Estonia - Introduction

country: Estonia

In Estonia, the higher education system has two branches: study is carried out in the academic and the professional higher education branch. Since the academic year 2002/2003, the general structure of the academic branch has three levels. The first level is Bachelor’s study and the second level is Master’s study. The third and the highest level is Doctoral study.

In case of medical training, veterinary training, pharmacist training, dentistry training, architectural studies, civil engineering studies and teacher training for general teachers, study is based on integrated curricula of Bachelor’s and Master’s study.

Professional higher education is similarly to Bachelor’s study the first study level of higher education.

Completion of respective studies on each level of higher education is considered the graduation from an educational institution. A person who has completed Bachelor’s or Master’s study has the right to continue his or her studies as stated in legislation. The completion of study based on the integrated curricula of Bachelor’s and Master’s study also results in the grant of a Master’s level degree.

Bachelor’s study, Master’s study and Doctoral study are provided in universities. It is possible to study according to the professional higher education curriculum in an institution of professional higher education, in an educational institution forming a part of the structure of a university and, as an exception, in a vocational school kutseõppeasutus acting on the basis of secondary education. An institution of professional higher education is an educational institution where, according to a decision of the Government of the Republic and under certain conditions, also Master’s level studies ca be carried out.

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Date: 2009
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