Open calls for doctoral studies

These specialisations belong to the doctoral programme in Humanities

You can apply to three specialisations at the Institute of History and Archaeology (one ranking list will be formed). There are 5 study places available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 30 June 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

These specialisations belong to the doctoral programme in Humanities

You can apply to eight specialisations at the Institute of Foreign Languages and Cultures (one ranking list will be formed). There are 4 study places available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 2 July 2026 in Zoom. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

These specialisations belong to the doctoral programme in Humanities

You can apply to five specialisations at the Institute of Cultural Research (one ranking list will be formed). There are 6 study places available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 30 June 2026 in Zoom. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

These specialisations belong to the doctoral programme in Humanities

You can apply to two specialisations at the Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics (one ranking list will be formed). There are 5 study places available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 29 June 2026 in Zoom. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Humanities

There are 3 study places available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 6 July 2026 and, depending on the number of applicants, also on 7 July 2026 in Zoom. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

These specialisations belong to the doctoral programme in Humanities

You can apply to two specialisations at the School of Theology and Religious Studies (one ranking list will be formed). There are 4 study places available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 26 June 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Humanities

There are 4 study places available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 2 July 2026 and, depending on the number of applicants, also on 3 July 2026 in Zoom. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

These specialisations belong to the doctoral programme in Educational Sciences.

There is a set list of thesis topics, which applicants must choose from. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period. Please note that most topics require proficiency in Estonian language, as indicated below.

Admission has been announced as follows:

• admission to Educational Science - 5 study places
• admission to Science Education - 2 study places
  

Research topics open for admission in Educational Science:

1. The impact of funding rules on the functioning of the education ecosystem: an empirical analysis based on the Estonian case (supervisors Margus Pedaste, Andrus Jõgi)
2. Learning-centred kindergarten in international comparison: leadership practices of early childhood education leaders in supporting and involving teachers (supervisors Krista Uibu, Tiina Peterson) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
3. Enhancing collaboration between support specialists and teachers using Lesson Study methodology (supervisors Äli Leijen, Liina Lepp) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
4. Implementing trauma-informed approaches in Estonian schools: a longitudinal study of organizational change, practices, and school climate (supervisors Evelyn Kiive, Brenda Marie Morton) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
5. Aligning first school stage literacy education with the national curriculum: developing a platform for teachers, parents, libraries, and students (supervisors Rain Mikser, Gerli Silm) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
6. A framework for evaluating the impact and return on investment of educational training (supervisors Külli Kori, Regina Soobard) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
7. AI-powered intelligent tutoring system for enhancing self-regulated learning and learners’ well-being in gradeless education (supervisors Katrin Saks, Natalia Edisherashvili) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
8. Enhancing self-assessment: a comparative study of AI-powered and teacher-guided feedback (supervisor Katrin Saks) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
9. The perceptions and attitudes of academic staff members about their role in the context of changing higher education (supervisor Rain Mikser) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
10. The experiences, understandings and expectations of experienced vocational education professionals in relation to reforms in vocational education (supervisor Rain Mikser) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
    

Research topics open for admission in Science Education:

• The longitudinal development of STEM achievement and science identity among upper secondary students (supervisors Miia Rannikmäe, Moonika Teppo) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
• Fostering and assessing systems thinking in lower secondary design-based science education (supervisors Katrin Vaino, Helin Semilarski, Konstantinos Korfiatis) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
  

Read more about all topics


Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project (both specialisations)
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 7 July 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

These specialisations belong to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences.

You can apply to two specialisations in the School of Economics and Business Administration (one ranking list will be formed). There are 5 study places available.

You can choose the thesis topic from the list or apply with your own topic. If you choose to apply with your own topic, the topic should be related to the main research fields of the School of Economics and Business Administration.

All applicants (including those who choose the topic from the list) should contact a prospective supervisor before submitting the application. Please note that the prospective supervisor is not in a position to provide extensive comments or help develop project descriptions at the application stage, given the large number of applicants.

Research topics open for admission in Economics:

1. Cultural dimension of flexibility vs monumentalism: sources, measurement, and impact (supervisor Anneli Kaasa)
2. The impact of global challenges on culture (supervisor Anneli Kaasa)
3. Growing uncertainty and people’s economic and social resilience (supervisor Tiiu Paas)
4. The measurement and economic effects of the underdeclared and undeclared work in the European Union countries (supervisors Jaan Masso, Jaanika Meriküll, Liis Soosaar)
5. Applied macroeconomics (supervisor Lenno Uusküla)
6. Adjustment of people with labour markets’ developments in the conditions of increased uncertainty (supervisor Tiiu Paas)
7. Economic effects of population ageing (supervisor Eve Parts)
8. Methods and data from AI and machine learning in macroeconomic analysis (supervisor Luca Alfieri)
9. Determinants of productivity gap between frontier firms and the rest (supervisor Priit Vaher) – the topic is suitable for both specialisations (Economics/Business Administration)
10. Peripheral innovation ecosystem reconfiguration and sustainability (supervisor Bradley Loewen) - the topic is suitable for both specialisations (Economics/Business Administration)
11. Your own topic. The topic should be related to the main research fields of the School of Economics and Business Administration. Additionally, some supervisors have provided general PhD thesis themes for applying.
    
    Read more about the topics in Economics

Research topics open for admission in Business Administration:

1. Contextual and/or event-related specificities of firms’ (export) performance Dynamics (supervisor Tiia Vissak, Oliver Lukason)
2. Whistleblowing in an organization (supervisors Anne Reino, Krista Jaakson)
3. The change/dynamics of mandate of Estonian subsidiaries of MNCs in the process of restructuring of global value chains (supervisors Urmas Varblane, Maaja Vadi)
4. Dialogical turn of accounting and accountability. Linking non-financial and financial sustainability in (integrated) reporting (supervisor Ülle Pärl)
5. “I am the Firm!” effect on intergenerational wealth disparities in the Baltic regioon (supervisor Krista Jaakson)
6. Governance of social entrepreneurship ecosystems: power, collaboration and societal impact in Estonia and beyond (supervisor Mervi Raudsaar)
7. Consumer behavior and the factors influencing behavioral change (supervisor Iuliia Trabskaia)
8. The future of the silver economy: labour market transformation, future skills, and the strategic integration of older workers (supervisors Eneli Kindsiko, Eve Parts)
9. AI implementation and organisational structure: The case study of insurance in the Baltics (supervisors Kristjan Pulk, Maaja Vadi)
10. Determinants of productivity gap between frontier firms and the rest (supervisor Priit Vaher) – the topic is suitable for both specialisations (Economics/Business Administration)
11. Peripheral innovation ecosystem reconfiguration and sustainability (supervisor Bradley Loewen) - the topic is suitable for both specialisations (Economics/Business Administration)
12. Your own topic. The topic should be related to the main research fields of the School of Economics and Business Administration. Additionally, some supervisors have provided general PhD thesis themes for applying.
    
    Read more about the topics in Business Administration

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project (Economics)
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project (Business Administration)
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 25-26 June 2026 in Zoom. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences.

There are 4 positions available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project (Law)
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 1 July 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences.

Admission to the Institute of Social Studies has been announced as follows:

• general admission to Media and Communication and Sociology - 5 study places (one ranking list will be formed)
• admission to a research topic in Sociology: Total defense and societal securitization (supervisor Kairi Kasearu) - 1 study place. This topic requires proficiency in Estonian language. Read more in Estonian.

General admission to specialisations in Media and Communication and Sociology

You can choose the thesis topic from the list or apply with your own topic. If you choose to apply with your own topic, the topic should be related to the main research fields of the institute. Several topics in the list are interdisciplinary. When applying, you need to decide which speciality you will choose (Media and Communication or Sociology). The decision should be based on your previous experience in the field and your research interests. You can also ask advice from your prospective supervisor.

All applicants (including those who choose the topic from the list) should contact a prospective supervisor before submitting the application. Please note that the prospective supervisor is not in a position to provide extensive comments or help develop project descriptions at the application stage.

Interdisciplinary topics in Sociology and Media and Communication (you can decide which specialisation to choose)

1. Foresight for preventing future disasters (supervisor Kati Orru)
2. Empowering communities to cope with hazards (supervisor Kati Orru)
3. The role of social protection across the disaster cycle (supervisor Kati Orru)
4. Health impacts of objective and perceived (environmental) risks (supervisor Kati Orru)
5. Communication-related factors of vulnerability and their mitigation in disaster risk management (supervisor Sten Hansson or Kati Orru)
6. Your own topic. The topic should be related to the main research fields of the Institute of Social Studies.

Research topics open for admission in Media and Communication:

1. Risk and disaster communication. National security & communication (incl. strategic narratives, disinformation). Government communication (supervisor Sten Hansson
2. Your own topic. The topic should be related to the main research fields of the Institute of Social Studies.

Research topics open for admission in Sociology:

1. Meta-analysis of studies on a certain subject (supervisor Tarmo Strenze)
2. Towards solving Subjective–Objective Well Being Paradox (supervisors Mare Ainsaar, Oliver Nahkur)
3. Functioning of children’s close relationships in extraordinary times from the perspective of children (supervisor Oliver Nahkur or Dagmar Kutsar)
4. The study of prefigurative practices, along with the processes and interactions of transformative social innovation within communities and social movements, aiming to establish novel ways of conceptualising practices, knowledge, relationships, and forms of organisation (supervisor Dagmar Narusson)
5. Islandness studies. Conceptual schemes for structuring the relationships between people, communities, places and islandness. What it means to lose islands and islandness? (supervisor Dagmar Narusson)
6. Transformative niche clusters for reshaping industrial modernity (supervisor Laur Kanger)
7. Your own topic. The topic should be related to the main research fields of the Institute of Social Studies.

Read more about all topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project (Media and Communication)
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project (Sociology)
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 9 July 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences.

There are 3 positions available. You can choose the thesis topic from the list or apply with your own topic.

Research topics open for admission:

1. How dangerous is affective polarization to democracy and social cohesion (and what can we do about it) (supervisor Dr. Andres Reiljan)
2. Automated decision-making and contracting (supervisor Dr. Helen Eenmaa)
3. Democracy in multi-stakeholder governance (supervisor Dr. Kristina Muhhina)
4. Digital democracy and digital governance: what strengthens good governance in democracies? (supervisor Dr. Dmytro Khutkyy)
5. EU economic governance and European political economy (supervisor Dr. Edgars Eihmanis)
6. Contesting Europe: illiberal challenges to European integration (supervisor Dr. Stefano Braghiroli)
7. Left-behind minorities in “Frozen conflicts” (supervisor professor Eiki Berg)
8. Philosophical foundations of automated decision-making and contracting (supervisor Dr. Helen Eenmaa)
9. Political behavior, elections and representation in Europe (supervisor professor Piret Ehin)
10. Politics of expertise and the 1989 revolutions in East-Central Europe (supervisor Dr. Juhan Saharov)
11. Public sector institutional reforms in the EU’s Eastern neighborhood (supervisor Dr. Kristina Muhhina)
12. Religion and the politics of nationalism in Eastern Europe in the context of the Russia–Ukraine war (supervisor Dr. Alar Kilp)
13. Rethinking the nation-state in transnational perspective (supervisor professor Eva Piirimäe)
14. Topic of candidate’s own choosing. Supervisor and topic based on the institute’s list of supervisors and their research areas.
    
    Read more about the topics
    

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project (Political Science)
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 3 July 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences.

There are 3 positions available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project (Psychology)
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 19 June 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Medicine and Sport

There are 3 positions available. There is a set list of thesis topics, which applicants must choose from. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research topics open for admission:

1. Physiological profile of ball games, training structure and interaction with athletes' ability and competitive performance (supervisors Priit Kaasik, Kristjan Kais)
2. Relationships between musculoskeletal function and athletes' performance ability and overuse injuries (supervisors Laura Lepasalu, Mati Arend)
3. E-health solutions in physiotherapy: development, implementation and impact in healthcare (supervisors Monika Mets, Kadri Medijainen, Kai Part)
   

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 25 June 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Medicine and Sport

There are 24 positions available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 18-19 June 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Medicine and Sport

There are 2 positions available. There is a set list of thesis topics, which applicants must choose from. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research topics open for admission:

1. The role of hypothermia and HIF1B in the development of cellular stress tolerance (supervisors Kattri-Liis Eskla, Hendrik Luuk, Pirjo Spuul, Eero Vasar)
2. Regulation of redox balance under pathological conditions (supervisors Kattri-Liis Eskla, Hendrik Luuk, Eero Vasar)
   

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 19 June 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Medicine and Sport

There is 1 position available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 18-19 June 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Life and Earth Sciences.

There are 15 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Changes in planktonic communities in the Baltic Sea: eDNA-based species identification and long-term trends (supervisors Maria Põldma, Arno Põllumäe, Georg Martin)
2. Host–gut microbiota interactions in a changing environment: an evolutionary perspective (supervisor Vallo Tilgar)
3. Ecological and evolutionary responses of seabirds to human-modified landscapes: insights from the Common gull (Larus canus) (supervisor Jeffrey Carbillet)
4. Wetland ecosystem transitions after hydrological change (supervisors Asko Lõhmus, Marko Kohv)
5. The ability of insects to adapt to climate change: an analysis of distribution patterns (supervisors Toomas Tammaru, Erki Õunap, Robert Barry Davis)
6. Artificial intelligence for a national biodiversity digital twin: integrating eElurikkus, eDNA and predictive modelling for Estonia (supervisor Kessy Abarenkov)
7. Plant-soil interactions along gradients of water availability (supervisors John Alexander Davison, Marina Semtšenko)
8. Uncertainty quantification in dark and functional diversity metrics (supervisors Meelis Pärtel, Carlos Pérez Carmona)
9. Transmissible cancer in Baltic Sea clam populations: mapping of prevalence and testing links with anthropogenic environmental pressures (supervisor Tuul Sepp)
10. Effect of blue economy projects on coastal ecosystem functioning in the Baltic Sea (supervisors Georg Martin, Jonne Kotta)
11. Advancing the integration of ecosystem functioning into marine spatial planning and conservation (supervisor Jonne Kotta)
12. Biophysical drivers of biodiversity and management outcomes in boreal floodplain meadows of the Baltic region (supervisor Aveliina Helm)
13. Intraspecific plant-soil feedback under global change (supervisors Marina Semtšenko, Siim-Kaarel Sepp, Tsipe Aavik)
14. Effects of offshore wind farm operational underwater noise on pelagic fish (supervisors Mehis Rohtla, Markus Vetemaa, Aleksander Klauson (TalTech))
15. Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) ecology, recreational landings and post-release mortality in Estonia (supervisors Mehis Rohtla, Markus Vetemaa)
    
    Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Chemical and Physical Sciences.

There are 13 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Basicity of nitrogen bases in non-aqueous and biphasic media (supervisors Ivo Leito, Märt Lõkov)
2. Analytical applications of deep eutectic solvents (supervisors Koit Herodes, Ivo Leito)
3. Ionothermal synthesis of non-precious metal electrocatalysts for anion-exchange membrane fuel cell cathode (supervisors Ave Sarapuu, Kaido Tammeveski)
4. Ionic liquid extraction of rare earth cations from Estonian phosphorite (supervisors Enn Lust, Silvester Jürjo)
5. Computational investigation of geometry effects in dual-atom site catalysts for electrochemical carbon–nitrogen coupling (supervisor Nadežda Kongi)
6. Dual-atom site catalysts for electrochemical urea synthesis from carbon dioxide and nitrate (supervisor Nadežda Kongi)
7. Development of cathode catalysts for high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell (supervisors Marek Mooste, Kaido Tammeveski)
8. Advancing non-targeted mass-spectrometric metabolomics with a computationally guided chemical characteristics approach (supervisors Pilleriin Peets, Ivo Leito)
9. Rational design of transition metal containing heteroatom-doped porous carbon-based electrocatalysts for oxygen electroreduction and their application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (supervisors Srinu Akula, Kaido Tammeveski)
10. Mass spectrometric analysis of organic pigment-containing paints directly from the solid material surface using a novel laser ablation-based sampling probe (supervisors Signe Vahur, Anu Teearu-Ojakäär, Ivo Leito)
11. Preparation and testing of complex two-metal nanoclusters activated nanofiber materials for virus passivating and killing purposes (supervisors Enn Lust, Thomas Thomberg, Andres Lust)
12. From wood biorefinery intermediate to advanced materials: structure–property engineering of lignin–cellulose mixtures (supervisor Siim Salmar, Kaija Põhako-Esko)
13. The transcriptomic, biochemical, and behavioural effects of novel small-molecule epitranscriptomic methylation modifiers (suvervisor Jaanus Harro, Mati Karelson, Margus Kanarik)
    
    Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Engineering and Technology.

There are 3 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Physical artificial intelligence (AI) for multi-arm cooperative manipulation (supervisors Arun Kumar Singh, Karl Kruusamäe)
2. Characterization of material surfaces in Monte-Carlo machine learning framework (supervisors Tauno Tiirats, Veronika Zadin)
3. Robots and effectors based on blow spinning (supervisor Indrek Must)
   
   Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Mathematics and Computer Science.

There are 23 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Novel techniques in zk-SNARKs (supervisor Helger Lipmaa)
2. Simulation-based analysis of fault-tolerance limits in quantum error correction (supervisors Dirk Oliver Jim Theis, Veiko Palge)
3. An evaluation framework for open-ended text generation in large language models (supervisor Kairit Sirts)
4. Evaluating adherence to treatment pathways using real-world data (supervisors Marek Oja, Kerli Mooses)
5. An anatomy-aware CT foundation model for multi-organ tumour detection (supervisor Dmytro Fishman)
6. Context-aware machine learning for modeling sustainable mobility potential (supervisor Amnir Hadachi)
7. Task aware, artificial-intelligence driven motion forecasting for autonomous navigation (supervisors Naveed Muhammad, Arun Kumar Singh)
8. Abstract interpretation of critical software components (supervisor Vesal Vojdani)
9. Integrating AI-powered feedback and troubleshooters into automated assessment systems for PostgreSQL database courses (supervisors Piret Luik, Marili Rõõm)
10. Cognitive digital twin framework for explainable and causal anomaly detection (supervisors Mubashar Iqbal, Raimundas Matulevičius)
11. Detecting security vulnerabilities in source code using Agentic AI (supervisors Faiz Ali Shah, Kallol Roy, Vesal Vojdani)
12. Governance and organisational capabilities for responsible and sustainable AI across the AI lifecycle (supervisor Anastasija Nikiforova)
13. Data-driven simulation of interrelated business processes with external actors (supervisor Orlenys López Pintado)
14. Application of large language models for information extraction and interpretation from medical texts (supervisors Sven Laur, Raivo Kolde)
15. Structure and uncertainty in spatial AI (supervisors Meelis Kull, Raul Vicente Zafra)
16. Federated architecture for privacy-preserving supply chains workflow (supervisor Raimundas Matulevičius)
17. Towards fix-centric software security: explaining, testing, and generalizing vulnerability remediation (supervisors Dietmar Pfahl, Kristiina Rahkema)
18. Institutional governance of AI-mediated knowledge production (supervisors Anastasija Nikiforova, Piret Luik)
19. Security of zero-knowledge proofs (supervisor Janno Siim)
20. Mathematical foundations of lattice-based cryptography (supervisor Maiara Francine Bollauf)
21. Efficient and secure implementations of post-quantum cryptographic schemes (supervisor Sedat Akleylek)
22. Identifying aerosol-polluted clouds via machine learning for climate research (supervisors Kallol Roy, Hannes Keernik, Velle Toll)
23. Modern zero-knowledge and SNARKs: theory and applications (supervisor Helger Lipmaa)
    
    Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Engineering and Technology.

There is 1 project open for applying. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research project open for admission: Long-term dynamics of forest fungal biodiversity revealed by sedimentary DNA (supervisors Veljo Kisand, Kadri Runnel)

Read more about the topic

Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Life and Earth Sciences.

There are 6 projects open for applying (7 study places). Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Decoding autism spectrum disorders through cell-level phenotyping of the developing cerebellum (supervisor Mari Sepp) - 2 study places
2. Environmental risk factors and genetic confounding in adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder features (supervisors Kelli Lehto, Reedik Mägi, Jaanika Kronberg)
3. An interpretable framework for complex trait genomics using deep generative models (supervisors Burak Yelmen, Flora Jay)
4. Predicting the risk and progression of complex diseases by utilising genomics, omics, and electronic health records data (supervisors Urmo Võsa, Priit Palta)
5. Integrating ancient and modern genomes to study the evolution of complex traits (supervisors Alena Kushniarevich, Kristiina Tambets, Lehti Saag, Georgi Hudjašov)
6. Host genetics and virome links to chronic diseases in the Estonian Biobank (supervisors Erik Abner, Elin Org)
   
   Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Life and Earth Sciences.

There are 9 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Overcoming the eco-social paradox: How to achieve housing renovation without reducing housing affordability? (supervisor Anneli Kährik)
2. Digital divide and social inclusion in ageing rural areas: the role of older adults in the resilience of communities in the digital age (supervisors Kadri Leetmaa, Ingmar Pastak)
3. AI-supported extraction of machine-readable semantic spatial data structure from historical maps (supervisors Taavi Pae, Raivo Aunap, Holger Virro)
4. Molecular‑level soil organic matter signals of wetland degradation and recovery worldwide (supervisors Jaan Pärn, Ülo Mander)
5. Effects of forest management on soil and ecosystem C cycling using advanced biometeorological methods (supervisors Kaido Soosaar, Alisa Krasnova)
6. Towards ecologically interpretable geospatial foundation models for grassland monitoring (supervisors Evelyn Uuemaa, Triin Reitalu)
7. Microbiome-driven modelling of greenhouse gas fluxes in peatlands across the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (supervisor Mikk Espenberg)
8. Modelling N2O balance in global peatlands (supervisors Ülo Mander, Jaan Pärn)
9. From land cover to function: detecting peatlands, status and functionality based on remote sensing-derived static and dynamic response patterns (supervisor Ain Kull)
   
   Read more about the topics
   
   

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Life and Earth Sciences.

There are 3 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Valorization of industrial wastes for strategic metals (supervisor Kalle Kirsimäe)
2. The role of peatlands in catchment water balance under climate and land use changes in Estonia (supervisors Raul Paat, Andres Marandi)
3. Submerged landscapes and Holocene shore level changes in the Pärnu Bay (supervisor Alar Rosentau)
   
   Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Engineering and Technology.

There are 3 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Visible light activated materials and surface coatings in antimicrobial applications (supervisors Vambola Kisand, Alexander Vanetsev, Angela Ivask, Wei Cao)
2. Multifunctional (bio)polymer composite networks for bioengineering applications (supervisor Tarmo Tamm)
3. Grain boundary engineering of carbide ceramics through interface design and field-assisted sintering for mechanical properties enhancement (supervisors Taivo Jõgiaas, Jekaterina Kozlova, Helle-Mai Piirsoo)
   
   Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Mathematics and Computer Science.

There are 3 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Generalizations of Lie and Poisson algebras and their applications (supervisor Viktor Abramov)
2. AI-supported statistics education in upper secondary school to foster conceptual understanding and support transition to higher education (supervisors Tiina Kraav, Meelis Käärik)
3. Bridging technology, artificial intelligence, and deep mathematical thinking: designing a thinking classroom within a flipped classroom framework with focus on solving word problems (supervisors Sirje Pihlap, Bjarnheiður Kristinsdóttir (University of Iceland))
   
   Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Life and Earth Sciences.

There are 4 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Bacterial biocide-induced survivor states and their role in antibiotic time-kill dynamics (supervisors Angela Ivask, Merilin Rosenberg)
2. The role of ribosomal proteins in IRES-mediated translation initiation (supervisor Tiina Tamm)
3. Ecological strategies of the plastisphere microbiome across connected aquatic systems (supervisors Jaak Truu, Carlos Pérez Carmona)
4. Wild yeast strains as potential biocontrol agents in agriculture (supervisors Arnold Kristjuhan, Riinu Kiiker)
   
   Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Engineering and Technology.

There are 7 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Mapping of alphavirus capsid protein interactome (supervisor Margus Varjak)
2. Bio-based adhesives for sustainable architectural construction (supervisor Ilona Faustova)
3. DNA origami assemblies in molecular nanotechnology (supervisors Veikko Pentti Linko, Olavi Reinsalu, Sven Oras)
4. Role of cancer-testis antigens in development of cancer (supervisors Reet Kurg, Margit Mutso)
5. Stomatal density and distribution between leaf surfaces in barley (Hordeum vulgare) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) (supervisors Hanna Hõrak, Ljudmilla Timofejeva, Kristiina Laanemets)
6. Plant guard cell CO2 sensing and coordination across cellular compartments (supervisors Hannes Kollist, Yuh-Shuh Wang)
7. The development of adaxial stomata and determination of stomatal distribution between leaf surfaces in Arabidopsis thaliana (supervisors Hanna Hõrak, Pirko Jalakas)
   
   Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Chemical and Physical Sciences.

There are 4 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Development of optical resonators and their applications in studying photosynthetic structures and DNA-origami-based systems (supervisors Siim Pikker, Veikko Pentti Linko, Arvi Freiberg)
2. Quantum simulations for chemistry and materials science (supervisors Veiko Palge, Juhan Matthias Kahk, Dirk Oliver Theis)
3. Climate impact of anthropogenic ice-seeding aerosols (supervisor Velle Toll)
4. Decoding the black hole image (supervisors Laur Järv, Merce Guerrero Roman)
   
   Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

The speciality belongs to the PhD programme in Educational Sciences at the Faculty of Social Sciences. International applicants can apply on 1–15 May in DreamApply. Estonian citizens and international applicants with a master's degree from Estonia can apply on 1-15 June in SAIS.

There are 2 positions available. There is a set list of thesis topics, which applicants must choose from. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research topics open for admission:

1. The longitudinal development of STEM achievement and science identity among upper secondary students (supervisors Miia Rannikmäe, Moonika Teppo)
2. Fostering and assessing systems thinking in lower secondary design-based science education (supervisors Katrin Vaino, Helin Semilarski, Konstantinos Korfiatis) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language
   
   Read more about the topics
   

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the doctoral thesis project
  

Online entrance interviews take place on 7 July 2026. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Chemical and Physical Sciences.

There are 6 projects open for applying. Applicants must choose from a set list of thesis projects. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research projects open for admission:

1. LEIDMA – Low-intensity emission identification with machine-learning algorithms (supervisor Boris Zhivkov Deshev)
2. Application of remote sensing data time series analysis for the assessment of landscape fire risks in hemiboreal forests (supervisor Mait Lang)
3. Rapidly deployable and reconfigurable machine learning applications for data processing on satellites (supervisor Mihkel Pajusalu)
4. Planets around early-type stars and their galactic environment (supervisors Heleri Ramler, Eike W. Günther)
5. Cosmology with J-PAS voids (supervisors Antti Tamm, Rien van de Weygaert)
6. Methods, traceability and validation of the in-water ocean color measurements (supervisors Krista Alikas, Riho Vendt, Viktor Vabson)
   
   Read more about the topics

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Engineering and Technology.

There is 1 project open for applying. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research project open for admission: Structure-electrocatalytic activity relationships in rare-earth-elements doped iridium oxide catalysts (supervisors Jaak Nerut, Rutha Jäger)

Read more about the topic

Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Candidates must submit an application with other requested documents:

• The list of required documents on the programme website
• Requirements for the motivation letter
  

Online entrance interviews take place in June or early July. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

There are 3 projects open for applying. The projects are funded by EU Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.

Research projects open for admission:

1. Electric solar wind sail mission design (supervisors Aditya Savio Paul, Mihkel Pajusalu, Pekka Janhunen (FMI), Iaroslav Iakubivskyi (SA))
2. Triangulated celestial navigation (TCN) on-board computer design (Aditya Savio Paul, Mihkel Pajusalu, Andris Slavinskis, Jaan Viru)
3. E-sail spin plane orientation and spin rate control design (Aditya Savio Paul, Mihkel Pajusalu, Perttu Yli-Opas (APT))

Admitted students will work as junior research fellow at the University. The workload is 1.0. Doctoral studies and the employment contract is expected to start on 1 May 2026.

Space Research and Technology specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Chemical and Physical Sciences.


Further information regarding the study place

Link to the application form

There is 1 project open for applying. The project is funded by EU Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.

Research project open for admission:

• Enhancing health studies: effective use of continuous health indicators from electronic health records (supervisors Asad Munir, Sulev Reisberg)

Admitted student will work as junior research fellow at the University. The workload is 1.0. Doctoral studies and the employment contract is expected to start on 31 August 2026.

Computer Science specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Mathematics and Computer Science.


Further information regarding the study place

Link to the application form

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences.

There is 1 position available. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period. Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in spring 2026. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Research topic open for admission: "International law of the sea and small states" (supervisors Lauri Mälksoo, Alexander Lott)

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Social Sciences.

Online entrance interviews take place on 4 March. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Life and Earth Sciences.

There is 1 position available. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period. Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in spring 2026. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Research project open for admission: "Microbial populations on touch surfaces and their sensitivity to antimicrobial treatments" (supervisors Angela Ivask, Elin Org)

Read more about the topic

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Life and Earth Sciences.

Online entrance interviews take place in the first half of October. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Humanities.

There is 1 position available. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period. Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in spring 2026. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Research topic open for admission: "The end of nature? A relational philosophy and theology of the wild" (supervisor Thomas-Andreas Põder)

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Humanities.

Online entrance interviews take place in the second half of February or early March. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply via DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences.

There is 1 position available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in February 2026. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Social Sciences.

Online entrance interviews take place on 10 December. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply in DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Chemical and Physical Sciences.

There is 1 position available. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research project open for admission:

1. SCF technology, the first step towards an integrated holistic biorefinery of pine wood (supervisors Siim Salmar, Siobhan O. Matthews (SCF Processing Ltd, Iirimaa))

   Read more about the topic

Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in autumn 2025. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Chemical and Physical Sciences.

Online entrance interviews take place in the first half of October. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply in DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Educational Sciences.

There is 1 position available. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research topic open for admission:

• Teachers' attitudes, motivation and competence in using CLIL materials and methodology in Estonian-language subject teaching classes in basic school (supervisors Mare Kitsnik, Krista Uibu) - this topic requires proficiency in Estonian language

Read more about the topic

Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in autumn 2025. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Educational Sciences.

Online entrance interviews take place on 10 October. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply in DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Humanities.

There is 1 position available. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research topic open for admission:

• Death literacy in Estonia: index-based statistical analysis (supervisor Piret Paal). This topic requires proficiency in Estonian language. When applying, a motivation letter must be submitted instead of a doctoral thesis project. Read more in Estonian.

Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in autumn 2025. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Humanities.

Online entrance interviews take place in the first half of October. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply in DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Life and Earth Sciences..

There is 1 position available. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research project open for admission:

1. Geochemical fingerprinting in predictive exploration (supervisor Kalle Kirsimäe)

   Read more about the topic

Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in autumn 2025. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Life and Earth Sciences.

Online entrance interviews take place in the first half of October. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply in DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Medicine and Sport.

There is 1 position available. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research topic open for admission:

• The associations of osteokines and myokines with bone mineral density, body compostion and physical fitness in male adolescents with different physical activity forms (suprervisors Vallo Tillmann, Jaak Jürimäe)

This is not a junior research fellow's position. Read more about doctoral students without an employment contract. Studies are expected to start in autumn 2025. The exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted.

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Medicine and Sport.

Online entrance interviews take place on 14 October. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply in DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Engineering and Technology..

There is 1 position available. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research project open for admission:

1. Nucleic acid origami assemblies with molecular coatings for gene delivery and genomic engineering (supervisors Veikko Linko, Olavi Reinsalu, Sven Oras)

   Read more about the topic

Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in autumn 2025. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Engineering and Technology.

Online entrance interviews take place in the first half of October. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply in DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Medicine and Sport.

There is 1 position available. You can apply with your own topic.

Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in autumn 2025. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Medicine and Sport.

Online entrance interviews take place on 8 October. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply in DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Social Sciences.

There are 3 positions available that are related to an ongoing research and development project. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research topics open for admission:

• Artificial intelligence in mental health and well-being applications (supervisors Andero Uusberg, Jaan Aru)
• Data-driven approach linking cognitive abilities and personality to external life outcomes (supervisors Uku Vainik, René Mõttus)
• Transactions among personality traits, life events and well-being (supervisors René Mõttus, Uku Vainik, Karin Täht)

Please contact the supervisor before applying.

Admitted doctoral researchers will work as junior research fellows on an ongoing research and development project at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in autumn 2025. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Social Sciences.

Online entrance interviews take place on 7 October. Applicants will be informed of their interview time by the respective faculty.

Apply in DreamApply

This specialisation belongs to the doctoral programme in Engineering and Technology..

There is 1 position available. It is not possible to apply with your own topic during the application period.

Research project open for admission:

1. Sustainable electrode materials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries (supervisors Alar Jänes, Maarja Paalo, Enn Lust)

   Read more about the topic

Admitted doctoral researcher will work as a junior research fellow at the university. The estimated workload is 1.0 and the estimated time period is four years. Studies are expected to start in autumn 2025. The final workload and exact starting date will be fixed after the student is admitted, during work contract negotiations.

Applicants must submit an application with other requested documents. See further information on the programme website of Engineering and Technology.

Online entrance interviews take place in the first half of October. Applicants will be informed of their interview date and time by the respective faculty.

Apply in DreamApply