteemide analüüs) Prof Fully 3.06.2003
Technical Communication (Tehnosuhtlus) Prof Fully 3.06.2003
IT Systems Development (IT süsteemide arendus) Prof Fully 3.06.2003
IT System Administration (IT süsteemide administreerimine) Prof Fully 3.06.2003

Eesti Kõrgem Kommertskool / Estonian Business School

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Entrepreneurship and Business Administration
(Ettevõtlus ja ärijuhtimine)
Diplom Fully 13.05.1997
Bakalaureus Fully 13.05.1997
International Business Administration
(Rahvusvaheline ärijuhtimine)
Diplom Fully 29.04.1997
Bakalaureus Fully 29.04.1997
Magister Conditionally 26.02.2001

Eesti Metodisti Kiriku Teoloogiline Seminar / Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Divinity (Teoloogia) Diplom Fully 18.06.1998
Prof Fully 21.06.2005
Theology (Usuteadus) Diplom Fully 18.06.1998

Eraakadeemia Nord / Private University Nord

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Economic Law (Majandusõigus)  Diplom Conditionally 18.06.1998
Bakalaureus Conditionally 28.01.1999
Law (Õigusteadus)  Bakalaureus Fully 05.05.2000

Erakommertskolledž / Private Commercial College

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärijuhtimine) Prof Conditionally 16.03.2004
Prof Fully 13.02.2008
Applied Languages (Rakenduslikud keeled) Prof Conditionally 01.02.2005

Estonian Business School

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Languages (Võõrkeeled ja ärikorraldus) Bakalaureus Fully 29.12.2004
Entrepreneurship and Business Administration
(Ettevõtlus ja ärijuhtimine)
Diplom Fully 13.05.1997
Bakalaureus Fully 13.05.1997
Bakalaureus Fully 15.03.2004
Information Technology Management (IT-juhtimine) Bakalaureus Fully 15.03.2004
International Business Administration
(Rahvusvaheline ärijuhtimine)
Diplom Fully 29.04.1997
Bakalaureus Fully 29.04.1997
Bakalaureus Fully 15.03.2004
Magister Conditionally 26.02.2001
Magister (MBA) Fully 15.03.2004
Magister (MSc in BA) Fully 15.03.2004
Management (Juhtimisteadus) PhD Fully 16.06.2009
Public Administration (Avalik haldus) Bakalaureus Fully 28.02.2002

Euroakadeemia / Euroacademy

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Art History and Theory (Kunstiteadus) Magister Fully 9.07.2003
Business Administration (Ärijuhtimine) Bakalaureus Fully 23.05.2005
Magister Conditionally 11.12.2008
Environmental Protection (Keskkonnakaitse) Bakalaureus Fully 26.08.2008
Magister Fully 26.08.2008
Fashion Design (Moedisain) Bakalaureus Fully 9.07.2003
Interior Designer (Sisekujunduskunstnik) Bakalaureus Fully 9.07.2003
International Relations (Rahvusvahelised suhted) Bakalaureus Fully 21.05.2007
Regional International Studies (Regionaalsed rahvusvahelised suhted) Magister Conditionally 21.05.2007
Translator-Interpreter, Philologist (Tõlkija/tõlk, filoloog) Bakalaureus Conditionally 07.07.2009
Magister Fully 29.12.2004

Euroülikool / EuroUniversity

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Art History and Theory (Kunstiteadus) Magister Fully 9.07.2003
Business Administration (Ärijuhtimine) Bakalaureus Conditionally 28.02.2002
Bakalaureus Fully 23.05.2005
Magister Conditionally 23.05.2005
Magister Conditionally 11.12.2008
Environmental Protection (Keskkonnakaitse) Bakalaureus Fully 23.05.2002
Bakalaureus Fully 26.08.2008
Magister Conditionally 21.06.2005
Magister Fully 26.08.2008
Fashion Design (Moedisain) Bakalaureus Fully 9.07.2003
Interior Designer (Sisekujunduskunstnik) Bakalaureus Fully 9.07.2003
International Business Administration (Rahvusvaheline ärijuhtimine) Diplom Fully 28.02.2002
Bakalaureus Conditionally 28.02.2002
International Relations (Rahvusvahelised suhted) Bakalaureus Conditionally 26.06.2001
Bakalaureus (120 ap) Conditionally 30.06.2004
Bakalaureus Conditionally 30.06.2004
Bakalaureus Fully 21.05.2007
Interpreter (Tõlk) Bakalaureus Fully 1.08.2002
Regional International Studies (Regionaalsed rahvusvahelised suhted) Magister Conditionally 21.05.2007
Specialist on Environmental Protection (Keskkonnaakaitse spetsialist) Diplom Fully 23.05.2002
Translator-Interpreter, Philologist (Tõlkija/tõlk, filoloog) Bakalaureus Fully 1.08.2002
Conditionally 7.07.2009
Magister Fully 01.02.2005

International University Audentes

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärikorraldus) Bakalaureus Fully 28.02.2002
Magister Conditionally 15.03.2004
Magister (80 ap) Fully 13.02.2008
Magister (40 ap) Fully 13.02.2008
Business Law (Majandusõigus) Bakalaureus Conditionally 23.05.2005
Communication Management (Kommunikatsiooni juhtimine) Magister Conditionally 21.06.2005
Information Technology (Infotehnoloogia) Bakalaureus Conditionally 1.08.2002
Bakalaureus Fully 14.05.2004
International Business Administration (Rahvusvaheline ärijuhtimine) Bakalaureus Fully 22.12.2005
Bakalaureus Fully/transfer from CIUE 14.05.2004
Diplom Fully 22.12.2000
International Relations (Rahvusvahelised suhted) Bakalaureus Fully 30.06.2004
International Relations and European Studies (Rahvusvahelised suhted ja Euroopa uuringud) Magister Conditionally 28.02.2002
Magister Fully 30.06.2004
Law (Õigusteadus) Bakalaureus Fully/transfer from CIUE 10.05.2000
Bakalaureus Fully 23.05.2005
Magister(80 ap) Fully 23.05.2005
Magister (40 ap) Conditionally 23.05.2005
Magister Fully 26.08.2008
Media (Meedia) Bakalaureus Fully/transfer from CIUE 19.06.2001
Psychology (Psühholoogia) Diplom/Prof Conditionally 16.03.2004

Kõrgkool “I Studium” / Higher School I Studium

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Accounting (Majandusarvestus) Prof Conditionally 13.02.2008
Company Management and Business Administration (Ettevõtlus ja ärijuhtimine) Diplom/Prof Fully 28.02.2002
Prof Conditionally 02.06.2009
Business Law (Majandusõigus) Diplom Conditionally 09.07.2003
Prof Conditionally 14.07.2006

Mainori Kõrgkool / Mainor Business School

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Applied psychology (Rakenduspsühholoogia) Prof Conditionally 16.03.2004-
30.12.2008
Business Administration (Ärijuhtimine) Voc HE Fully 19.06.2001
Diplom Fully 12.06.2001
Prof Fully 19.05.2008
Business and Marketing Management (Äri- ja turundusjuhtimine) Diplom Conditionally 14.06.1999
Financial Management (Finantsjuhtimine) Diplom Conditionally 14.06.1999
Information Technology (Infotehnoloogia) Voc.HE Conditionally 14.05.2004
Prof Fully 14.05.2004
Information Technology Management (Infotehnoloogia juhtimine) Magister Conditionally 07.07.2009
Financial Management and Information Technology (Finantsjuhtimine ja infotehnoloogia) Magister Conditionally 07.07.2009
Tourism Entrepreneurship and Service Management  (Turismiettevõtluse ja teeninduse juhtimine) Magister Conditionally 07.07.2009

Mainori Majanduskool / Mainor School of Economics

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärijuhtimine) Diplom Conditionally 14.06.1999
Voc HE Fully 19.06.2001
Marketing Management (Turundusjuhtimine) Diplom Conditionally 14.06.1999
Financial Management (Finantsjuhtimine) Diplom Conditionally 14.06.1999

Mainori Majandusinstituut / Mainor Institute of Economics

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärikorraldus) Bakalaureus Fully 28.02.2002

Majanduse ja Juhtimise Instituut / Institute of Economics and Management

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ettevõtte juhtimine) Diplom / Prof Fully 15.05.2001
Diplom / Prof Fully 19.05.2008
Business Management (Ettevõttemajandus) Diplom / Prof Fully 15.05.2001
Diplom / Prof Fully 19.05.2008

Rahvusvaheline Sotsiaalteaduste Rakenduslik Kõrgkool LEX / International University of Social Sciences LEX

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Economics (Majandusteadus) Diplom Conditionally 28.02.2002

Sillamäe Majanduse ja Juhtimise Instituut / Sillamäe Institute of Economics and Management

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ettevõtte juhtimine) Diplom / Prof Fully 15.05.2001
Diplom / Prof Fully 19.05.2008
Business Management (Ettevõttemajandus) Diplom / Prof Fully 15.05.2001
Diplom / Prof Fully 19.05.2008

Sotsiaal-Humanitaarinstituut / Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration
(Ärikorraldus)
Economics (Majandus)
Prof
Prof
Prof
Prof
Conditionally
Conditionally
Conditionally
Conditionally
15.03.2004
13.02.2008
15.03.2004
13.02.2008
Law (Õigusteadus) Prof
Prof
Diplom/Prof
Conditionally
Conditionally
Conditionally
9.07.2003
14.07.2006
7.07.2009
Psychology (Psühholoogia) Diplom
Prof
Prof
Conditionally
Conditionally
Conditionally
16.03.2004
16.03.2004
30.06.2008
 Social Counselling
(Sotsiaalne nõustamine)
Prof
Prof
Conditionally
Conditionally
16.03.2004
30.06.2008

Sotsiaalteaduste Erakõrgkool “Veritas” / The Private School of Social Sciences Veritas

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Law (Õigusteadus) Bakalaureus Conditionally 13.10.2000

Tallinna Kommertskolledž / Tallinn Commercial College

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärijuhtimine) Prof Conditionally 16.03.2004
Prof Fully 13.02.2008
Applied Languages (Rakenduslikud keeled) Prof Conditionally 01.02.2005

Tallinna Ärijuhtimise Kolledž / Tallinn College of Business Administration

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Business Administration (Ärijuhtimine) Prof Conditionally 16.03.2004
Prof Fully 13.02.2008
Applied Languages (Rakenduslikud keeled) Prof Conditionally 01.02.2005

Tartu Teoloogia Akadeemia / Tartu Academy of Theology

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Divinity (Teoloogia) Prof Fully 01.02.2005
Theology (Usuteadus) Diplom Conditionally 28.06.2000

Õigusinstituut / Institute of Law

Study programme Level Accreditation Date of accreditation
Law (Õigusteadus) Bakalaureus Fully 28.06.2000

Estonian Higher Education Qualifications Framework

Within the Bologna Process, whose aim it is to establish a European Higher Education Area, participating countries have committed to create national qualifications frameworks by 2010. It was agreed that after the national framework had been developed, it would be self certified as being compatible with the overarching framework of qualifications of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA).

The function of a national higher education qualifications framework is to describe qualifications through five essential components: level, workload, profile, quality and learning outcomes, thus facilitating comparison of qualifications across different systems of higher education and supporting fair, accurate and reliable assessment and recognition of qualifications.

In Estonia, a working group for developing the national higher education qualifications framework was convened in 2007 by the Ministry of Education and Research. It included representatives from the ministry, the rectors’ councils, the federation of student unions, the higher education quality agency, the professional qualifications agency and the Estonian ENIC/NARIC. All the components necessary for describing qualifications are included in the government regulation “Standard of Higher Education“ that also serves as the Estonian Higher Education Qualifications Framework.

Self-certification of the national higher education qualifications framework started in 2010. At the same time, referencing the qualifications framework that would embrace all levels of education to the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (LLL-EQF) was begun. In 2011 it was decided to combine self-certification of higher education qualifications and referencing the qualifications framework for lifelong learning and present them as a joint report.

Estonian Higher Education Qualifications Framework

Degree Nominal length of programme ECTS credits QF-EHEA¹ level EQF-LLL² level
Doctor 3-4 years 180-240 ECTS credits Third-cycle Level 8
Master 1-2 years (together with the first cycle programme at least 5 years) 60-120 ECTS credits Second-cycle Level 7
Degrees of integrated Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes 5-6 years 300-360 ECTS credits Second-cycle Level 7
Bachelor 3-4 years 180-240 ECTS credits First-cycle Level 6

¹ Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area
² European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning

Professional Higher Education Programmes

Professional higher education is higher education of the first-cycle, the purpose of which is to broaden the scope of general education, to develop the basic knowledge and skills required for a certain field of study necessary for continuing at the master’s level or for access to the labour market.  The nominal period of study is 3 to 4 years (180-240 ECTS credits). The nominal period of study of midwifery studies is 4.5 years (270 ECTS credits) and specialized nursing studies last 3.5 years (210 ECTS credits).

The qualification awarded upon completion of the professional higher education programme is bakalaureusekraad. The qualification gives access to master’s programmes.

Learning outcomes of professional higher education programme

In order to be awarded a diploma of studies in professional higher education, a student shall:

  • have a systematic overview of the basic concepts, theoretical principles and research methods of the field of study;
  • be able to identify interdisciplinary connections in scopes of application of different fields of study;
  • know current problems and potential applications of the field of study;
  • be able to formulate problems relating to the field of study and to analyse and evaluate different solutions;
  • be able to collect information independently by using appropriate methods and means and to interpret it critically and creatively;
  • be able to select and use appropriate methods and technologies when solving problems of the field of study within given frameworks, and to model and/or assess potential results on the basis of given information;
  • show initiative in initiating projects as well as responsibility, leadership and team work skills in implementation thereof;
  • have command of the communication skills and information and communication technologies necessary for work;
  • be able to explain orally or in written form in the language of instruction and in at least one foreign language problems relating to the field of study, and to participate in professional discussions;
  • be willing to actively participate in the civil society and demonstrate tolerance towards diversity of attitudes and values;
  • be able to evaluate the role and consequences of professional activities in society, with consideration of social and ethical aspects;
  • be able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in work, willing to engage as a specialist or undertaking in his or her field of profession;
  • be able to undertake continuous independent professional development.

Bachelor’s Programmes

Bachelor’s programmes are first-cycle higher education programmes. The purpose of bachelor studies is to broaden the scope of general education, to develop the basic knowledge and skills required for a certain field of study necessary for continuing at the master’s level or for access to the labour market. The nominal duration of the programmes is generally 3 years (180 ECTS credits), as an exception, it may be up to 4 years (240 ECTS credits).

The qualification awarded upon completion of the programme is bakalaureusekraad. The qualification gives access to master’s programmes.

Learning outcomes of Bachelor programme

In order to be awarded a bakalaureusekraad, a student shall:

  • have a systematic overview of the basic concepts, theoretical principles and research methods of the field of study;
  • be able to identify interdisciplinary relationships;
  • understand the scopes of application of different specialities of the field of study;
  • know the theoretical schools, development trends and current problems of the field of study;
  • be able to formulate problems relating to the field of study and to analyse and evaluate different solutions;
  • be able to collect information independently by using appropriate methods and means and to interpret it critically and creatively;
  • be able to select and use appropriate technologies and methods when solving problems of the field of study, and, among other things, be willing to participate in team work and lead it;
  • have command of the communication skills and information and communication technologies necessary for work;
  • be able to explain orally or in written form in the language of instruction and in at least one foreign language problems relating to the field of study, and to participate in professional discussions;
  • be willing to actively participate in the civil society and demonstrate tolerance towards diversity of attitudes and values;
  • be able to evaluate the role of knowledge and the role and consequences of his or her professional activities in society, with consideration of scientific, social and ethical aspects;
  • be able to apply the acquired knowledge and skills in work, to continue studies and to undertake continuous independent professional development.
     

Upon completion of a first cycle programme, the following bachelor’s degrees may be awarded:

Haridusteaduse bakalaureus – Bachelor of Arts in Education (BA);
Humanitaarteaduse bakalaureus – Bachelor of Arts in Humanities (BA);
Sotsiaalteaduse bakalaureus – Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (BA);
Sporditeaduse bakalaureus – Bachelor of Arts in Sports (BA);
Loodusteaduse bakalaureus – Bachelor of Science (BSc);
Tehnikateaduse bakalaureus – Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc);
Põllumajandusteaduse bakalaureus – Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc);
Terviseteaduse bakalaureus – Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSc);
Sõjateaduse bakalaureus – Bachelor of Arts in Military Sciences (BA);
Meditsiiniteaduse bakalaureus – Bachelor of Medicine (BSc).

Master’s Programmes

Master’s programmes are second-cycle higher education programmes. The purpose of master’s level studies is to develop the knowledge and skills required for a certain field of study and to acquire the necessary competences in order to enter the labour market or to continue studies at the doctoral level. The access requirement is a first-cycle higher education qualification. The nominal duration of the programmes is 1 to 2 years (60-120 ECTS credits).

The qualification awarded upon completion of a master’s degree programme is magistrikraad. The qualification gives access to doctoral programmes.

Learning outcomes of Master programme

In order to be awarded a magistrikraad and a degree awarded upon completion of the integrated Bachelor and Master programmes, a student shall:

  • have systematic overview and broad knowledge of concepts, theories and research methods of the field of study;
  • know the theoretical development trends, current problems and potential applications in the field of study;
  • have in depth-knowledge in a narrower research field of the field of research;
  • be able to identify and create interdisciplinary connections;
  • be able to independently and creatively identify and formulate problems and /or research questions related to the field of study and be able to solve them with appropriate measures within given timeframes and within limited information, using of knowledge of other fields as necessary.
  • be able to select and use appropriate methods and technologies when solving problems of the field of study, and to model and/or assess the potential results;
  • be able to critically evaluate his or her activities when solving problems and/or research questions of the field of study;
  • be prepared to work in an area of activity requiring professional qualifications, showing initiative, responsibility, leadership and team work skills;
  • be able to hand down with competence his or her knowledge by teaching, instruction or in another manner;
  • be able to present and reason orally or in written form in the language of instruction and a foreign language essential for his or her field of study the problems relating to the field of study, conclusions and the underlying theories, and to participate in relevant discussions of both corresponding specialists and non-specialists;
  • be willing to actively participate in the civil society and demonstrate tolerance towards diversity of attitudes and values;
  • be able to act ethically in complex situations, be aware of the ethical aspects, possibilities, restrictions and social role of his or her activities and be able to provide reasoned assessment in issues concerning his or her field of study;
  • be able to evaluate his or her need, and the need of others, of continuing education and professional development, and have command of effective methods necessary for independent study;
  • be able to continue studies or participate in research, act as a specialist or developer in his or her field, including internationally.
     

Estonian higher education institutions award the following second-cycle degrees:

Haridusteaduse magister – Master of Arts in Education (MA);
Kunstide magister – Master of Arts (MA);
Humanitaarteaduse magister – Master of Arts in Humanities (MA);
Sotsiaalteaduse magister – Master of Arts in Social Sciences (MA);
Sporditeaduse magister – Master of Arts in Sports (MA);
Ärijuhtimise magister – Master in Business Administration (MBA);
Loodusteaduse magister – Master of Science (MSc);
Tehnikateaduse magister – Master of Science in Engineering (MSc);
Põllumajandusteaduse magister – Master of Science in Agriculture (MSc);
Terviseteaduse magister – Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSc);
Usuteaduse magister – Master of Arts in Theology (MA);
Õigusteaduse magister – Master of Arts in Law (MA);
Sõjateaduse magister – Master of Arts in Military Science (BA).

The name of the study programme or the area of specialisation can be added to the general degree name in brackets.

Integrated bachelor’s and master’s programmes comprise both basic and specialized studies. Such long-cycle programmes are offered in the fields of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, architecture, civil engineering, and class-teacher training. The nominal duration of medical studies and of veterinary studies effective from the 2002/2003 academic year admissions, is 6 years (360 ECTS credits). The nominal duration of other integrated programmes is 5 years (300 ECTS credits).

The qualification awarded upon completion of an integrated study programme is magistrikraad and gives access to doctoral programmes.

Learning outcomes of Master programme

In order to be awarded a magistrikraad and a degree awarded upon completion of the integrated Bachelor and Master programmes, a student shall:

  • have systematic overview and broad knowledge of concepts, theories and research methods of the field of study;
  • know the theoretical development trends, current problems and potential applications in the field of study;
  • have in depth-knowledge in a narrower research field of the field of research;
  • be able to identify and create interdisciplinary connections;
  • be able to independently and creatively identify and formulate problems and /or research questions related to the field of study and be able to solve them with appropriate measures within given timeframes and within limited information, using of knowledge of other fields as necessary.
  • be able to select and use appropriate methods and technologies when solving problems of the field of study, and to model and/or assess the potential results;
  • be able to critically evaluate his or her activities when solving problems and/or research questions of the field of study;
  • be prepared to work in an area of activity requiring professional qualifications, showing initiative, responsibility, leadership and team work skills;
  • be able to hand down with competence his or her knowledge by teaching, instruction or in another manner;
  • be able to present and reason orally or in written form in the language of instruction and a foreign language essential for his or her field of study the problems relating to the field of study, conclusions and the underlying theories, and to participate in relevant discussions of both corresponding specialists and non-specialists;
  • be willing to actively participate in the civil society and demonstrate tolerance towards diversity of attitudes and values;
  • be able to act ethically in complex situations, be aware of the ethical aspects, possibilities, restrictions and social role of his or her activities and be able to provide reasoned assessment in issues concerning his or her field of study;
  • be able to evaluate his or her need, and the need of others, of continuing education and professional development, and have command of effective methods necessary for independent study;
  • be able to continue studies or participate in research, act as a specialist or developer in his or her field, including internationally.
     

Persons who have completed an integrated long-cycle programme are awarded the following degrees:

Arstikraad – Degree in Medicine (MD);
Hambaarstikraad – Degree in Dentistry (DD);
Farmaatsiamagister – Master of Science in Pharmacy (MSc);
Loomaarstikraad – Degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM);
Arhitektuurimagister – Master of Science in Architecture (MSc);
Haridusteaduse magister – Master of Arts in Education (MA);
Ehitusteaduse magister – Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSc).

Doctoral Programmes

Doctoral programmes represent higher education of the third-cycle, the purpose of which is to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for independent research, development or professional creative work. The access requirement for doctoral studies is a magistrikraad or a corresponding qualification. The nominal period of study is 3 to 4 years.

The qualification awarded upon completion of doctoral studies is doktorikraadDoktorikraad is a research degree obtained after the completion and public defence of a dissertation (doktoritöö) based on independent scientific research or creative work. The universities award the degree of Filosoofiadoktor – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), with an indication of the field of study or the area of specialisation.

Learning outcomes of Doctoral programme

In order to be awarded a doktorikraad, a student shall:

  • have broad knowledge and systematic overview within his or her field of research and in-depth and up-to-date knowledge within a narrower sphere of the field of research;
  • understand the meaning and scope of the existing knowledge and research methods of the field of research and between fields so as to extend, revaluate and formulate them as necessary;
  • be able to independently and critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate new and complex ideas relating to the field of study, as well as creatively and with scientific accuracy identify and formulate research questions;
  • have command of research methods of his or her field of research;
  • be able to act independently a in complex, including international work and study environment, including in research which requires leadership and team work skills, innovative thinking and the ability of making strategic decisions;
  • be able to initiate, design, implement and critically evaluate research and development projects that lead to new knowledge and new procedural solutions;
  • be able to provide scientific ethical assessments, show insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, the social role of science and the responsibility of people in the use of scientific achievements;
  • be able to analyse social norms and relationships, comply therewith and act to change them as necessary;
  • be able to present orally or in written form the problems and conclusions relating to the branch of science and his or her research, and the underlying theories, both to specialist audiences and in communication with nonspecialists, and to present reasons and participate in relevant discussions in the language of instruction and a foreign language essential for his or her field of study, as well as to publish original scientific results in internationally pre-reviewed academic publications or, in fields of study related to arts, creative works for international audience;
  • have an ability to identify his or her need of further knowledge or skills and support the studies of others both in the context of education and science as well as on a wider social level;
  • be able to hand down with competence his or her knowledge by teaching, instruction or in another manner.

Last updated: 17.11.2021