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Structure of Educational System Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition of Foreign Credentials Student Life International Cooperation and Exchanges |
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INSTITUTION
TYPES & CREDENTIALS Types of higher education institutions: Ülikool (University) Rakenduskörgkool (Applied Higher education Institution) School leaving and higher education credentials: Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus Diplom Bakalaureusekraad Diploma of Specialist Magistrikraad Doktorikraad STRUCTURE OF
EDUCATION SYSTEM Pre-higher education: Duration of compulsory education: Age of entry: 7 Age of exit: 16 Structure of school system: Basic Type of school providing this
education: Basic School/ Põhikool Length of program in years: 9 Age level from: 7 to: 16 Certificate/diploma awarded: Basic School Leaving Certificate (pöhikooli
löputunnistus) Basic Vocational Type of school providing this
education: Vocational Education Institution (Basic school based) Length of program in years: 3 Age level from: 16 to: 19 Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificate on Acquiring Secondary
Vocational Education Based on Basic Education (tunnistus pöhihariduse baasil
kutsekeskhariduse omandamise kohta) General Secondary Type of school providing this
education: Secondary General School / Gymnasium Length of program in years: 3 Age level from: 16 to: 19 Certificate/diploma awarded: Secondary School Leaving Certificate
(Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus) Vocational Secondary Type of school providing this
education: Vocational Education Institution Length of program in years: 3 Age level from: 19 to: 22 Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificate
on Acquiring Secondary Vocational Education Based on Secondary Education
(tunnistus keskhariduse baasil kutsekeskhariduse omandamise kohta) School education: General education is divided into two parts:
basic education (9 years: age 7 to 16) which is compulsory for all children in
Estonia and secondary general education.
Since 1993, the Basic School Leaving Certificate, obtained at the end of
basic education, provides a student with the right to continue at the next
level which offers two streams (in three further years): 1) Secondary general
school/gymnasium education and 2) vocational education. Upon graduation of
secondary general education, students obtain the Gumnaasiumi Loputunnistus
(Secondary School Leaving Certificate) which gives access to higher education.
Students who have completed the study programme for secondary vocational
education on the basis of basic school education will, upon graduation, obtain
a Certificate on Acquiring Secondary Vocational Education Based on Basic Education
(tunnistus pöhihariduse baasil kutsekeskhariduse omandamise kohta). Those who
have completed the post-secondary vocational programme for secondary vocational
education on the basis of secondary school education will, upon graduation,
obtain a Certificate on Acquiring Secondary Vocational Education Based on
Secondary Education (Tunnistus Keskhariduse Baasil Kutsekeskhariduse Omandamise
Kohta). Vocational higher education is a one-stage higher education offered by
secondary education based vocational education institutions or by applied
higher education institutions (rakenduskõrgkool). Higher education: The higher education system is binary and
consists of universities (ülikool) and applied higher education institutions
(rakenduskörgkool). Since 1999 some post-secondary vocational schools have a
right to offer vocational higher education. There are six public universities,
nine private universities, eight state institutions of applied higher
education, ten private applied higher education institutions, seven state
vocational education institutions and one private vocational education
institution offering vocational higher education. The usual duration of studies
is three to four years. Higher education institutions are regulated by the Law
on Universities (January 1995), the Law on Private Schools (June 1998), the Law
on the Organization of Research and Development Activity (April 1997), the Law
on Applied Higher education Institutions (June 1998), the Law on Vocational
Education Institutions (July 1998), the
Law on the University of Tartu (January 1995) and the Law on the Organisation
of Research and Developmental Activity (April 1997). The administration of
higher education institutions or their study programmes is the responsibility
of the Ministry of Education. Private Higher Education Institutions or their
study programmes are officially recognized after accreditation. Main laws/decrees governing higher
education: Decree: Law on Applied Higher Education Institutions Year: 1998 Decree: Law on Private Schools Year: 1993 Concerns: Private institutions Decree: Law on the University of Tartu Year: 1995 Decree: Law on Universities Year: 1995 Concerns: higher education institutions Decree: Standard of Higher Education
Year: 2000 Concerns: Higher education institutions Decree: The Education Act Year: 1992 Concerns: The whole system of
education Academic year: Classes from: Sep to: Jun Long vacation from: Jul to: Aug Languages of instruction: Estonian,
Russian, English Stages of studies: Post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type): Non-university level: Non-academic higher education
comprises vocational higher education and Diplom studies. Vocational higher
education is one-stage and is offered by secondary education based vocational
education institutions or rakenduskōrgkool. The length of studies is from three
to four years and studies include practical training. The graduates who have
completed their studies are awarded a Diploma with mention of their speciality.
Diplom study is a one-stage non-academic applied higher education. The length
of study is from three to four years and is specialized. It consists of
studying and acquiring practical knowledge and skills. Graduates who have
completed their studies are awarded a Diplom. Diplom studies can take place at
university or in rakenduskōrgkool. The programme at university may have a
common element with bakalaureaus studies. University level studies: University level first stage: Bakalaureus
studies: Bakalaureus level study is the first stage of academic studies. Its main
purpose is to increase students' level of general education and develop
theoretical knowledge and professional skills for the selected area of
employment and further study. The length of bakalaureus level study is three to
four years (since 1999). Graduates who have completed their studies receive a
diploma certifying the Bakalaureusekraad. University level second stage: Magister
Degree: Magister level study is the second stage of academic study. Its main
purpose is to deepen theoretical and specialist knowledge and develop
proficiency in research, professional or other creative work for individual use
of knowledge and skills. The length of study is two years (since 1999, 1...2
years, but together with bakalaureus study no less than five years). Graduates
who have completed their studies receive a diploma certifying the
Magistrikraad. University level third stage: Doktor: Doktor study is the third stage of
academic study, consisting of comprehensive research, professional or other
creative work and interrelated studies. The nominal length of study is four
years. Graduates who have completed their studies receive a diploma certifying
the Doktorikraad. Teacher education: Training of pre-primary and
primary/basic school teachers Primary school teachers are trained at applied higher education
institutions and universities. Training of secondary school teachers Secondary-school teachers are trained at applied higher education
institutions and universities. Training of higher education teachers Higher education teachers are trained
in universities where the main emphasis is on academic and scientific fields.
Universities may have different titles as well as requirements for them. Non-traditional studies: Distance higher education There are possibilities to study by correspondence (open universities). Lifelong higher education In-service training programmes for
teachers and school administrators exist. NATIONAL
BODIES Administration & co-ordination: Responsible authorities: Ministry of Education (Vabaiigi
Haridusminsteerium) Minister: Tônis Lukas Secretary-General: Peep Ratas Head of International relations: Margus Haidak Tõnismägi St. 9/11 Tel: +372(6) 281-212 Fax: +372(6) 281-300 EMail: hm@hm.ee WWW: http://www.hm.ee Role of governing body: Education management Council of Rectors of Estonian
Universities President: Olav Aarna Ehitajate tee 5 Tel: +372(6) 202-002 Fax: +372(6) 202-020 EMail: teab@edu.ttu.ee Council of Rectors of the Private
Universities President: Mart Susi 3, Kaluri tee, Haabneeme Tel: +372(60) 920 77 Fax: +37(60) 902 16 EMail: ciue@ciue.edu.ee ADMISSIONS
TO HIGHER EDUCATION Admission to non university higher
education studies Name of secondary school credential
required: Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus For entry to: Vocational education
institutions offering vocational higher education. Applied higher education
institutions Alternatives to credentials: Tunnistus põhihariduse Baasil Kutsekeskhariduse
Omandamise Kohta or Tunnistus Keskhariduse Baasil Kutsekeskhariduse Omandamise
Kohta which are certificates on acquiring secondary vocational education Numerus clausus/restrictions: Numerus clausus is established at level of
institutions. Admission to university-level studies Name of secondary school credential
required: Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus For entry to: Universities Alternatives to credentials: Tunnistus
põhihariduse baasil kutsekeskhariduse omandamise kohta or Tunnistus Keskhariduse
Baasil Kutsekeskhariduse Omandamise Kohta which are certificates on acquiring
secondary vocational education Entrance exams required: Since 1997,
students must sit for the state entrance examinations (riigiesamid) to have access to higher education institutions.
Depending on the speciality, higher education institutions may require some
additional entrance examinations. Numerus clausus/restrictions: Numerus
clausus is established at the level of the institution. Foreign students admission Definition of foreign student: A
student who is studying at an Estonian university and who is the citizen of a
foreign country and does not have a permanent permit of residence of the
Estonian Republic. Quotas: There are quotas established
at the institution level. Admission requirements: Students must
hold a Certificate of secondary education and sit for two or three competitive
examinations. Undergraduate students must possess university eligibility in
their own country. Entry regulations: Foreign students
must hold a visa and a resident permit. Language requirements: Students must
have a good knowledge of Estonian, English, German or Russian. Application procedures: Apply to individual institution for
entry to: all higher education institutions Application closing dates: For non-university level
(technical/vocational type) studies: Aug For university level studies: Aug For advanced/doctoral studies: Jun Recognition of studies &
qualifications: Studies pursued in home country
(System of recognition/accreditation): The right to award the applicable
diploma or degree lies with the higher education institutions recognized by the
State. Private higher education institutions are recognized by the State after
accreditation. According to the Law on
Universities, higher education courses must be evaluated every seven years by
the Higher Education Quality Assurance Council. Studies pursued in foreign countries
(bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials): Estonian ENIC/NARIC - Foundation
"Archimedes" Head: Gunnar Vaht Kohtu 6 Tel: +372(6) 962-415 Fax: +372(6) 962-419 EMail: gunnar@euedu.ee WWW: http://www.socrates.ee/en/enicnaric.php Deals with credential recognition for
entry to: University and Profession Services provided & students dealt
with: Provides information to holders of foreign qualifications on
possibilities and gives access 1) to
studies in Estonian institutions or 2) to Estonian labour market Other information sources on
recognition of foreign studies: Institutions take the final decisions
concerning recognition. Multilateral agreements concerning
recognition of foreign studies Name of agreement: Agreement between
the Russian Federation and the Estonian Republic on Recognition and Equivalence
of Higher education Qualifications Year of signature: 1998 Name of agreement: Lisbon Convention
on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education in the
European Region References to further information on
foreign student admissions and recognition of studies Title: Higher Education System in
Estonia Publisher: Estonian ENIC/NARIC Title: Information for international
students Publisher: Estonian Agricultural University Title: University of Tartu Guide for
International Students (in English) Publisher: University of Tartu STUDENT LIFE Health/social provisions Social security for home students: Yes Social security for foreign students: Yes Special student travel fares: By road: Yes By rail: Yes By air: Yes Available to foreign students: Yes Student expenses and financial aid Student costs: Average living costs: 10000 (Kroon) Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0
(Kroon) Maximum: 30000 (Kroon) Foreign students tuition fees:
Minimum: 15000 (Kroon) Maximum: 33000 (Kroon) Type of financial aid available: Scholarships/grants/fellowships: Higher vocational/technical studies: Home: Yes Foreign: Yes First Degree studies: Home: Yes Foreign: Yes Advanced/doctoral studies: Home: Yes Foreign: Yes Loans: Higher vocational/technical studies: Home: Yes Foreign: Yes First degree studies: Home: Yes Foreign: No Advanced/doctoral studies: Home: Yes Foreign: No Bodies providing information on
student financial aid: European Universities Information
Centre Narva mnt. 25 Tel: +372(7) 409119 Fax: +372(7) 409118 EMail: euroinfo@tpu.ee WWW: http://www.tpu.ee/english/Eurocentre.html Deals with: Grants and Loans Publications on student services and
financial aid: Title: Study Abroad 2000-2001 Publisher: UNESCO/IBE Year of publication: 1999 Title: University of Tartu Guide for
International Students Year of publication: 1993 INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION & EXCHANGES Principal national bodies responsible
for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education: Socrates Estonian National
Agency/Foundation "Archimedes" Kohtu 6 Tel: +372(6) 962411 Fax: +372(6) 962426 EMail: rait@euedu.ee WWW: http://www.euedu.ee Participation of country in
multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes Name of exchange programme: ISEP
(International Student Exchange Programme) Name of exchange programme: SOCRATES/ERASMUS
Name of exchange programme: TEMPUS GRADING
SYSTEM Usual grading system in secondary
school Full Description: A five point-scale
is used: 5 (excellent); 4 (good); 3 (satisfactory); 2 (poor); 1
(unsatisfactory). Highest on scale: 5 Pass/fail level: 3 Lowest on scale: 1 Main grading system used by higher
education institutions Full Description: A six- point scale
is used: 5 or A (excellent); 4 or B (very good); 3 or C (good); 2 or D
(satisfactory); 1 or E (insufficient); 0 or F (insufficient). Highest on scale: 5 or A Pass/fail level: 1 or E Lowest on scale: 0 or F Other main grading systems Some universities use their own
grading system but on the final document grades are ajusted to the general
system. NOTES ON
HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM During the last 50 years there were limited
possibilities for developing independent educational policy in Estonia. Despite
the pressure to adopt the overpoliticized Soviet educational structure and
curricula, the Estonian educational system maintained instruction in the
Estonian language. A political renaissance started at the end of the 1980s. In
universities the majority of courses are conducted in Estonian, but there are
academic groups in which the language of instruction is Russian, English or
German. Many of the Russian-speaking students continue their studies in the
higher education institutions of the former Soviet Union. Data for academic year: 2000-2001 Source: Eesti ENIC/NARIC, Tallinn, 2000 Copyright International Associations of Universities |
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