Our Bioengineering master's programme at the University of Tartu offers an ideal platform for launching a research career in bioengineering and synthetic biology which are vital fields in the modern world for achieving global biosustainability. With a flexible study plan, practical training in well-equipped research laboratories, and an international environment, the programme provides students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities to make a significant impact in the field.
Join us on 15 January 2026 for the annual Virtual Open Day to learn more about the University of Tartu, its degree programmes and admission requirements.
Bioengineering supports the fast-growing fields of industrial biotechnology and circular bioeconomy that are expected to become the key solutions for humanity's goal to achieve the biosustainability of our planet. There is also a growing need for specialists in bioengineering as industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology will be the basis of the industrial revolution of the 21st century. The master's programme in Bioengineering is an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines different fields of applied biotechnology, synthetic biology, engineering and information technology.
The main aim of the master's programme in Bioengineering is to educate specialists with skills and knowledge that will help them find jobs and contribute to the success of various companies working in industrial or medical biotechnology, circular bioeconomy, bioprocessing, etc. The graduates will understand and have practical experience covering the main industrial bioprocesses, fermentation, biological systems, industrial biotechnology, and biomedical technologies. The curriculum emphasises practical training and provides internships in various companies active in biotechnology and biomedical technology.
Having done my bachelor’s in Chemistry and Microbiology, I was eager to expand my understanding of the field. I found the diverse range of subjects, the programme content, and the practical modules intriguing and exciting. The prestigious, historic, but modernised character of the university, the fascinating new research, the reputable researchers affiliated with the university, the university’s environment, and the student life at Tartu were also influential in my decision to apply for my master’s in Tartu. The curriculum was very up-to-date and current, addressing a broad spectrum of theories and principles relevant to tackling current issues on environmental, medical, technological, economic, and industrial fronts among others. In my opinion, the vast array of topics covered, while also taking deep dives into more prevalent issues, such as cancer treatment, was truly exceptional and remarkable about this course. I strongly believe that the experience, knowledge, skills and expertise I have gained from this programme will help me achieve my ambition of becoming a fully equipped scientist and academic scholar.
After completion of the programme, you:
The rhythm and environment of the university town are great for studying and living student life to the fullest. There is plenty of excitement – for example, the Science Theatre to find new acquaintances and discover and demonstrate fascinating phenomena of different fields of science. The student satellite ESTCube welcomes new members, and the Robotics Club offers a chance to improve and apply knowledge about robotics.
The city has beautiful parks, restaurants, youth clubs, recreational areas, and great sporting opportunities. The city's historical centre embodies a mixed spirit of a glorious academic past and an inspiring, brave future.
The Institute of Bioengineering was established in 2023 and commenced operations on 1 January 2024. Currently, 5 research groups have joined the newly formed institute:
Explore Tartu, the Institute of Bioengineering, and the student dormitories through the university's virtual tour.
The master's degree in Bioengineering offers career opportunities in industrial biotechnology in the European Union and worldwide. The Nordic and Baltic regions are particularly attractive job markets where companies search for young talents with special skills in synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology. The Nordic region is one of the fastest-growing hubs in industrial biotechnology, expecting to hire thousands of newly trained specialists in the coming years.
NB! Even if you graduate from Bachelor's studies only in the summer, you can still apply in the spring. If you are admitted, you are required to provide proof of your bachelor’s degree by 10 July if you graduate from a university in Estonia, and by 31 July if you graduate abroad.
NB! The restrictions for the citizens of the Russian Federation are specified here.
Please write a brief motivation letter (in English, maximum of 5000 characters with spaces) based on the following points:
In the evaluation of motivation letter, the following criteria will be considered:
The maximum score for motivation letter is 100 points and the result is positive only if the applicant gains 51 points or more.
Only those applicants who score 66 points or higher (out of 100) as a combined score from both the motivation letter and average grade of the previous study level, will be considered for admission.
Further information on assessing candidates´ academic performance and calculating admissions´ score.
The following information applies to international students and Estonian students who graduated abroad:
The application system opens on 2 January and closes on 15 March. The following documents must be submitted electronically via DreamApply by 15 March:
Submitted applications can not be edited. It is only possible to upload new documents (e.g. graduation certificates). Applicants will receive feedback and notifications through the DreamApply system to their e-mail. Incomplete applications or those submitted by e-mail will not be considered for admission.
Guide to submitting an electronic application on DreamApply.
NB: The University of Tartu has no official partnerships with agents or educational representatives. We strongly recommend applying directly to the university without the help of unauthorised third-party entities. Should you use such a service, please ensure that your application's contact information is your personal details (your e-mail, phone number, etc.).
The evaluation of applications will be made based on the electronic copies added to DreamApply. A general ranking list will be formed based on the electronically submitted applications and admission results (including offers) will be announced to all applicants personally via DreamApply by April 30 at the latest. Admitted candidates are expected to accept or decline the offer in DreamApply in 7 days. If the decision is not communicated to UT via DreamApply by the stipulated deadline, UT reserves the right to withdraw the admission offer.
NB! It is not possible to postpone the beginning of studies to the next academic year.
Terms and conditions of the admission offer
Admission offers are conditional. This means that there are conditions in the offer which the applicant needs to fulfil in order to be admitted (e.g. sending application documents by post; obtaining the required level of education). If the conditions are not met, UT has the right to withdraw the offer. Also, UT reserves the right to withdraw or amend any offer or revoke the matriculation of a student, if it becomes evident that the application contains fraudulent information, the qualification does not provide access to the chosen study programme or the student is found to have omitted key information from the application. Should such circumstances occur, UT will not be liable for any material or immaterial loss which the student may suffer as a result.
Once the admission results have been announced, all admitted students are required to send the application documents by post to: Student Admissions, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18-133, Tartu 50090, ESTONIA.
The documents are expected to be mailed only by those receiving the admission offer (unless instructed otherwise by the admissions staff). The documents must reach the university within 3 weeks from the announcement of the offer. If the application documents do not reach us by the deadline, the university has the right to withdraw the admission offer. Applicants will be informed when their documents have arrived.
Requirements for educational documents
All copies of educational documents (diplomas and Diploma Supplements/transcripts) must be officially certified. By certified we mean that the copies should bear an original signature and seal of the authority certifying that these are true copies of the original document(s). The copies can be certified either 1) by an authorised official of the issuing institution, or 2) by a notary, or 3) with an Apostille attached. NB! Country-specific requirements may also specify the way documents from certain countries must be certified.
Please note that UT does not accept simple copies made on the basis of already certified copies (primary copies are needed).
All admitted students are required to present their original qualification certificates upon arrival (unless these were sent directly from the issuing institution).
Paying the tuition fee
The official admission letter will be sent to admitted students electronically via DreamApply only after the admissions office has received and reviewed hard copies of the application documents, and received the tuition fee pre-payment (if a pre-payment was required, please see step 3 for more details).
NB! The electronic admission letter is also sufficient for non-EU students for applying for visa/residence permit at an Estonian embassy.
Once the admission letter is issued, accepted students may proceed further with arranging their arrival. All non-EU students should first consult information on the process of visa and temporary residence permit application to be sure, as where and when the relevant documents need to be applied. Note that housing at the UT dormitories can be applied during a limited period of time, unless specified otherwise on the website.
NB! Admitted students who are not citizens of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland need to make sure they obtain the Estonian long-term visa on time in order to be able to participate in the orientation programme for international students held in the last week of August. They are also required to visit the Admissions Office in person to complete their arrival registration by August 31, 2026, at the latest. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of their admission decision and visa.
For housing alternatives please find further information on Tartu Welcome Centre website. Travel information can be found here. Based upon common queries, the most important information has been summarised into a pre-arrival information website UT Getting Started.
Estonian applicants should apply via National Admission Information Systems (SAIS). Further information in Estonian.
In selected programmes, the university offers tuition fee reductions of 25%, 50%, or 100% for one semester at a time.
For this programme, two admitted students will receive a 50% tuition fee reduction for their second semester, based on the weighted average grade of all results from the previous studied semester.
All students admitted in 2026 will be eligible to be considered for a tuition fee reduction based on their academic performance and the following criteria:
they study full-time;
are not on academic leave;
have not exceeded the nominal duration of the curriculum;
have cumulatively completed at least 30 ECTS credits per semester.
Learn more about the university and its study programmes by attending our info events for future students. Our staff also attends international fairs and info sessions.
During the academic year, you can spend a day with a current student in your field of interest, giving you a firsthand look at student life and the University of Tartu.
The "Tiksu to UniTartu - Podcast for International Students" covers topics such as housing, student organisations, healthcare, etc.
Visiting the campus gives you a great understanding of what it would be like to study here. You can visit us throughout the year.