of studies is 180 – 240 ECTS credits. Persons who have completed professional higher education studies are awarded a diploma called a rakenduskõrgharidusõppe diplom. A diploma of professional higher education corresponds to a bakalaureusekraad awarded by universities, and graduates are entitled to continue studies towards the magistrikraad on conditions laid down by the university council.
2. Organization Of studies 2.1. Academic calendar The academic year at institutions of higher education is divided into two semesters: autumn and spring. The autumn semester usually runs from the last week of August to December, with examinations in January. The spring semester lasts from the end of January or the beginning of February to the end of May, but exams can be taken until the middle of June. As a general rule a semester contains 20 weeks of
lectures, seminars, practical training, independent work and an examination period. Institutions of higher education operate five days a week for full-time studies. 2.2. Admission procedures International students seeking a degree from an institution of higher education in Estonia must usually apply for admission on the same terms as Estonian students. There are general and specific requirements for admission to institutions of higher education. The general requirements are binding on all institutions of higher education and concern all study programmes. Admission to the study programmes is administered by the institution of higher education, and candidates apply directly to the institution of their choice. It is wise to contact the respective institution well before commencing one’s studies, in order to obtain detailed information on application procedures, accommodation possibilities and other important facts.
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