Estonian Academy of Arts logo

Estonian Academy of Arts

Tallinn, EE · Ranking #1001

Estonian Academy of Arts is the oldest and only public university in Estonia providing higher education in fine arts, design, architecture, media, visual culture studies, art history, and conservation. Founded in 1914 and located in Tallinn, Estonia, EKA offers bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs across various artistic disciplines. The academy emphasizes creative excellence, innovation, and close collaboration with the art and design industry. With a strong international focus, EKA attracts students and artists from around the world, creating a diverse and dynamic creative environment. The institution plays a significant role in advancing Estonian art and design culture and addressing contemporary artistic challenges through education and research. EKA maintains strong connections with galleries, museums, design studios, architectural firms, and cultural institutions, providing students with opportunities for exhibitions, internships, and professional development in the creative industries.

Estonian Academy of Arts logo

Estonian Academy of Arts

About the university

Estonian Academy of Arts is the oldest and only public university in Estonia providing higher education in fine arts, design, architecture, media, visual culture studies, art history, and conservation. Founded in 1914 and located in Tallinn, Estonia, EKA offers bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs across various artistic disciplines. The academy emphasizes creative excellence, innovation, and close collaboration with the art and design industry. With a strong international focus, EKA attracts students and artists from around the world, creating a diverse and dynamic creative environment. The institution plays a significant role in advancing Estonian art and design culture and addressing contemporary artistic challenges through education and research. EKA maintains strong connections with galleries, museums, design studios, architectural firms, and cultural institutions, providing students with opportunities for exhibitions, internships, and professional development in the creative industries.

Key information

  • Location: Tallinn, EE
  • Ranking #1001
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Fine Arts
  • Design
  • Architecture
  • Media Arts
  • Visual Culture
  • Art History
  • Conservation
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Architecture
  • Fashion Design
  • Textile Design
  • Product Design
  • Animation
  • Photography

Programs (4)

  • Architecture
  • Art and Design
  • Art History
  • Fine Arts

Campus life

Estonian Academy of Arts offers a vibrant campus life with modern facilities in Tallinn, Estonia. The campus features state-of-the-art studios, workshops, exhibition spaces, library resources, and collaborative creative areas. Students enjoy access to numerous student organizations, art societies, design clubs, and networking opportunities. The campus hosts regular guest lectures from renowned artists and designers, exhibitions, workshops, cultural events, and academic conferences. With a diverse international student body, EKA provides a multicultural creative environment. The strategic location in Tallinn offers students access to galleries, museums, cultural attractions, and a vibrant art scene. Student unions organize various activities, and the academy supports numerous student-run initiatives including exhibitions, creative projects, and cultural events. The campus atmosphere encourages artistic excellence, innovation, and creative collaboration, reflecting EKA's commitment to advancing contemporary art and design.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: €400 - €800 / per month

Housing options

  • Student dormitories
  • Private apartments
  • Shared apartments
  • Homestay
  • Off-campus housing
  • University housing

Student clubs and organizations

  • Art societies
  • Design clubs
  • Photography groups
  • Cultural clubs
  • International student associations
  • Exhibition groups
  • Creative workshops

Career & internships

Employment rate: 92%

Partner companies

  • Various art galleries
  • Design studios
  • Architectural firms
  • Museums
  • Cultural institutions
  • Media companies
  • Fashion companies
  • Creative agencies
  • Public sector organizations
  • Educational institutions

Internships: Estonian Academy of Arts maintains strong connections with leading Estonian and international galleries, museums, design studios, architectural firms, cultural institutions, and creative companies, facilitating internship opportunities for students. The academy's career services office assists students in finding internships aligned with their artistic programs and career goals. Many programs integrate internships as part of the curriculum, allowing students to gain practical experience while earning academic credit. EKA partners with major art institutions, design companies, architectural firms, media organizations, and cultural centers in Estonia and internationally. Career fairs, networking events, exhibitions, and industry partnerships provide opportunities for students to connect with potential employers. International students can access internship opportunities both in Estonia and abroad through EKA's extensive network of partner institutions and companies. Creative internships are particularly emphasized, providing hands-on experience in galleries, design studios, architectural firms, and cultural organizations in professional artistic settings.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • Application form
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Portfolio of artistic work
  • Motivation letter
  • CV or resume
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of financial means
  • English language proficiency test results

Tuition costs

  • €2,000 - €8,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 22.00%
  • Scholarships available: Estonian Academy of Arts offers various scholarship opportunities for international students, including merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid. The academy participates in Estonian government scholarship programs for international students. Additionally, EKA provides tuition waivers and partial scholarships for outstanding students. Exchange students may be eligible for Erasmus+ funding. The academy's financial aid office assists students in identifying and applying for relevant scholarship programs. Some programs offer specific scholarships tied to artistic excellence or creative achievements. EKA also collaborates with foundations, cultural organizations, and art institutions to provide additional funding opportunities for students pursuing studies in fine arts, design, architecture, and media arts.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1914
  • Teaching languages: english, estonian
  • Study formats: offline

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