Estonian language proficiency test for level B2

The University of Tartu’s Estonian language proficiency test for level B2 can be used to prove the language proficiency required to apply for Estonian-taught studies at the university. Applicants who cannot fully prove their Estonian language proficiency at the time of submitting their application by means of an entire course of studies completed in Estonian or an exam certifying their Estonian proficiency at level B2 are invited to take the test. More information on proving Estonian language proficiency at level B2.

The test consists of four parts: writing, reading, listening and speaking.

The test takes place on two days:

• The written part on 24 July 2025 at 10:00 in Tartu, Lossi 3–319;
• The speaking part on 25 July 2025, starting at 10:00 in Tartu, Lossi 3–319. The exact time will be announced on the day of the written part at the latest.

If adaptations are required in conducting the test due to an applicant’s special need (visual or hearing impairment, dysgraphia, etc.), the respective reasoned application must be submitted on 1 July at the latest. Read more…

The results will be announced in SAIS on 29 July 2025.

The result is valid for two years. A test taken in 2025 can also be used when applying in the following two years.

Structure of the test

The writing part of the test takes 200 minutes in total. For the speaking part, the test-takers are divided into random pairs. The speaking part takes 20 minutes for the pair.

The test structure is similar to that of the Estonian language examination level B2, organised by HARNO. Examples are available on HARNO’s website.

The writing part lasts for 80 minutes and consists of two tasks:

• writing based on an original text (about 120 words);
• writing an argumentative text (about 180 words).

The reading part takes 80 minutes and consists of four assignments, which must be solved using only the information from the reading texts:

• a multiple-choice task, in which you have to choose the correct answer from four given options;
• a gap-filling task, in which you need to fill the gap with a correct sentence removed from the text;
• a banked gap-fill, in which you need to fill the gap with a correct word from the word bank;
• a multiple matching task, in which you must connect text passages with sentences that match in meaning; or a short-answer task, in which you need to write a short answer (one to three words) to the question.

The listening part takes 40 minutes and consists of four assignments, which must be solved using the information heard:

• a multiple-choice task, in which you need to choose an answer to the questions from three options;
• a multiple-choice task (short conversation excerpts), in which you need to choose an answer to the questions from three options;
• a true or false task, in which you have to choose the answer from two options;
• a gap-filling task, in which you need to complete the sentence with missing information, i.e. write a short answer in the gap.

The speaking part lasts for 20 minutes and consists of two tasks:

• a monologue;
• an argumentative dialogue in which the test-takers explain and justify their standpoints and reach a conclusion together.

Two minutes for preparation is allowed before the monologue. Before the dialogue, three minutes are allowed for preparation.

The speaking part starts with an introductory conversation led by the assessment committee members. This part is not assessed.

Result

To pass the test, the final result must be at least 60% of the total score. All subskills are of equal weight, each giving a maximum of 25% of the final score.

Applicants with scores between 60% and 79% will have to take an additional test of Estonian as the language of instruction at the end of August.

If the Estonian B2-level test result is under 60%, the level B2 proficiency in Estonian required for admission is not proven and the admission decision will be cancelled.