University of Tartu invites applications for doctoral programmes

The University of Tartu opens 182 student places in doctoral studies this spring. Everyone who desires to create new knowledge and pursue a career as a researcher, top specialist or manager is welcome to apply. Most applicants are admitted to junior research fellow positions to give them better opportunities for dedicating to full-time 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 49 specialisations grouped under eight doctoral programmes.

According to Mari Moora, Vice Rector for Research at the University of Tartu, people with doctorates are not only future researchers but also leaders and change agents of tomorrow. “We need more people who can see opportunities in difficult situations, create new knowledge and guide Estonia’s development in business and society. Excellence should not just stay within the university walls; a person with a doctoral degree can help bring it to any field of life,” said Moora.

Doctoral career paths

• Those admitted for a junior research fellow position will sign an employment contract with the university and also have a student status. The contract gives social guarantees for students. In 2025, the minimum monthly salary for full-time junior research fellows is 1,950 euros.
• It is possible to combine one’s daily job with doctoral studies in the industrial doctorate, which requires making a trilateral cooperation agreement between the university, the doctoral student and the employer. The University of Tartu already has partners among IT companies, healthcare and cultural institutions. With several of them, framework agreements have been signed to facilitate the admission of doctoral students.
• In very few cases, doctoral students are offered student places with no employment contract.

Information on the announced places can be found on the doctoral studies website.

The doctoral admissions at the University of Tartu take place four times a year. It is recommended that applicants contact a potential supervisor already before submitting the application. Depending on the specialisation, the applicants must submit a draft doctoral thesis or a motivational letter and attend an entrance interview. Application to industrial doctorate is also possible outside the application periods.

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, Faculty of Social Sciences and 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, Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Arts and Humanities