Doctoral studies at the University of Tartu
The University of Tartu offers the largest selection of doctoral specialisations in Estonia and the opportunity to obtain a degree at the leading research university in Estonia and Estonia's national university. It is renowned for its international outlook, the quality of its teaching and research, and its strong sense of social responsibility. The University of Tartu has the largest doctoral community in Estonia, with around a third of its 1,143 doctoral researchers being international. Every year, around 200 people start their doctoral studies, and more than 120 doctoral theses are defended.
The goal of doctoral education is to cultivate the research mindset, to nurture flexibility of thought, creativity and intellectual autonomy through an original research project.
Doctoral research is the main focus of doctoral studies. Other academic activities and studies support the research process. Doctoral researchers can make use of various funding opportunities to gain international experience. Studying full time, you can complete your degree in approximately four years.
Doctoral researchers conduct their research under the guidance of their supervisor(s), often as members of a university research group. In addition to a University of Tartu supervisor, doctoral students can have a supervisor from another university or R&D institution.
A doctoral degree prepares you for an academic career and a variety of jobs beyond academia, such as a manager or a leading professional in the private or third sector. In addition to field-specific knowledge and skills, the holder of a doctoral degree is capable of formulating research questions and solving complex problems, possesses teamwork and leadership competencies, and is an effective communicator.
Pathways for doctoral studies
Your career path before doctoral studies and the specific shape of your doctoral studies may vary. Those accepted for a junior research fellow position have an employment contract with the university as well as a student status. It is possible to combine your day job and doctoral studies as an intersectoral doctoral researcher by doing research for a company or institution. In considered cases, it is possible to complete your doctoral studies as a student while continuing to work in a job unrelated to doctoral research.
Organisation of doctoral studies
Doctoral studies at the University of Tartu are regulated by the Regulations for Doctoral Studies (RDS; see web version). The RDS includes the general rules of supervision, the individual plan, progress reviews and the degree application procedure.
All doctoral researchers are recommended to read the university's good practices, especially the Good practice of doctoral studies.
In the University of Tartu study information system, a doctoral researcher can find the learning path application TEEK to prepare and submit progress review documents.
For general study-related issues such as registration for courses, etc., see the Study Regulations. General study instructions and guidelines are also available on the university's website.
Faculty-specific requirements, such as faculty's progress review procedures, are available on the page of the respective centre for doctoral studies.
Planning and completing doctoral studies
Doctoral researchers need to compile their individual plan and period plans, complete progress reviews, use the learning path application TEEK, apply for the recognition of studies and work experience obtained outside the programme, know the requirements of applying for a doctoral degree as well as the procedure of receiving the diploma and the conferment of the doctoral degree.
Estonian Doctoral School
The Estonian Doctoral School brings together doctoral researchers and their supervisors from all Estonian universities. Its events enable doctoral researchers to establish scientific contacts in their fields of specialisation in Estonia and internationally, to gain interdisciplinary knowledge and to develop their transferable skills. In addition, doctoral researchers can apply for a short-term mobility grant.
A separate series of events supports the activities of supervisors.
