University of Tartu invites applicants for doctoral programmes

This spring, the University of Tartu opens 192 doctoral positions. Everyone who wants to gain new knowledge and pursue a career as a researcher, top specialist, or manager is welcome to apply. Doctoral researchers are employed as junior research fellows so they can dedicate themselves full-time to research.

The University of Tartu offers the widest range of doctoral specialisations in Estonia, from engineering and science to humanities, social sciences and medicine. This spring, it is possible to apply for 50 specialisations across eight doctoral programmes. Tartu welcomes doctoral researchers with its lively international research community and Estonia’s largest network of doctoral researchers.

Professor Mari Moora, Vice Rector for Research at the University of Tartu, said that people with doctoral degrees are needed by society also outside academic institutions – wherever there is a need to lead change and solve complex problems. “Doctoral studies teach researchers to compile and connect previously fragmented data, generate new knowledge on that basis and apply it for the benefit of research, business, the public sector and society as a whole. Estonia needs more top‑level specialists and leaders who are capable of taking research-based thinking beyond the university into every area of life,” said Moora.

Doctoral researchers are employed as junior research fellows under an employment contract with the university; they also hold student status. The contract gives them social guarantees. In 2026, the full-time junior research fellow’s minimum monthly salary is 2,100 euros.

Information about competitions opened in the spring and summer admissions period can be found on the open calls webpage.

The admissions to doctoral studies at the University of Tartu take place, depending on the specialisation, four times a year. The main intake is in May and June. Applicants are advised to contact a potential supervisor before submitting an application already. Depending on the specialisation, the applicants must submit an application and a doctoral thesis project or a motivation letter, and then attend an entrance interview.

In addition to junior research fellow positions, it is possible to enter intersectoral doctoral studies outside the regular application periods. In exceptional cases, doctoral researchers are offered student places without an employment contract.

Important dates

1–15 May

• Application period for both Estonian and international applicants for doctoral studies at the Faculty of Science and Technology
• Application period for international applicants for doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

1–15 June

Application period for Estonian applicants and for international applicants with a master’s degree from Estonia for doctoral studies at the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Read further: What you need to know before applying for a doctoral programme.