Admission to doctoral studies

You can find an overview of the steps for applying to doctoral studies and the required documents centrally on the admissions page.

Open calls

There are four intakes:

• 1–15 February – some specialisations
• 1–15 June – main intake for all specialisations
• 15–30 September – some specialisations
• 15–30 November – some specialisations

Please review carefully the admission requirements for the specialty you are interested in. The open call for applications may include special conditions, which are specified under the respective specialty.

Watch the doctoral studies information session here

There are several ways to complete doctoral studies. Generally, a doctoral student is both a junior researcher and a student; after the admission decision, an employment contract is signed with them. The conditions of the study place are specified in the competition information. Admission to doctoral programmes is based on the doctoral thesis proposal and an entrance interview. For more detailed admission requirements and evaluation criteria, see the curriculum pages.

Finding a supervisor

Finding a prospective supervisor before applying to the programme is essential for a successful application. To find a supervisor, visit the institute’s website or contact the head of specialisation.

• Institute of Education: educational science, head of specialisation Äli Leijen
• Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies: political sciences, head of specialisation Eva Piirimäe
• School of Economics and Business Administration: economics, head of specialisation Eve Parts; business administration, head of specialisation Tiia Vissak
• Institute of Psychology: psychology, head of specialisation Karin Täht
• School of Law: law, head of specialisation Merike Ristikivi
• Institute of Social Studies: media and communication, head of specialisation Andra Siibak; sociology, head of specialisation Veronika Kalmus