Recognition of Prior Learning
Taking previous studies and work experience into account (RPL)
Taking previous studies and work experience into account is regulated by the Study Regulations (sections 85-88) and the RPL Rules of the University of Tartu (in Estonian).
Previous studies and work experience are taken into account at the request of the student. An application must be submitted to the Dean’s Office of the Faculty. The application is evaluated by the Faculty’s RPL Committee. The evaluator must reply to the application in writing within one month as of the date of submission of the application. Applications submitted for the completion of the curriculum are not reviewed in July.
Previous studies and work experience may be taken into account in the completion of the curriculum without limitation, but it does not apply to final examinations and defending graduation papers.
Application form for taking into account previous studies and work experience
Annex 1 (taking courses into account)
Annex 2 (taking work experience into account)
Annex 3 (taking continuing education into account)
In addition, documents certifying studies (the original copy and a copy), e.g. a diploma, extract of the diploma supplement, a document describing the substance of the studies and other materials (e.g. portfolio, description of work experience, creative work, etc.) must be submitted, unless the completion of the course has been proven in the Study Information System. The applicant is responsible for the submitted documents and other materials.
The fee for an external student and a part-time student who pays for the studies on the basis of the credit point price is, depending on the volume of the application, 6.40 euros per credit point applied for, except in the following events. The fee is paid before evaluation.
The review and evaluation of the application is free of charge in the following events:
- the applicant is a full-time student or a part-time student who pays semester tuition for the studies;
- evaluation of (a) course(s) completed earlier in the University of Tartu is applied for;
- evaluation of compliance of previous studies with the terms of admission is applied for.
If the applicant is discontent with the reply received to the application for taking previous studies and work experience into account, the decision can be appealed.
There is at least one RPL Advisor in each Faculty or College, who gives advice in issues relating to previous studies and work experience.
If you did not receive an answer to questions relating to previous studies and work experience from your Faculty or if the matters and problems are very complicated, you can contact Student Advisor Kristina Kongi (phone 737 5622; e-mail vota [ät] ut [dot] ee).
Appealing decisions relating to taking previous studies and work experience into account
If the applicant is discontent with a reply received to an application submitted for the purpose of taking previous studies and work experience into account, the applicant can appeal it.
The initial appeal must be filed either orally or in writing with the same person or committee who made the decision concerning taking the previous studies and work experience into account.
If the person (or committee) who made the decision does not change the decision, the student can appeal to the Dean within seven days after the announcement of the appealed decision.
The following appeals must be submitted in writing.
Appeal of a decision concerning taking previous studies and work experience into account (form in Estonian).
A copy of the appealed decision and, if possible, additional document supporting the appellant's position (original copies and copies) should be appended to the appeal.
The procedure for appeal, the possibilities of resolving appeals and the time limits of replying have been set out in the Study Regulations of the University of Tartu (sections 185-193).