Micro-degree programmes and micro-credential programmes
From the autumn semester of 2025/2026, the University of Tartu offers micro-degree programmes and micro-credential programmes.*
A micro-degree programme is a longer, comprehensive continuing education programme based on degree-study courses. It gives adult learners a flexible opportunity to acquire an additional specialisation or professional competence in a narrow field. The volume of a UT micro-degree programme is 12–30 ECTS, which means 312–780 hours of studies. The workload and pace are adjusted to suit adult learners, so the programmes can generally be completed within one or two semesters. Participants in a micro-degree programme study usually alongside students, in a block-mode or online format suitable for working individuals. The programmes are provided for a fee. Micro-degree programmes are designed to enable participants to continue their studies in a degree programme at the university, if they wish, and acquire higher education or a degree. Upon completion of the programme, participants receive a continuing education certificate from the University of Tartu.
A micro-credential programme is a comprehensive continuing education programme that corresponds to the needs of the labour market and society and gives a flexible opportunity to acquire an additional specialisation or professional competence in a narrow field. The volume is 5–30 ECTS. While micro-degree programmes consist of degree-study courses and the participants study alongside students, micro-credential programmes are organised in a separate group in a block-mode or online format suitable for working individuals. Micro-credential programmes generally take place within one semester. Learning is fee-based. Upon completion, participants receive a continuing education certificate from the University of Tartu.
Micro-degree programmes and micro-credential programmes starting in the autumn semester of 2025/2026
- Micro-degree programmes are designed for learners with at least upper secondary education, but several programmes have additional admission requirements.
- Registration for micro-degree programmes generally starts on 1 July.
- Registration for five programmes is already open, with earlier registration deadlines.
A micro-credential programme is for you if you
- need to refresh your professional knowledge because you completed your previous studies a while ago;
- need specialised competencies in a narrow field;
- want to improve your employability;
- are planning a career change;
- want to take some new courses but do not wish to complete the whole curriculum;
- want to be sure that your continuing education studies would support your future degree studies and that you have a flexible opportunity to continue studies towards a degree;
- want to broaden your professional network.
Micro-credential programmes starting in the autumn semester of 2025/26
"Transformative Technology Use for Education Futures" (18 ECTS), 1620 Euros, higher education needed. Registration is opened until 13 June.
"Fundamentals of the European Union" (18 ECTS), 1530 Euros, online. Registration is opened from 1 June until 11 August.
"Creativity and Self-Development" (15 ECTS), 1500 Euros, higher eduation required, online. Registration is opened from 1 June until 15 August.
"Project Management of Creative Enterpreneurship" (15 ECTS), 1500 Euros, online. Registration is opened from 1 June until 15 August.
"Orthodox Church and Contemporary Challenges" (12 ECTS), 650 Euros, online. Registration is opened from 1 July until 25 August.
"Economic Policymaking in the Digital Age" (15 EAP-d), 2000 Euros, higher education needed. Registration deadline is 25 August.
Micro-qualification programmes starting in the autumn semester of 2025/26
"Global Politics and Foreign Influence"(12 ECTS), 750 euros + VAT, online. Registration is opened from 1 July until 25 August.
*According to the Adult Education Act, all micro-degree programmes and micro-credential programmes starting as of 1 September 2025 must be entered in the Estonian Education Information System. The University of Tartu’s micro-degree programmes and micro-credential programmes have been submitted for registration.
"I was pleasantly surprised when I first saw an ad for the service design micro-credential programme on the university's Facebook page. I felt the university could indeed offer me something as a customer! I had thought about doing a master's in this field before, but it seemed like too big a project to take on besides my other activities," says Lisett Heil, who completed the micro-credential programme at the University of Tartu.
These programmes are open for registration until 3 February
Public Sector Entrepreneurship and Innovation Master Class (15 ECTS), €1,920, higher education required
Global Governance in a Changing World (15 ECTS), €1,920, higher education required
English-taught micro-credential programmes in the spring semester 2024/25
Cloud-native application design and DevOps (24 ECTS), €2,400, higher education required
Teamwork and Leadership (15 ECTS), €1,500, higher education required, online
Global Politics and Foreign Influence (12 ECTS), €1,750, higher education required, online
English-taught micro-credential programmes in the autumn semester 2024/25
Fuzzy Data Analysis in Economics and Business (12 ECTS), €1,440, higher education required
Project Management of Creative Enterpreneurship (15 ECTS), €1,500, higher education required, online
Creativity and self-development (15 ECTS), €1,500, higher education required, online
Economic Policymaking in the Digital Age (15 ECTS), €1,920, higher education required
The Journey to a Successful Tourism Economy (12 ECTS), €1,020, online
Use of technology in contemporary learning (17 ECTS), €1,445, higher education required
Fundamentals of the European Union (18 ECTS), €1,530, online
