The aim of the master's programme in Innovation in Bioengineering is to train specialists with a comprehensive understanding of automation technologies and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern bioengineering, synthetic biology, and biotechnology. The programme aims to educate professionals with an innovative mindset, as well as the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement novel technologies, commercialise intellectual property, and acquire entrepreneurial competencies (such as business plan development, securing funding, and market analysis).
Graduates will have the necessary competencies to bring their developed products to both local and international markets. The curriculum's structure prepares students for future careers in diverse, international, and interdisciplinary work environments. The programme provides in-depth knowledge in the aforementioned fields and offers practical training in synthetic biology and bioengineering.
Estonia is emerging as one of the key hubs of synthetic biology in Northern Europe, with strong collaborations with top research centres (e.g., DTU in Denmark, the University of Heidelberg in Germany, the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, and Uppsala University in Sweden). The Estonian Biofoundry provides world-class research infrastructure for students, researchers, and bioentrepreneurs.
Graduates of the master's programme in Innovation in Bioengineering have the skills to:
A great way to get to know the university and the city of Tartu is to take part in the UniTartu Summer School, which takes place during the first two weeks of August. In 2026, we are offering the Synthetic Biology and Its Applications course, taught by the same team behind the Innovation in Bioengineering master's programme. The course is suitable for upper secondary school students and beginner-level bachelor's students. Please note that the summer course has a separate application process and participation fee, and applying for the summer school is independent of applying for the master’s programme.
The curriculum consists of the following modules:
Detailed course descriptions will be available shortly via our Study Information System and will also be displayed on this page under "Curriculum version".
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.
After graduation, you may continue your studies and pursue a PhD in either academia or industry, or launch your own technological startup. According to McKinsey & Company's report on Biological Innovations for Complex Problems, it is essential to strengthen the ability to translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions. Since the study programme focuses on developing the skills necessary to accelerate the incorporation of novel technologies into everyday life, graduates of the programme will be well-equipped to contribute to the so-called Bio-revolution and work in technological hubs anywhere in the world.
Moreover, synthetic biology is one of the ways to reach a sustainable bioeconomy in agreement with the European Union Green Deal, and alumni from the curriculum will be valuable assets on the EU job market. Additionally, the Estonian Development Strategy “Estonia 3035” prioritises technological businesses, so you have a good chance to build your company in Estonia. Therefore, programme graduates may contribute to sustainable development and have the knowledge and skills to bring innovative solutions to life.
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:
Evaluation criteria
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).
In selected programmes, the university offers tuition fee reductions of 25%, 50%, or 100% for one semester at a time.
For this programme, five 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.