Social sciences

Citizens of the Russian Federation who, under the legislation of the Republic of Estonia, cannot apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit to study or do not have a valid legal basis to stay in the Republic of Estonia until the end of the curriculum’s standard period of study are not eligible to apply to the University of Tartu in the 2024/2025 academic year.

According to the current legislation, citizens of Belarus can apply for Estonian long-term visa or temporary residence permit for studies and are therefore eligible to apply to the University of Tartu.

Choosing the thesis topic

See the topics and admission details for May 2024 intake on the open calls webpage

You can choose the thesis topic from the list or apply with your own topic. If you choose to apply with your own topic, the topic should be related to the main research fields of the School of Economics and Business Administration. 

All applicants (including those who choose the topic from the list) should contact a prospective supervisor before submitting the application. Please note that the prospective supervisor is not in a position to provide extensive comments or help develop project descriptions at the application stage, given the large number of applicants. 

Doctoral thesis project must be drawn up in A4 format (font size 12 pt with single line spacing). Recommended length of the project is 5–8 pages, including the list of literature.

Doctoral thesis projects must include the following:

1. title of the thesis;
2. topic of the thesis, its importance and relevance;
3. purpose, the main research problems and, if it is practical for the purpose of the work, possible working hypotheses;
4. overview of the relevant literature, including the justification of the theoretical background suitable for solving the research problems and the justification of the choice of the research methodology; explaining the niche of the research;
5. methodological part, the data, the expected results and their novelty compared to earlier research, publishing options;
6. referenced literature on the topic;
7. short explanation on how the applicant´s previous academic and/or professional activity is connected to the research topic.

Assessment criteria:

• research purposes, problems and, if it is practical for the purpose of the work, working hypotheses; connecting them to the literature and research methodology (25%);
• overview of the existing literature (incl. referenced literature), explaining the theoretical background of the research and connecting it to the research methodology (25%), explaining the niche of the research;
• research methodology and data, justification of the choice of the research methodology and its novelity compared to earlier research (25%);
• expected results and their novelty compared to earlier research (also topics of possible articles, if possible) (25%).

Entrance interview (lasts around 30 minutes)

The purpose of the interview is to assess the feasibility of the doctoral thesis project and success of the studies, considering also the applicant´s previous experience in the field (based on the CV). The interview is used to assess:

• the applicant’s ability to present the main idea and research questions of the chosen thesis topic;
• the candidate´s motivation to complete the doctoral programme successfully on time, the ability to characterise the earlier study and research activities in connection with the thesis project and general analytical, reasoning and presentations skills.

Assessment criteria:

• applicant´s ability to present clearly the main idea and research questions of the chosen topic and their novelty compared to earlier research in the field (50%);
• the motivation of the applicant. The interview should determine the perspective of completing the study programme successfully within the nominal study period, including applicant´s readiness to start studies in Tartu, future plans for career and using the obtained competences in professional activity, etc. (50%).
   

Representative of the specialisation: Tiia Vissak, tiia.vissak@ut.ee

Choosing the thesis topic

See the topics and admission details for May 2024 intake on the open calls webpage

You can choose the thesis topic from the list or apply with your own topic. If you choose to apply with your own topic, the topic should be related to the main research fields of the School of Economics and Business Administration. 

All applicants (including those who choose the topic from the list) should contact a prospective supervisor before submitting the application. Please note that the prospective supervisor is not in a position to provide extensive comments or help develop project descriptions at the application stage, given the large number of applicants. 

Doctoral thesis project must be drawn up in A4 format (font size 12 pt with single line spacing). Recommended length of the project is 5–8 pages, including the list of literature.

Doctoral thesis projects must include the following:

1. title of the thesis;
2. topic of the thesis, its importance and relevance;
3. purpose, the main research problems and, if it is practical for the purpose of the work, possible working hypotheses;
4. overview of the relevant literature, including the justification of the theoretical background suitable for solving the research problems and the justification of the choice of the research methodology; explaining the niche of the research;
5. methodological part, the data, the expected results and their novelty compared to earlier research, publishing options;
6. referenced literature on the topic;
7. short explanation on how the applicant´s previous academic and/or professional activity is connected to the research topic.

Assessment criteria:

• research purposes, problems and, if it is practical for the purpose of the work, working hypotheses; connecting them to the literature and research methodology (25%);
• overview of the existing literature (incl. referenced literature), explaining the theoretical background of the research and connecting it to the research methodology, explaining the niche of the research (25%);
• research methodology and data, justification of the choice of the research methodology and its novelity compared to earlier research (25%);
• expected results and their novelty compared to earlier research (also topics of possible articles, if possible) (25%).

Entrance interview (lasts around 30 minutes)

The purpose of the interview is to assess the feasibility of the doctoral thesis project and success of the studies, considering also the applicant´s previous experience in the field (based on the CV). The interview is used to assess:

• the applicant’s ability to present the main idea and research questions of the chosen thesis topic;
• the candidate´s motivation to complete the doctoral programme successfully on time, the ability to characterise the earlier study and research activities in connection with the thesis project and general analytical, reasoning and presentations skills.

Assessment criteria:

• applicant´s ability to present clearly the main idea and research questions of the chosen topic and their novelty compared to earlier research in the field (50%);
• the motivation of the applicant. The interview should determine the perspective of completing the study programme successfully within the nominal study period, including applicant´s readiness to start studies in Tartu, future plans for career and using the obtained competences in professional activity, etc. (50%).
   

Representative of the specialisation: Eve Parts, eve.parts@ut.ee

The doctoral thesis project must include the following:

1. topic of the thesis, justification for the choice of the topic and the research purpose;
2. main issues dealt with in the thesis and its illustrative structure (recommended);
3. short overview of the most relevant earlier research in the field;
4. presentation of the research methodology;
5. illustrative list of literature; and
6. timetable of the work.

Candidates who have scored at least 42 points (out of 60) for their doctoral thesis projects will be invited to the entrance interview.
 

The entrance interview is used to assess the following:

1. relevance of the doctoral thesis topic;
2. significance of the doctoral thesis topic for jurisprudence;
3. practical value of the doctoral thesis topic for Estonian society;
4. doctoral applicant’s knowledge in the field of the proposed thesis;
5. doctoral applicant’s motivation (especially the reasons for applying, the temporal perspective of completing the study programme and future possibilities to apply the knowledge acquired).

Maximum score for the entrance interview is 40 and the minimum positive result is 28.
 

Representative of the specialisation: Merike Ristikivi, merike.ristikivi@ut.ee

Choosing the thesis topic

See the topics and admission details for May 2024 intake on the open calls webpage

You can choose the thesis topic from the list or apply with your own topic. If you choose to apply with your own topic, the topic should be related to the main research fields of the Institute of Social Studies.

All applicants (including those who choose the topic from the list) should contact a prospective supervisor before submitting the application. Please note that the prospective supervisor is not in a position to provide extensive comments or help develop project descriptions at the application stage.
 

Doctoral thesis project

The recommended length of the project is 5 pages, but not more than 10 pages (excl. the list of literature). 

The project must include the following:

1. topic of the thesis, incl. a short summary of the research problem and the most important related research;
2. purpose and problems of the work;
3. description of the methodology to be used;
4. expectations for the results, incl. their novelty and importance;
5. self-assessment of the applicant regarding their readiness to research this topic: knowledge of the relevant materials and relatedness with earlier research or work in the field;
6. information on the proposed thesis supervisor(s).

If the applicant has earlier research publications or their manuscripts are ready to be published, these should be added to the thesis proposal.

The doctoral thesis project is assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• novelty and originality of the research question (25%);
• its relation with the relevant research literature (the most important theoretical and empirical work in the field) (25%);
• the existence of a clear research plan (25%);
• the appropriateness of the methodology and the feasibility of the research (25%).
   

The entrance interview takes around 30 minutes, and it is conducted by the committee consisting of the PhD teachers and research fellows of the UT Institute of Social Studies. Applicants who reside abroad can participate in the interview via telecommunication means (Zoom, Teams, etc.; the specific channel will be decided individually with each applicant).

The interview is based on the thesis project and CV. Questions that may be asked during the entrance interview could pertain to the following:

• earlier studies and work experience, academic activities in the field of study (participation at conferences, scientific publications);
• opinions and expectations regarding the research and academic studies;
• overall knowledge of the field of study of the doctoral thesis;
• overall knowledge of the research methodology proposed to be used;
• applicant’s motivation to research this topic;
• future plans regarding work in this field.

The entrance interview is assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• the applicant’s knowledge of the main positions and relevant issues in the field (25%);
• their motivation and preparedness to pursue doctoral studies (25%);
• their potential to successfully complete the doctoral programme (25%)
• their analytical, reasoning and generalisation skills and the content and style of their presentation (25%).

Representative of the specialisation: Andra Siibak, andra.siibak@ut.ee

Choosing the thesis topic

See the topics and admission details for May 2024 intake on the open calls webpage

You can choose the thesis topic from the list or apply with your own topic. If you choose to apply with your own topic, the topic must be related to the main research fields of the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies. 

Please contact topic supervisor for an approval of your proposal ahead of the application deadline! Please note that the prospective supervisor is not in a position to provide extensive comments or help develop project descriptions at the application stage, given the large number of applicants.

Doctoral thesis project (research proposal)

The PhD research proposal (at a minimum of 5 pages, including a list of sources) must be written in English and include the following:

1. topic of the proposed PhD thesis (presentation of the research problem, positioning it in the context of the existing literature);
2. objectives of the thesis;
3. description of data and research methods;
4. expected results, their novelty and importance;
5. list of sources;
6. brief summary of previous academic or practical experience relevant to the proposed PhD research.

Assessment criteria for the research proposal:

• appropriateness and justification of the chosen theoretical and methodological approach (40%);
• novelty and relevance of the proposed research (30%);
• feasibility of the proposed project (30%).

The aim of the interview is to determine applicant´s motivation and academic potential for participating in the programme.

Entrance interview

Topics discussed during the interview can include the following:

1. the applicant’s prior academic and work experience (based on the applicant’s CV);
2. choice of topic and the research proposal, in particular its relevance and feasibility;
3. motivation to receive a PhD in Political Science and future career plans;
4. readiness to adapt to (new) institutional and cultural settings.

The interview lasts around 20 minutes. Invitations to the interviews are sent 5-7 days before the interview. Applicants who reside abroad can participate in the interview via telecommunication means.

Assessment criteria for the interview:

• motivation to pursue a PhD in Political Science and readiness to commit to the programme (30%);
• relevance of previous academic and work experience to the programme and the proposed PhD research (30%);
• ability to justify the research proposal, including in the context of major debates in the field (30%);
• presentation skills, interpersonal skills (10%).
   

Representative of the specialisation: Piret Ehin, piret.ehin@ut.ee

Doctoral thesis project

The recommended length of the project is 2–3 pages, but not more than 5 pages. 

The project must include the following:

1. topic of the thesis, incl. a short summary of the nature of the problem and the most important related research;
2. purpose of the thesis – what kind of a problem the thesis is going to solve;
3. research methodology that will be used to solve the problem and the resources necessary for such work;
4. expectations for the results – their novelty and importance;
5. preparedness to research the topic, knowledge of the relevant materials, relatedness with earlier research or work in the field;
6. information on the thesis supervisor(s).

The entrance interview is based on the doctoral thesis project. During the interview, the committee may check the applicant’s foreign language skills.

Assessment of the project and the interview covers the following:

• novelty and originality of the project;
• existence of the resources and conditions to carry out the proposed work;
• applicant’s knowledge of modern psychology;
• applicant’s research experience and achievements;
• applicant’s commitment and abilities to conduct the research.

Publications are considered to be as an advantage in the case of a tie on the basis of the scores. 
 

Representative of the specialisation: Jüri Allik, jyri.allik@ut.ee

Choosing the thesis topic

See the topics and admission details for May 2024 intake on the open calls webpage

You can choose the thesis topic from the list or apply with your own topic. If you choose to apply with your own topic, the topic should be related to the main research fields of the Institute of Social Studies.

All applicants (including those who choose the topic from the list) should contact a prospective supervisor before submitting the application. Please note that the prospective supervisor is not in a position to provide extensive comments or help develop project descriptions at the application stage.
 

Doctoral thesis project

The recommended length of the project is 5 pages, but not more than 10 pages (excl. the list of literature). 

The project must include the following:

1. topic of the thesis, incl. a short summary of the research problem and the most important related research;
2. purpose and problems of the work;
3. description of the methodology to be used;
4. expectations for the results, incl. their novelty and importance;
5. self-assessment of the applicant regarding their readiness to research this topic: knowledge of the relevant materials and relatedness with earlier research or work in the field;
6. information on the proposed thesis supervisor(s).

If the applicant has earlier research publications or their manuscripts are ready to be published, these should be added to the thesis proposal.

The assessment of the doctoral thesis project covers the following:

• the importance and novelty of the research problem (25%);
• its relation with the relevant research literature (the most important theoretical and empirical work in the field) (25%)
• the existence of a clear research plan (25%)
• the appropriateness of the methodology and the feasibility of the research (25%).
   

The entrance interview takes around 30 minutes, and it is conducted by the committee consisting of the PhD teachers and research fellows of the UT Institute of Social Studies. Applicants who reside abroad can participate in the interview via telecommunication means (Zoom, Teams, etc.; the specific channel will be decided individually with each applicant).

The interview is based on the thesis project and CV. Questions that may be asked during the entrance interview could pertain to the following:

1. earlier studies and work experience, academic activities in the field of study (participation at conferences, scientific publications);
2. opinions and expectations regarding the research and academic studies;
3. overall knowledge of the field of study of the doctoral thesis;
4. overall knowledge of the research methodology proposed to be used;
5. applicant’s motivation to research this topic;
6. future plans regarding work in this field.

The assessment of the entrance interview covers:

• the applicant’s knowledge of the main positions and relevant issues in sociology (25%);
• their motivation and preparedness to pursue doctoral studies (25%);
• their potential to successfully complete the doctoral programme (25%)
• their analytical, reasoning and generalisation skills and the content and style of their presentation (25%).
   

Representative of the specialisation: Veronika Kalmus, veronika.kalmus@ut.ee

All documents listed below must be uploaded to your DreamApply application by the application deadline. Documents submitted after the deadline are not accepted.

1. online application
   Complete the application form in DreamApply and submit it by the application deadline.
    
2. doctoral thesis project
   You will find guidelines on how to prepare the doctoral thesis project in the section "Evaluation of applicants"
    
3. education documents in their original language
   The following documents are required:
   
   - official copies of both bachelor's and master's diplomas
   - bachelor's and master's diploma supplements (transcripts/mark sheets, including the description of the grading scale)
   
   Please see our country-specific requirements as well. There may be special requirements for education documents depending on the country in which study took place.
    
4. official translations of both bachelor's and master's diplomas and diploma supplements into English
   Translations are not required if the university issued these documents in English. As certified translations we consider
   
   1) official translations made by the issuing institution (university) bearing their original signature, stamp, etc., or
   2) translations made and certified by a sworn translator (or certified by a notary).
    
5. proof of English language proficiency
   This applies to all international applicants. A language certificate must be submitted by the application deadline. If you need to take an accepted English language test, the test must be taken by the application deadline.
    
6. copy of passport page stating the applicant’s personal particulars
   Your passport must be valid during the application period.
    
7. curriculum vitae
   You will find an example form here. You can format your CV differently, but it must reflect all the points given in the sample file.

Submitted applications can not be edited. It is only possible to upload new documents (e.g. graduation certificates). Applicants will receive feedback and notifications through the DreamApply system to their e-mail. Incomplete applications or those submitted by e-mail will not be considered for admission.

Guide to submitting electronic application on DreamApply.
 

Applying if you have not yet graduated

It is possible to apply even if you have not finished the master's studies yet. Graduation documents must be submitted at least two weeks before the start of studies.

When applying, submit your most recent official transcript of records by the required deadline along with the rest of the required documents. The master's diploma and diploma supplement (transcript) must be submitted as soon as possible after completing the studies.
 

Evaluation of your previous qualification

We will assess your qualification during the application period and may send your education documents to the Estonian ENIC/NARIC (Academic Recognition Information Centre) for evaluation at any stage of the application process. The official evaluation at the ENIC/NARIC Centre takes about 30 days. If the evaluation is negative and your qualification does not give you access to PhD studies in Estonia, we cannot admit you to doctoral studies at the University of Tartu and will withdraw the admission offer, if you have received one.

We start processing all applications after the application deadline; you will receive feedback on your application in DreamApply. Processing applications takes time, and we kindly ask you to be patient. During the main intake in May we are able to give feedback to all applicants within three weeks after the application deadline. During other periods you will receive feedback one week after the application deadline.

Please note that applications with deficiencies will be rejected and will not be considered for admission. The decisions on applications will be made based on the electronic copies uploaded to DreamApply.  

Evaluation by the Admissions Commission

If you have uploaded all the required documents to DreamApply by the deadline and meet our admission requirements, your application will be forwarded to the Admissions Commission for evaluation. If your doctoral thesis project receives a positive score, you will be invited to attend an entrance interview (online video interview for international applicants). The respective institute will send you the exact time of the interview a few days before the interview date.

Admission results (including offers) will be announced to all applicants personally via DreamApply. Admitted candidates have seven days to accept or decline the offer in the application system. The university may withdraw the admission offer if the admitted student fails to inform the university of his or her decision by the stipulated deadline.

Admission offers are conditional. This means that the applicant needs to fulfil certain conditions in order to be admitted (for example, send application documents by post, obtain the required level of education). If the conditions are not met, the admission offer can be withdrawn.

The university reserves the right to withdraw or amend any offer or revoke the matriculation of a student if it becomes evident that the application contains fraudulent information, the qualification does not provide access to the chosen study programme, the student is found to have omitted key information from the application or a long-term visa or a residence permit for study is not issued to the applicant. Should such circumstances occur, the university will not be liable for any material or immaterial loss suffered by the student as a result.

All admitted students are required to send application documents by post to: Student Admissions, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18-132, Tartu 50090, ESTONIA.

The package must include:

1. a printed and signed application from DreamApply
   Please see guidelines
2. officially certified copies of bachelor's and master's diplomas and transcripts/diploma supplements (see guidelines below)
   Please check if you have to follow country-specific requirements when sending education documents
3. official translations of both bachelor´s and master´s diplomas and transcripts/diploma supplements into English (if applicable)
4. simple copy of passport credentials page
5. simple copy of English language certificate

You may send the hard copies of the application documents by the application deadline. This allows us to process the documents earlier, and if you get admitted, the following process will be smoother.

However, you can also prepare the documents and postpone mailing them until you receive the conditional admission offer. If you are admitted, send the documents in the fastest possible way (by courier), making sure they arrive within two weeks. If you choose this option, please prepare the certified copies in advance so that you can send them out at once if necessary. Getting your documents properly certified can take quite a while. If the documents do not arrive on time, the university has the right to withdraw the admission offer.

Applicants will be informed when their documents have arrived. Please note that the documents are first delivered to the university´s Postal Service and are taken to our office once a day. If you see that your documents have reached the University of Tartu, it does not necessarily mean we have already started processing your documents. Please be patient and wait until you receive a notification via DreamApply, confirming that we have started processing your documents. Please note that the application documents will not be returned.  

All copies of education documents (diplomas and diploma supplements/transcripts) must be officially certified. Certified copies should bear an original signature and seal of the certifying authority stating that they are true copies of the original.

The documents can be certified either:

• by an authorised official from the issuing institution
• by a notary
• with an Apostille attached.

Please note that the university does not accept simple copies of original documents or copies of certified copies. Some country-specific requirements also specify the way documents must be certified.

Never send us your original degree certificates, as documents sent by post may get lost and application documents will not be returned. Only send attested copies of degree certificates.

The official admission letter will be sent to admitted students electronically via DreamApply only after the admissions office has received and reviewed hard copies of the application documents and received the evaluation from the Estonian ENIC/NARIC Centre (if applicable).

NB! The electronic admission letter is also sufficient for non-EU students for applying for visa at an Estonian embassy.

If you have been offered a doctoral student place with a state-funded junior research fellow position at the University of Tartu, you need to sign a work contract. The junior research fellow's salary is comparable to the Estonian average and corresponds to the minimum salary rate of junior research fellows at the University of Tartu (which is in 2024 1,830 euros per month for full-time work, net salary ca. 1450 euros). 

You will be contacted regarding the contract by the faculty in a few weeks after accepting the study offer.

Junior research fellows are generally expected to study and work full-time from the time announced on the open call webpage. The exact workload and starting date will be agreed during the contract negotiations. If the university and the applicant fail to reach an agreement on the conditions of the employment contract within one month from accepting the student place, the university has a right to revoke the admission decision. As a general rule, junior research fellows must arrive in Tartu by the beginning of studies and work. Non-EU students also need to have a valid D (long-stay) visa or temporary residence permit (TRP) to stay in Estonia legally.

Once the admission letter has been issued, admitted students may proceed with arranging their arrival.

All non-EU students should first consult information on the process of visa and temporary residence permit application to know where and when to apply for the relevant documents.

Note that housing at the UT dormitories can be applied for during a limited period only, unless specified otherwise on the website. For housing alternatives please find further information on Tartu Welcome Centre website.  
Travel information can be found here.

Based upon common queries, the most important information has been summarised into a pre-arrival information website UT Getting Started.

Beginning of your studies

If you apply in February or May, your studies start at the beginning of the academic year (in late August or early September).

When applying in September or November, studies begin during the autumn semester or in the beginning of the spring semester.

General information on academic matters related to PhD studies is described here.

Required documents for international applicants graduating in Estonia

1. online application in SAIS or DreamApply (please note different deadlines in May-June)
2. doctoral thesis project
3. curriculum vitae (example form here)
4. proof of English language proficiency must be submitted only if you have not graduated from an English-taught bachelor´s or master´s programme in Estonia (applies to international applicants)
5. copies of master´s documents. If you apply in DreamApply and your degree is not from UT, upload the graduation documents. Information about UT graduates will be verified from the Study Information System and scans are not needed. If you apply in SAIS, the information about your master´s studies will be available in the "Education" section and uploading additional scans is not needed. SAIS uses the data available from the Estonian Education Information System (EHIS)
6. a copy of your passport is required in DreamApply, but not in SAIS

If you graduate from the University of Tartu in summer 2024, the most recent transcript of your master´s studies is not required. Information will be verified from the Study Information System. If you graduate from some other higher education institution, you must upload the most recent transcript to DreamApply.

If paper copies of documents are required, we will inform you via SAIS/DreamApply after processing your application.

Applying in SAIS is different from applying in DreamApply:

• Some of the instructions in SAIS are available only in Estonian
• In SAIS we do not give feedback to all applicants. You will receive feedback only if we require additional information or documents. In this case, you will receive notification from SAIS by email. Please check your mailbox regularly, including junk mail
• If you are admitted, you must accept the study place in SAIS (the same is true with DreamApply) within seven days. International applicants in SAIS receive an official admission letter by email in two weeks after accepting the study offer.