Tartu, Estonia's second largest city, is situated on the banks of the calm Emajõgi River. With students making up nearly one-fifth of Tartu's population, its 19th-century streets exude a boisterous, youthful energy. Nature lovers will enjoy the old red sandstone caves, wetlands and beautiful parks. Skiers can experience the famous Tartu Ski Marathon. Take in folk art festivals, museums and concerts for entertainment.

Languages Spoken:

Estonian

Education System

HIGHER EDUCATION OVERVIEW

The Estonian education system consists of pre-school education, basic education, secondary education, vocational education, higher education and adult education.

The provision of higher education in Estonia began in 1632, with the establishment of the University of Tartu. Today, it is once again an internationally-recognized university. There are 47 post-secondary education institutions in Estonia of which 25 are based on private capital. There are 11 universities, including five private universities.

Since regaining its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia has undertaken extensive higher education reforms, re-orienting itself with European and American models (a credit-based system with greater choice of course selection within fields of study). Degrees are now offered at the bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D levels. As a member of the European Union, Estonia is bringing its higher education system in line with the principles of the Bologna Declaration. Universities have begun to apply a new three-plus-two study system that embraces a three-year bachelor’s program and a two-year master’s program. The bachelor’s and master’s programs are conducted on the basis of curricula that entail five years of nominal study.

The language of instruction is usually Estonian. However, an increasing number of courses and programs are offered in English and other languages to promote international exchange. Performing academic studies in Estonian requires a good command of the language. Most universities offer Estonian language courses for international students as a pre-study option or as part of a study program.

The academic year at higher education institutions begins in September, ends in mid-June and is divided into two semesters. Oral and written examinations are held at the end of each semester during a four-week examination session.

STUDYING IN ESTONIA

Courses

Estonian is the language of instruction at the University of Tartu, though the University offers several interdisciplinary one-semester programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels designed for international exchange and visiting students, which are conducted in English. The programs cover a wide range of academic fields from social to natural sciences as well as exploring Estonia and Estonian culture.

Estonian intensive language course are worth 24-30 ECTS per semester. If taken, this would be a student's full semester load. Non-intensive language courses (Estonian and Russian) are also available and are included in ISEP benefits. Exchange students are encouraged to take these courses in combination with other courses and semester programs

Registration

Registration for courses can be done online through Study Information System. New students can register for courses during the first two weeks of the semester. As some of the courses might get full quickly, it is recommended to register for courses as soon as you have received the log-in details for the Study Information System (these are sent about two weeks before the beginning of the semester to students' email).

Course Load

ISEP Students are required to complete courses at least to the extent of 15 ECTS per semester.

The University of Tartu subscribes to the ECTS, or European Credit Transfer System, system of credits,s a cumulative calculation of credit points based on the workload of a student. It is a student-centered credit system to measure the workload required to achieve the objectives and learning outcomes of a curriculum. One credit point corresponds to 26 hours of studies (lectures, seminars, practice, homework or independent work, assessment of learning outcomes) performed by a student. ECTS credits are allocated to course units and are awarded to students who successfully complete the course by satisfying the assessment requirements.

Exams & Grading

Academic achievement is graded under two systems: letter grades (A to F) and Pass/Fail. Regular examinations (eksam) use a scale of A to F: A (excellent), B (very good), C (good), D (satisfactory), E (poor) and F (fail). Pass/Fail examinations (arvestus) award a P (pass) or F (fail).

Transcripts

It is the student's responsibility to make sure that he/she has cleared all financial arrangements with the host institution in order for the academic transcript to be sent to ISEP Central. You should also make sure that results have been registered in the Study Information System before returning home. ISEP Central will forward the official transcript to the student via the home university coordinator.

Visa and Residency

Please note that students should ALWAYS check the website of the embassy/consulate with jurisdiction over their place of residence first, as the information in this handbook regarding visa application instructions is subject to change without warning.

STUDENT VISA

Type of visa for Semester or Full Year: Type D Visa

Visa fee: 100€

Expected processing time: 4-5 weeks

When to apply: after you receive your acceptance letter and any admission documents from your host university

HOW TO APPLY

A D-VISA is required for all Exchange students, regardless of semester. A long-stay visa should be applied for in person only at the Estonian representations.* At the time of submission of the application, biometric data will be collected.

Please visit the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for instructions on applying for your Type D visa.

*As of September 13th, 2021, long-stay (D) visa appications in the US should be submitted in person at the Visa Application Centers of VFS Global. For the information about locations of VFS Centers and descriptions of the application process, please refer to the VFS Global Homepage.

IMPORTANT NOTES

- Estonian Honorary Consuls provide only general information on visa requirements, they may not collect or examine visa applications.

- Estonia is a member of the Schengen area. Students should review the important regulations that dictate travel and visas within the Schengen area.

RESOURCES

- Study in Estonia - Visa and Residency Permit

- Honorary Consuls

CONTACTS

- Your Student Services Officer

- Study Abroad Centre, University of Tartu: studentvisasupport@ut.ee

- Immigration Advisors

Migration advisors work in the Estonian Police and Boarder Guard Board, with aim help foreigners to settle in Estonia. Personal advisors give legal advice about different legal grounds to live in Estonia and the necessary documentation for people coming to study and work here but also to employers and educational institutions who invite foreigners. The counselling service specializes in residence and temporary stay, but also documents and citizenship issues. Advisors work in in Estonian, English and Russian. Service is free of charge.

They advise via phone, email, Skype call or by appointment. Make a reservation in order to meet with the advisor or to make a Skype call.

Phone: +372 612 3500 (Mon-Fri 9.00-15.00)

E-mail: migrationadvice@politsei.ee

Skype: EstonianPolice_MigrationAdvice

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Updated August 2023

Culture

CULTURE

The culture of Estonia incorporates indigenous heritage, as represented by the country's rare Finno-Ugric national language Estonian and the sauna, with mainstream Nordic and European cultural aspects. Due to its history and geography, Estonia's culture has been influenced by the traditions of the adjacent area's various Finnic, Baltic, Slavic and Germanic peoples as well as the cultural developments in the former dominant powers Sweden and Russia. Traditionally, Estonia has indeed been seen as an area of rivalry between western and eastern Europe on many levels. An example of this geopolitical legacy is an exceptional combination of nationally recognized Christian traditions: a western Protestant and an eastern Orthodox Church. Like the mainstream culture in the other Nordic countries, Estonian culture can be seen to build upon the ascetic environmental realities and traditional livelihoods, a heritage of comparatively widespread egalitarianism out of practical reasons (everyman's right and universal suffrage) and the ideals of closeness to nature and self-sufficiency (summer cottage). Traditionally, Estonians have attributed themselves as typically straightforward and stubborn.

Today, the Estonian society encourages equality and liberalism, with a popular commitment to the ideals of the welfare state, discouraging disparity of wealth and division into social classes. The Protestant work ethic remains a significant cultural staple, and free education is a highly prized institution.

The traditional occupation of Estonians, like most Europeans, is agriculture. Until the first half of the 20th century, Estonia was an agrarian society, but in modern times Estonians have increasingly embraced an urban lifestyle. Nonetheless many Estonians maintain a fondness for a rural lifestyle close to nature, and it is a very typical practice to visit a summer cottage in the countryside during vacations.

Family structure

Estonian family life is nowadays centered around the nuclear family. Members of an extended family typically live apart, and youths seek independence and typically move from their parents' residence around the age of 20.

Estonian holidays are mostly based on the Western Christian calendar and Protestant traditions.

Notable among these is Jaanipäev, the Estonian Midsummer which involves seeking one's way to non-urban environments, burning large bonfires and drunken revelry of Jaaniõhtu. The midsummer traditions also include different versions of pairing magic, such as collecting a number of different kinds of flowers and putting them under one's pillow, after which one is meant to see the future spouse in one's dreams.

The Estonian Christmas, Jõulud, is generally in line with the North and Middle European traditions of Christmas trees, Advent calendars and traditional meals, involving a number of dishes which are typically only eaten on Christmas. Christmas is the most extensive and appreciated and commercialized holiday in Estonia. Holidays start from December 23 and continue through Christmas Day. In schools and in many workplaces, the vacation continues until the New Year.

The Estonian independence day is February 24 and a national holiday.

Music

Despite its relatively short history of art music, Estonia today is well respected for its musicianship, with a quality education of classical musicians having produced a high proportion of world-class conductors and singers. Estonian art music came to the forefront as a part of the national romantic movement.

Modern Estonian popular music has received attention also in foreign countries, especially on the rock and metal scenes, with bands gaining international acclaim.

Visual Arts

The Art Museum of Estonia was founded on November 17, 1919, but it was not until 1921 that it got its first permanent building – the Kadriorg Palace, built in the 18th century. In 1929 the palace was expropriated from the Art Museum in order to rebuild it as the residence of the President of Estonia.

At present there are five active branches of the Art Museum of Estonia: Kadriorg Art Museum (Kadriorg Palace and Mikkel Museum), the Niguliste Museum, Adamson-Eric Museum, Kristjan Raud House Museum and KUMU Art Museum.

Theatre

Theatre of Estonia dates back to 1784 when August von Kotzebue founded an amatheur theater company in Tallinn. Most of the plays at the time were comedies for the amusement for local Baltic German nobility. In 1809 a professional theater company was established having its own building in Tallinn. The repertoire was mostly in German but also plays in Estonian and Russian were performed.

After centuries of serfdom that was abolished in Estonia in 1816, the position the native Estonian population had fallen to since the Livonian Crusade, the first native Estonian musical society Vanemuine was established in 1865. Lydia Koidula's the Cousin from Saaremaa in 1870 staged by the Vanemuine society marks the birth of Estonian theater. The Vanemuine society was headed by August Wiera from 1878 to 1903. In 1906 a new building was erected for the society and it theater company became directed by Karl Menning. Plays by Western writers such as Henrik Ibsen, Gerhart Hauptmann, Russian Maksim Gorky and Estonian August Kitzberg, Oskar Luts and Eduard Vilde were staged. The Estonia Theatre is an opera house and concert hall in Tallinn, Estonia. It was built as a national effort with the leadership of Estonia society in 1913 and was opened to the public on August 24. At the time, it was the largest building in Tallinn.

Cuisine

Historically the cuisine of Estonia has been heavily dependent on seasons and simple peasant food, which today is influenced by many countries. Today it includes many typical international foods. The most typical foods in Estonia are black bread, pork, potatoes and dairy products. Traditionally in summer and spring, Estonians like to eat everything fresh – berries, herbs, vegetables and everything else that comes straight from the garden. Hunting and fishing have also been very common, although currently hunting and fishing are enjoyed mostly as hobbies. Today it is also very popular to grill outside in summer. Traditionally in winter jams, preserves and pickles are brought to the table. Estonia has been through rough times in the past and thus gathering and conserving fruits, mushrooms and vegetables for winter has always been essential. Today gathering and conserving is not that common because everything can be bought from stores, but preparing food for winter is still very popular in the countryside and still has somewhat ritual significance. Being a country with a large coastal line, fish has also been very important.

Religion

According to the constitution, there are freedom of religion, separation of church and state, and individual right to privacy of belief and religion. Although Estonia has the highest level of irreligious individuals in the world, with over 76 percent of the population stating no specific religious affiliation, the dominant religion in the country is Evangelical Lutheranism. The country was Christianized by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. During the Reformation, Lutheranism spread, and the church was officially established in Estonia in 1686. Still, many Estonians profess not to be particularly religious, because religion through the 19th century was associated with German feudal rule.

The second most populous religious group is the Eastern Orthodox, especially among the Russian minority. Historically there has been also another dominant minority religion, Russian Old-believers, near Lake Peipus area in Tartu County. In 2000 there were about 152,000 Lutherans, 143,000 Orthodox Christians, 5,000 Catholics and nearly 1,000 Taaras in Estonia. In addition there were around 68,000 people who stated themselves as atheists.

Sports

Sport plays an important role in Estonian culture. Estonia first competed as a nation at the 1920 Summer Olympics, although the National Olympic Committee was established in 1923. Estonian athletes took part of the Olympic Games until the country was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. The 1980 Summer Olympics sailing regatta was held in the capital city Tallinn. Estonia has won most of their Olympic medals in athletics, weightlifting, wrestling and cross-country skiing.

Daily Life

CULTURE

The culture of Estonia incorporates indigenous heritage, as represented by the country's rare Finno-Ugric national language Estonian and the sauna, with mainstream Nordic and European cultural aspects. Due to its history and geography, Estonia's culture has been influenced by the traditions of the adjacent area's various Finnic, Baltic, Slavic and Germanic peoples as well as the cultural developments in the former dominant powers Sweden and Russia. Traditionally, Estonia has indeed been seen as an area of rivalry between western and eastern Europe on many levels. An example of this geopolitical legacy is an exceptional combination of nationally recognized Christian traditions: a western Protestant and an eastern Orthodox Church. Like the mainstream culture in the other Nordic countries, Estonian culture can be seen to build upon the ascetic environmental realities and traditional livelihoods, a heritage of comparatively widespread egalitarianism out of practical reasons (everyman's right and universal suffrage) and the ideals of closeness to nature and self-sufficiency (summer cottage). Traditionally, Estonians have attributed themselves as typically straightforward and stubborn.

Today, the Estonian society encourages equality and liberalism, with a popular commitment to the ideals of the welfare state, discouraging disparity of wealth and division into social classes. The Protestant work ethic remains a significant cultural staple, and free education is a highly prized institution.

The traditional occupation of Estonians, like most Europeans, is agriculture. Until the first half of the 20th century, Estonia was an agrarian society, but in modern times Estonians have increasingly embraced an urban lifestyle. Nonetheless many Estonians maintain a fondness for a rural lifestyle close to nature, and it is a very typical practice to visit a summer cottage in the countryside during vacations.

Family structure

Estonian family life is nowadays centered around the nuclear family. Members of an extended family typically live apart, and youths seek independence and typically move from their parents' residence around the age of 20.

Estonian holidays are mostly based on the Western Christian calendar and Protestant traditions.

Notable among these is Jaanipäev, the Estonian Midsummer which involves seeking one's way to non-urban environments, burning large bonfires and drunken revelry of Jaaniõhtu. The midsummer traditions also include different versions of pairing magic, such as collecting a number of different kinds of flowers and putting them under one's pillow, after which one is meant to see the future spouse in one's dreams.

The Estonian Christmas, Jõulud, is generally in line with the North and Middle European traditions of Christmas trees, Advent calendars and traditional meals, involving a number of dishes which are typically only eaten on Christmas. Christmas is the most extensive and appreciated and commercialized holiday in Estonia. Holidays start from December 23 and continue through Christmas Day. In schools and in many workplaces, the vacation continues until the New Year.

The Estonian independence day is February 24 and a national holiday.

Music

Despite its relatively short history of art music, Estonia today is well respected for its musicianship, with a quality education of classical musicians having produced a high proportion of world-class conductors and singers. Estonian art music came to the forefront as a part of the national romantic movement.

Modern Estonian popular music has received attention also in foreign countries, especially on the rock and metal scenes, with bands gaining international acclaim.

Visual Arts

The Art Museum of Estonia was founded on November 17, 1919, but it was not until 1921 that it got its first permanent building – the Kadriorg Palace, built in the 18th century. In 1929 the palace was expropriated from the Art Museum in order to rebuild it as the residence of the President of Estonia.

At present there are five active branches of the Art Museum of Estonia: Kadriorg Art Museum (Kadriorg Palace and Mikkel Museum), the Niguliste Museum, Adamson-Eric Museum, Kristjan Raud House Museum and KUMU Art Museum.

Theatre

Theatre of Estonia dates back to 1784 when August von Kotzebue founded an amatheur theater company in Tallinn. Most of the plays at the time were comedies for the amusement for local Baltic German nobility. In 1809 a professional theater company was established having its own building in Tallinn. The repertoire was mostly in German but also plays in Estonian and Russian were performed.

After centuries of serfdom that was abolished in Estonia in 1816, the position the native Estonian population had fallen to since the Livonian Crusade, the first native Estonian musical society Vanemuine was established in 1865. Lydia Koidula's the Cousin from Saaremaa in 1870 staged by the Vanemuine society marks the birth of Estonian theater. The Vanemuine society was headed by August Wiera from 1878 to 1903. In 1906 a new building was erected for the society and it theater company became directed by Karl Menning. Plays by Western writers such as Henrik Ibsen, Gerhart Hauptmann, Russian Maksim Gorky and Estonian August Kitzberg, Oskar Luts and Eduard Vilde were staged. The Estonia Theatre is an opera house and concert hall in Tallinn, Estonia. It was built as a national effort with the leadership of Estonia society in 1913 and was opened to the public on August 24. At the time, it was the largest building in Tallinn.

Cuisine

Historically the cuisine of Estonia has been heavily dependent on seasons and simple peasant food, which today is influenced by many countries. Today it includes many typical international foods. The most typical foods in Estonia are black bread, pork, potatoes and dairy products. Traditionally in summer and spring, Estonians like to eat everything fresh – berries, herbs, vegetables and everything else that comes straight from the garden. Hunting and fishing have also been very common, although currently hunting and fishing are enjoyed mostly as hobbies. Today it is also very popular to grill outside in summer. Traditionally in winter jams, preserves and pickles are brought to the table. Estonia has been through rough times in the past and thus gathering and conserving fruits, mushrooms and vegetables for winter has always been essential. Today gathering and conserving is not that common because everything can be bought from stores, but preparing food for winter is still very popular in the countryside and still has somewhat ritual significance. Being a country with a large coastal line, fish has also been very important.

Religion

According to the constitution, there are freedom of religion, separation of church and state, and individual right to privacy of belief and religion. Although Estonia has the highest level of irreligious individuals in the world, with over 76 percent of the population stating no specific religious affiliation, the dominant religion in the country is Evangelical Lutheranism. The country was Christianized by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. During the Reformation, Lutheranism spread, and the church was officially established in Estonia in 1686. Still, many Estonians profess not to be particularly religious, because religion through the 19th century was associated with German feudal rule.

The second most populous religious group is the Eastern Orthodox, especially among the Russian minority. Historically there has been also another dominant minority religion, Russian Old-believers, near Lake Peipus area in Tartu County. In 2000 there were about 152,000 Lutherans, 143,000 Orthodox Christians, 5,000 Catholics and nearly 1,000 Taaras in Estonia. In addition there were around 68,000 people who stated themselves as atheists.

Sports

Sport plays an important role in Estonian culture. Estonia first competed as a nation at the 1920 Summer Olympics, although the National Olympic Committee was established in 1923. Estonian athletes took part of the Olympic Games until the country was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. The 1980 Summer Olympics sailing regatta was held in the capital city Tallinn. Estonia has won most of their Olympic medals in athletics, weightlifting, wrestling and cross-country skiing.

Health and Safety

Prescription Medications: If you’re planning to bring your prescription or over-the-counter medicine on your trip, you need to make sure your medicine is travel-ready. More information can be found here, and please contact your Student Services Coordinator and ISEP Coordinator with any additional questions.

General Health Guidelines: Your health and safety is our number one priority. Please read and reference our Guides and Tips section for general information regarding health and safety abroad.

Detailed information about Estonia can be found here. Please pay special attention to the Safety and Security, Local Laws and Special Circumstances and Health sections.

Note: Information sourced on this page is provided by the U.S. Department of State. Non-U.S. nationals should disregard the Embassies and Consulates and Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements sections.

Currency

MONEY MATTERS

The national currency of Estonia is the Euro. Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged in banks and exchange offices. There are exchange offices in several hotels, in the port of Tallinn, at the airport, the railway station and many other places.

Daily necessities like food and clothing are still relatively inexpensive by western standards. Bear in mind that if you wish to travel, frequently buy fresh fruit and vegetables in the winter, make telephone calls abroad and lead an active social life, you should expect to spend a few hundred Euros per month.

Credit cards

Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard/Eurocard, Diner's Club, American Express etc. are accepted in most of the major hotels, restaurants and shops, but ask first. Most banks will give cash advances on credit cards supported by a valid passport. Check with the credit card company for further details before traveling.

Traveler's Checks

The most widely accepted traveler's cheques in Estonia are American Express, Thomas Cook and Eurocheque.

Banking

The biggest banks in Estonia are:

Swedbank

Turu 1, opening hours: Mon-Fri 9-18

SEB bank

Ülikooli 2, opening hours: Mon-Fri 9-18

In order to open a bank account student should have an identification document and proof of studies to take along when going to the one of the banks listed above. When opening an account, pay attention to the service fees and charges. Information about prices can be found at the webpages of each bank or from the bank offices.

There are ATMs in almost every street corner. The bank card can be used in any ATM and in most shops. If you come for a shorter time, you can use Mastercard and Visa cards of your home bank, but in that case there may be service fees.