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EuroEducation.net The European Education Directory |
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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 Tunnistus
põhihariduse baasil kutsekeskhariduse omandamise kohta Tunnistus
keskhariduse baasil kutsekeskhariduse omandamise kohta Diplom Bakalaureusekraad Diploma in… 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) General Secondary Type of
school providing this education: General Secondary 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 (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) Vocational Type of
school providing this education: Vocational Education Institution (post-secondary) 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, twelve private universities, seven state institutions of applied
higher education, six private applied higher education institutions, nine state
vocational education institutions and eight private vocational education
institutions 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 Applied Higher education Institutions (June 1998), the Law on
Vocational Education Institutions (July 1998),
the Law on the University of Tartu (January 1995), the Standard of
Higher Education (June 2000) and the
Law on the Organisation of Research and Developmental Activity (April 1997,
2001). 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: 1998 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: Non-university level 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 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 studies: 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.Basic medical study consists of studying and acquiring
practical skills. The length of study is six years. Basic medical study is
one-stage and the graduation level corresponds to Magister studies. Graduates
who have completed their studies obtain a Diploma certifying they have been
conferred the Medical Doctor degree (Arsti Aste). Study programmes in the
fields of Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Stomatology and Architecture
(Arhitekt-insener) last for five years. Graduates obtain a Diploma with the
indication of their specialization. University
level third stage: Doktor studies: 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 take some of the
university courses through distance learning as part of the regular degree
programme. Lifelong
higher education It is possible to
study in open universities and take correspondence courses. In-service training
programmes for teachers and school administrators exist. NATIONAL BODIES Administration
& co-ordination: Responsible
authorities: Ministry of
Education (Vabaiigi Haridusminsteerium) Head: Mailis Rand, Minister Administrative officer: Peep Ratas,
Secretary-General International relations: Margus
Haidak, Head of International relations Munga 18 Tel: +372(7) 350-222 Fax: +372(7) 350-250 EMail: hm@hm.ee WWW: http://www.hm.ee Role of governing
body: Education
management Council of Rectors
of Estonian Universities Head: Ando Keskküla, President Tartu
mnt 1 Tel: +372(6) 267-301 Fax: +372(6) 267-350 EMail: public@artun.ee Council of Rectors
of the Private Universities Head: Mart Susi, President 3, Kaluri
tee, Haabneeme Tel: +372(60) 92-077 Fax: +372(60) 90-216 EMail: ciue@ciue.edu.ee Eesti Kõrghariduse
Hindamise Nõukogu (Estonian Higher Education Quality Assessment Council) Head: Tiit Laasberg Foundation
Archimedes Tel: +372(6) 962-424 Fax: +372(6) 962-427 EMail: Laasberg@tan.ee WWW: http://www.ekak.archimedes.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 Assessment 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@archimedes.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: Agreements among the Governments of the Republic of Estonia, Republic of
Latvia and Republic of Lithuania on the academic recognition of educational
qualifications in the Baltic Educational Space Year of signature: 2000 Name of
agreement: Lisbon Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher
Education in the European Region Year of
signature: 1998 References
to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies Title: Higher Education in
Estonia (2nd edition) Publisher:
Estonian
ENIC/NARIC (www.socrates.ee/en/enicnaric.php) Year of
publication: 2000 STUDENT LIFE National
student associations and unions Federation of
Estonian Student Unions Gonsiori 9 - 108 Tel: +372(6) 601 688 Fax: +372(6) 267 169 EMail: eyl.sekretar@mail.ee WWW: http://www.eyl.ee 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:
55000
(Kroon) Foreign
students tuition fees: Minimum: 15000 (Kroon) Maximum:
55000
(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:
No First
degree studies: Home: Yes Foreign:
No Advanced/doctoral
studies: Home: Yes Foreign:
No Bodies
providing information on student financial aid: Ministry of Education Munga 18 Tel: +372(7) 350-222 Fax: +372(7) 350-250 EMail: hm@hm.ee WWW: http://www.hm.ee Publications
on student services and financial aid: Title: Concordia
International University Estonia Publisher: http://www.ciue.edu.ee Title: Estonian Academy of
Arts Publisher: http://www.artun.ee Title: Estonian
Agricultural Academy: Information for International Students Publisher: http://www.eau.ee/english/int_stud/index.html Title: Estonian Business
School Publisher: http://www.ebs.ee Title: Estonian Music
Academy Publisher: http://www.ema.edu.ee/eng/html/eng_navi_master.html Title: Study Abroad
2000-2001 Publisher:
UNESCO/IBE Year of publication: 1999 Title: Tallinn Pedagogical
University Publisher: http://www.tpu.ee/english.html Title: Tallinn Technical
University Publisher: http://www.tu.ee/external Title: University of Tartu:
Guide for International Students Publisher:
http://www.ut.ee/english/guide 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@archimedes.ee WWW: http://www.archimedes.ee Participation
of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes Name of
exchange programme: ISEP (International Student Exchange Programme) Name of
exchange programme: Leonardo da Vinci Name of
exchange programme: NordPlus Name of
exchange programme: SOCRATES/ERASMUS Name of
exchange programme: Visby 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: 2001-2002 Source: Eesti ENIC/NARIC, Tallinn, 2002 Copyright © International Associations of Universities |
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