Universities in Estonia ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 15 Universities in Estonia

The Republic of Estonia is divided into 15 counties (Estonian: maakonnad), which are further subdivided into 79 municipalities (Estonian: omavalitsused). The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are situated in Harju County, home to Tallinn, the capital and largest city of the country. As the political, cultural, and economic center of Estonia, Tallinn significantly influences the higher education landscape. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all counties that include at least one Estonian higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Harju County (10)  
Tartu County (5)  

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Overview of Estonia Universities

Estonia's higher education system offers internationally recognized degrees in English and Estonian across public and private institutions. The system comprises 15 universities, with 12 public universities (80%) funded by the state and 3 private institutions (20%). Estonian universities emphasize digital innovation, interdisciplinary programs and strong industry partnerships. Degree levels include bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies, with many programs featuring EU-compliant curricula and extensive international student exchanges.

Top 10 Estonia Universities

1. University of Tartu (Tartu Ülikool) (TÜ/UT)
   Ranked #1 in Estonia (#530 globally). Established 1632. Public research university in Tartu, Tartu County. Comprehensive programs across sciences, humanities, medicine and social sciences.
2. Tallinn University of Technology (Tallinna Tehnikaülikool) (TTÜ/TUT)
   Ranked #2 in Estonia (#881 globally). Founded 1918. Public technical university in Tallinn, Harju County. Specializes in engineering, IT, business and maritime studies.
3. Tallinn University (Tallinna Ülikool) (TLÜ/TU)
   Ranked #3 in Estonia (#1584 globally). Established 2005. Public university in Tallinn, Harju County. Focuses on humanities, education, digital technologies and governance.
4. Estonian University of Life Sciences (Eesti Maaülikool) (EMÜ)
   Ranked #4 in Estonia (#2897 globally). Founded 1951. Public research university in Tartu, Tartu County. Specializes in agriculture, forestry, environmental science and veterinary medicine.
5. Estonian Academy of Arts (Eesti Kunstiakadeemia) (EKA)
   Ranked #5 in Estonia (#2986 globally). Established 1914. Public university in Tallinn, Harju County. Specialized programs in fine arts, design, architecture and visual culture.
6. TTK University of Applied Sciences (Tallinna Tehnikakõrgkool) (TTK)
   Ranked #6 in Estonia (#5581 globally). Founded 1992. Public applied sciences institution in Tallinn, Harju County. Specializes in engineering technologies, logistics and production innovation.
7. Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (Eesti Muusika- ja Teatriakadeemia) (EMTA)
   Ranked #7 in Estonia (#5593 globally). Established 1919. Public university in Tallinn, Harju County. Specialized training in performing arts, music composition and theatre production.
8. Estonian Business School (EBS Rahvusvaheline ülikool) (EBS)
   Ranked #8 in Estonia (#5699 globally). Founded 1988. Private business school in Tallinn, Harju County. Focuses on entrepreneurship, business administration and international management.
9. Tartu Health Care College (Tartu Tervishoiu Kõrgkool) (TTHKK)
   Ranked #9 in Estonia (#6977 globally). Established 2005. Public applied sciences institution in Tartu, Tartu County. Specializes in nursing, radiography, physiotherapy and emergency care.
10. Estonian Academy of Security Sciences (Sisekaitseakadeemia) (SKA)
    Ranked #10 in Estonia (#6979 globally). Founded 1992. Public specialized institution in Tallinn, Harju County. Focuses on police studies, border guard training, crisis management and fire safety.

Analysis of University Types

Estonia's 15 universities are predominantly public institutions. Public universities constitute 80% (12 institutions) of the higher education landscape, while private universities represent 20% (3 institutions). This distribution reflects Estonia's strong public investment in education and research infrastructure.

Global Ranking and Standing

Estonian universities demonstrate growing international recognition, with 13% (2 institutions) ranked among the world's top 1,000 universities. The University of Tartu (#530 globally) and Tallinn University of Technology (#881 globally) represent Estonia's highest-ranked institutions. While no Estonian university currently ranks in the global top 200, the nation's compact system delivers strong research output relative to its size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most prestigious university in Estonia?
The University of Tartu consistently ranks as Estonia's top institution and is among the top 2% of universities worldwide.

Are English-taught programs available in Estonia?
Yes, all top universities offer English-taught degrees, especially at master's level, attracting significant international enrollment.

Is tuition free for international students?
While EU/EEA students can study free under certain conditions, most non-EU students pay tuition. Scholarships are widely available.

What makes Estonia's education system unique?
Estonia combines digital innovation (e-governance, e-residency) with high-quality education, featuring paperless administration and cutting-edge tech programs.

Which fields is Estonia known for academically?
Estonia excels in information technology, cybersecurity, digital governance, environmental sciences and entrepreneurship education.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Estonian universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Estonia
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Estonian post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Estonia
  Search for Estonian higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Estonian Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Estonian town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Estonia
  Discover Estonian public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Estonia
  Find out about Estonian private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Estonia
  Explore Estonian not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Estonia
  Look for Estonian for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Estonian Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Estonia have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Estonian Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Estonia that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Estonian Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Estonia are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Estonian Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Estonia with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.