Estonian University of Life Sciences

Estonian University of Life Sciences is the only university in Estonia whose priorities in academic and research activities provide the sustainable development of natural resources necessary for the existence of Man as well as the preservation of heritage and habitat. According to QS World University Rankings by Subject (2019), the Estonian University of Life Sciences is one of the top 50 universities in the world in the field of agriculture and forestry, ranked 48. The university also belongs to the top 1% most cited research facilities in the world, with our plant physiology professor Ülo Niinemets being the most cited Estonian researcher altogether.

• One of the 6 public universities in Estonia
• 4th in size among public Estonian universities
• 4th in the number of foreign students

The academic structure is composed of research and development institutes or institutions, centers, and other structural units. Currently, teaching and research are carried out in five institutes.​

Mission

The University creates and shares knowledge with the promotors of the bio-economy for the best of Nature and Man.

Vision

The University is an internationally recognized research university in the field of bio-economy.

Core Values

Reliability

The University remains objective, ethical, honest, responsible, fair, and professional in its activities. The University cares about its students and academic staff and ensures the continuity of academic consistency and traditions. The University fosters a sustainable and environment-friendly way of thinking.

Academic freedom

The members of the University community may present their views and research findings freely without external constraints and regulations, and contribute to knowledge development and serve society as best as they can.

Openness

The University is open to cooperation and knowledge transfer. The University creates and promotes the atmosphere of tolerance and synergy and adheres to the principle of equal opportunities.

Creativity

The University is innovative and open to new ideas. The University develops a creative environment that supports the academic curiosity of the academic staff and students.

Estonian language and culture

The University values ​​the preservation and development of national culture, the creative development of research terminology in the Estonian language, as well as university education in our mother tongue. The university does its best to ensure the sustainable development of Estonia through providing high-quality research and education and serving society.

Please note that the application procedure for a residence permit for students outside the EU may take up to 2 months. Be sure to submit your application in time. As a general rule, an applicant should submit their application for a residence permit upon arrival to Estonia on the basis of a D-visa.

To apply for a long-term (D) Visa please turn to an Estonian representation that handles visa procedures.

To get a long-term (D) visa one must submit the following documents:

1. travel document which is issued within the previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa;
2. fully completed and signed application form;
3. photo (size 35x45 mm);
4. insurance policy covering expenses due to illness or injury during the period of validity of the visa, in case of a multiple entry visa until the end of the first intended period of stay;
5. documents indicating the purpose of the journey, e.g. confirmation letter from the host or documents proving that the applicant is going to work in Estonia (confirmation from the employer, registration of short-term employment) or documents proving that the applicant is going to study in Estonia. During the examination of an application, a consular officer may request additional documents.
6. at the time of submission of the application, biometrical data – 10 fingerprints of the applicant are collected; children under the age of 12 and persons for whom fingerprinting is physically impossible shall be exempt from the requirement to give fingerprints;
7. visa fee EUR 100, children 6-11 years EUR 40.

To get a temporary residence permit for study in an Estonian educational institution a student must submit the following documents:

• A standard application form;
• The form on the data concerning close relatives, spouse, family members, and dependents;
• Confirmation of educational institution or students’ organization (valid for up to two months);
• A standard curriculum vitae (except if the applicant is under 15 year of age);
• A document that certifies the legal income of the applicant. Lawfully earned remuneration for work, income received from lawful business activities or property, pensions, scholarships, support, benefits paid by a foreign state, and the maintenance ensured by family members earning legal income are deemed to be legal income.
• The identity document of an applicant;
• A colored photograph sized 40x50 mm;
• An insurance contract;
• A document certifying the payment of the state fee;
• An applicant in the status of a long-term resident of another EU Member State is required to prove such status upon applying for the residence permit.

A residence permit for study may be issued for a period of up to 1 year but no longer than the estimated duration of the studies. If the student continues his/her studies in the same educational institution, his/her residence permit may be extended by one year at a time but not for longer than one year altogether.

A student who has a residence permit for study may participate in practical training pursuant to the curriculum without a work permit. To work otherwise, the student must have a work permit and he/she may work only outside of school hours on the condition that such employment does not interfere with the studies.