Estonian Academy of Arts
Introduction
The Estonian Academy of Arts, founded in 1914, is the only public university in Estonia offering higher education in fine arts, design, architecture, media, visual studies, art culture, cultural heritage and conservation. Located in the capital city, Tallinn, it is an active study and research institution and the leading national centre of innovation in visual culture. Studies take place in our new building with an innovative and inspiring environment. EKA is listed among Top 150 Architecture and Design Universities in the World by QS World University Rankings (2024).
Nearly 1,200 students from all parts of the world are engaged in the curricula to cultivate their analytical abilities and critical thinking with the aim to develop into environmentally and socially conscientious creators. They are taught and supported by more than 300 professors, associate professors, lecturers and instructors who are professionals in their field - internationally recognised artists, architects, designers, and scholars who provide unique, individualised study and personal mentorship in an interdisciplinary and synergetic atmosphere. Small groups of carefully selected students enable a more personal, one-on-one approach to instruction and family-like, close-knit atmosphere and EKA prides itself on the low student-to-professor ratio.
The Estonian Academy of Arts’ new building in a reconstructed historical textile factory, designed by its alumni, was inaugurated in 2018 and has since received several awards for its architecture and interior design. Located between the picturesque UNESCO world heritage medieval Old Town and the vibrant Kalamaja district, the Academy stands as an oasis of art culture in the midst.
EKA offers six Master’s programmes taught in English: Animation, Contemporary Art, Craft Studies, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, and Urban Studies. In addition, there are three joint Master’s programmes: Design & Technology Futures MSc offered jointly with TalTech, Literature, Visual Culture and Film Studies MA offered jointly with Tallinn University and Service Design Strategies and Innovations MA offered jointly with Latvian Art Academy and Lapland University. All Master’s programmes are two years (120 ECTS).
We also offer four international full-time doctoral programmes - Art and Design PhD, Architectue and Urban Planning PhD, Cultural Heritage and Conservation, and Art History and Visual Culture.
EKA encourages innovation and experimentation, and students are able to take modules and workshops outside of their specialisations. Have an idea? Try it! You’ll find there’s refreshing lack of red tape here. Those who study at EKA soon discover a wide spectrum of possibilities.
We invite you to join us!
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The aim of the Academy is to be in the midst of life happening. That is why attention is paid to society and the professional world in broad terms.
EKA has close ties and cooperation agreements with more than 100 international universities and many international networks, through which student and faculty exchanges can be negotiated and apprenticeship opportunities can be expanded. EKA is a member of CUMULUS (International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media); EAAE (European Association for Architectural Education); ELIA (The European League of Institutes of the Arts), and through NORDPLUS is a member of many professional networks (e.g. CIRRUS, KUNO). EKA is also part of the Transform4Europe alliance.
Since 1999, EKA has been a member of The European Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programme for Higher Education, Erasmus, under which more than 100 bilateral exchange agreements have been signed. In addition to the Erasmus programme, the Estonian Academy of Arts has entered into student and faculty exchange and cooperation contracts with ten internationally recognised art universities outside of the European Union.
Regular and intense contacts are maintained with the world outside academia through exhibitions and publishing work, through organising many events, and in cooperation with businesses and public institutions.
Foreign relations, faculty and student exchanges, advice on foreign apprenticeship opportunities, and grant information are coordinated by the International Relations Office.
COLLABORATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
EKA collaborates with universities, cultural institutions, artistic associations, local government bodies, and businesses in Estonia and abroad.
The Estonian Academy of Arts cooperates with many Estonian and international businesses in the field of science and development. The partners vary depending on the area of specialisation, and the Academy is able to offer a range of services from research and analysis to creating prototypes.
The Department of Development is the link between education and business. The services and solutions supporting EKA’s main activities are worked out, giving legal and entrepreneurial advice to staff and businesses for carrying out collaborative projects with the Academy’s departments. The Department of Development interacts actively with businesses in Estonia and abroad and carries out joint projects. Many students complete design tasks for Estonian companies in the public and private sectors and take part in international and local competitions during their studies.
The Department of Development organises training in the fields of entrepreneurship, intellectual property rights, career planning, international apprenticeship, and project management. Students are advised in making business plans, and there are numerous resources available to EKA’s spin-off businesses (companies founded by students during their studies). The department coordinates interdepartmental development projects and, if necessary, carries out science and development projects. The Department of Development manages EKA’s local and international co-sponsored or joint projects.
Statistics
International students:
10%
0Student to faculty ratio:
3 to 1
Gallery
Admissions
Admissions period usually starts on February 1st and the deadline for applications is in early March. The requirement for admission to master level studies is a bachelor’s degree, higher education obtained on the basis of professional higher education curriculum, or other relevant qualification that gives access to master level studies in Estonia.
More information about admissions: https://www.artun.ee/en/admissions/masters/admissions/. Questions: [email protected]
Visa Requirements
All students who are not Estonian citizens or EU citizens (including EEA countries and Switzerland) need a temporary residence permit to study on a full degree programme. EU citizens should obtain a temporary right of residence in Estonia.
The visa and residence permit application process will begin after student has been accepted to study on chosen programme and after university has forwarded required acceptance documents to the student.
Rankings
Estonian Academy of Arts is listed among Top 150 Architecture and Design Universities in the World by QS World University Rankings (2024).
Campus Life & Facilities
Since 2018 EKA has been situated in a new top notch building, which is located in an inspiring environment at Kalamaja and a short walking distance from Tallinn’s Old Town and Telliskivi Creative City. In late 2024, a brand new smaller building will be opened on Kotzebue street, right next to the main building.
Besides the administrative offices, classrooms and open study area for students, the building contains a lot of new opportunities for its residents like numerous well-equipped workshops and studios, which are available for use to all the students in EKA. Take a look at the list of all EKA workshops and studios.
Also, a gallery which hosts exhibitions of students’ works as well as creations of artists from outside year round and where people from the street can stop by for a look. The best library specialising in art in Estonia is the one in EKA, where students can quietly focus on their studies with the help of thorough selection of books and scientific literature. All the remarkable works of our students are collected by the EKA’s own museum, which aims to store, explore and introduce EKA’s valuable art collection to fellow citizens as well as future generations.
All classrooms in EKA are equipped with both touch screens for professors and plugs for students’ laptops. Also there are separate classrooms filled with computers for students if classes dedicated for study work as such are held. However, if in need of further technical equipment for study work like video and photo cameras, screens, batteries, speakers etc, the students are welcome to turn to EKA’s technical ecquipment rental on the 1st floor.
EKA is not just about work and studies, it also offers its residents a possibility to relax and clear their mind. Students can breathe some fresh air and if possible enjoy the weather up on the rooftop balconies or in the courtyard, let off some steam while playing pingpong with friends, have a meal or two in the local canteen and take part in social events runned by fellow students or staff members.