In order to start studying in Estonian, international students are required to have sufficient Estonian language proficiency. Most programmes require at least B1 level in Estonian, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Applicants interested in the programmes of Medicine (Estonian-taught group), Dentistry, Pharmacy and Special Education are required to submit the results of Estonian language proficiency exam at level B2 (80 points minimum) or C1.
Estonian language exam can be taken at Foundation Innove in Estonia and Finland. The exam should be taken in May at the latest (please upload the registration proof to the test to your online application in DreamApply). The required language proficiency is also proved by basic education, secondary education, vocational education or higher education obtained in Estonian. B1 level proficiency exam can be taken at the University of Tartu in the end of June.
If you speak Estonian as your mother tongue, it is not necessary to prove your proficiency in Estonian with a certificate, except when applying for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy or Special Education. In the absence of a certificate, the university will invite accepted candidates to the Estonian language test at the end of August. Further information in Estonian is available at https://www.ut.ee/et/sisseastumine/bakalaureus/dokumendid/valismaa.
You can find learning materials from here. We also recommend you to visit the Innove language proficiency testing environment TESTEST and the language learning environment KEELEKLIKK.
Level of B1 in Estonian language is not required when applying for the following programmes at Narva College:
Applicants who do not have at least B1 level Estonian language skills at the time of applying need to complete Intensive Estonian Language Courses (60 ECTS) if admitted to the above-mentioned degree programme. The language courses at Narva College are offered on the basis of Russian. Students who would start to learn Estonian on the basis of Russian have to meet the Russian Language Requirements upon applying
UT is offering intensive language courses on the basis on English in the format of the Estonian language preparation year. Preparatory courses are designed to give you the Estonian language skills you need to succeed at UT if you are interested in pursuing your degree in Estonian. Please note that attending a preparation year does not give a student status, but a status of continuing education learner. Once you have acquired B1 level of Estonian, you can apply to our degree programmes taught in Estonian. Further information on preparatory courses is available here.
In order to apply for the University of Tartu the candidate has to submit an online application form. The candidate is required to upload scanned copies of all the documents indicated below onto their online application form.
The candidate has to mail the printed and signed application with hard copies of all the required documents by June 1 to: Student Admissions University of Tartu Ülikooli 18-133 Tartu 50090 ESTONIA
NB! The university will not process incomplete applications. Applicants should make sure all of the required documents reach the university via DreamApply and via regular mail by June 1.
Guide to submitting electonic application on DreamApply.
All international applicants are required to pay the application fee EUR 50, unless they have completed the previous study level in Estonia. An application will only be processed after the fee has been received by the UT. Read more about paying the application fee.
Applicants graduating in summer 2021 and having their final certificates issued later than the application deadline (in July, for example) must send their most recent grade list (transcript) by the application deadline along with the rest of the required documents. Admitted candidates are required to post the certified copies of their graduation documents as soon as these have been issued (no later than by the end of July). All copies of educational documents (secondary school certificate and grade list/transcript) must be officially certified. Certified copies should bear an original signature and seal of the authority certifying that these are true copies of the original. The documents can be certified: 1) by an authorized official of the issuing institution; 2) by a notary; 3) with an Apostille attached. The University does not accept simple copies of already certified copies. Some country-specific requirements also specify the way documents must be certified: important information for non-EU applicants is available here.
Only complete application packages will be considered by the Admissions Committee.
The university's Admissions Committee will announce admission results by 13 July.
"Estonia is one of the secret treasures of Europe where one can find a small student-friendly city of Tartu. I chose it because it gives an opportunity to get a quality education, attend a variety of student clubs, work while studying, travel around Europe, and get to see one of the best sunsets. It seemed like a perfect fit for a girl to fulfill her potential: a secret, cozy and challenging city that wants her to prosper.
Each time I did research on Estonia and the University of Tartu, I fell in love with it more and more. I pictured myself walking on the cobblestone streets with a rich history and beautiful architecture, drinking coffee on my way to class, and having memorable student years with sleepless nights. I wanted to be a part of a warm international community of business students in the cold-weathered Estonia. The place attracted me so much, and I am glad it did. I really enjoy the feeling of studying in the old city that welcomes the new."
Selbi, International Student Ambassador from Turkmenistan
Contact International Student Ambassadors to ask about the life in Estonia.
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