One of the main reasons to study at the Estonian University of Life Sciences is the lifelong friendships and professional connections you will make here.
Over the past 70 years, nearly 35,000 graduates have received diplomas from the Estonian Agricultural Academy, the Estonian University of Agricultural Sciences, or the Estonian University of Life Sciences. One in every thirty adult people in Estonia is our alumni, with the majority of them working in the agricultural sector. It’s a large family where you can always rely on the support of your fellow alumni.
Our alumni have gone on to become presidents of the Republic of Estonia (Arnold Rüütel, Alar Karis), politicians, entrepreneurs and business leaders, as well as well-known creatives, scientists, innovators, and specialists in a variety of fields.
Alumni are united by the Alumni Association, but there are also many other ways to stay connected with the university, including through your own department. Perhaps you have great ideas on how to develop our curricula or want to offer internship opportunities to our current students?
Alumni are always welcome at university conferences and special events. And, of course, the university doors are open to all eager learners among our alumni—whether it's for a microdegree, short-term continuing education, or even a completely new field of study.
Since 2009, the Estonian University of Life Sciences Alumni Association has annually selected an Alumnus of the Year.
The purpose of awarding the title is to recognize an individual who, through their professional or societal activities, actively contributes to the development of rural life and/or rural economy, and collaborates with the Estonian University of Life Sciences.
Alumnus of the Year 2025: Lauri Bobrovski
This year, the title of Alumnus of the Year at the Estonian University of Life Sciences was awarded to organic poultry farmer Lauri Bobrovski, who successfully produces and markets organic eggs, poultry meat, and a variety of products made from organic poultry.
As one of the few organic poultry farmers in Estonia, Lauri’s contribution to the development of local organic agriculture is especially significant.
A graduate of the University’s Meat and Dairy Technology programme, he places great importance on adding value to raw materials. The products of his company reach consumers under the Kikerikii and Äntu Gurmee brands. Thanks to his professional expertise, Lauri is also actively involved in product development.
Over the years, Lauri has collaborated with the Estonian University of Life Sciences on several projects. “In my work and daily activities, I am in close contact both with my former classmates—many of whom are now lecturers—and with my former professors. Even if there isn’t a specific project we’re working on, there is always something to discuss and ways to look together toward the future,” he said in his thank-you speech.
His dedication to agricultural production and rural entrepreneurship serves as an inspiring example to many. Lauri strongly believes that life in rural areas must continue—and the jobs he has created in a small village in Järvamaa stand as living proof of that belief.
Since 2009, the Estonian University of Life Sciences has been selecting an Alumnus of the Year to honour individuals whose professional or public activities have made a significant contribution to the development of rural life and/or the rural economy, while also maintaining collaboration with the University.
You can learn more about previous award recipients herelink opens in new page.
The goal of the Alumni Association Scholarship Competition is to recognize the Estonian University of Life Sciences students for their academic achievements and active social engagement, particularly in promoting the university and its fields of study to the public. The scholarship fund is established from donations made by the Alumni Association to the Estonian University of Life Sciences Joosep Toots Fund.
In 2025, the Alumni Association Scholarship was awarded to:
- Teele Eskor
- Egle Liiskmann
- Maare Mõtsküla
The awards were presented during the ceremony dedicated to the university's anniversary on November 7, 2025, in the university auditorium.
You can find the previous scholarship recipients on the Joosep Toots Fund page.
If you would like to get involved in the activities of the Alumni Association or have suggestions regarding alumni relations, please contact the Alumni Association Board.
The Alumni Association's most notable initiative is organizing reunions for the Estonian University of Life Sciences alumni.
Based on feedback, we can confidently say that these alumni events are the largest and most impressive that Estonian universities have seen. Most recently, over 2,000 alumni gathered at the university's sports hall.
The next big alumni reunion will be in September 2026.
Keep an eye out for announcements and get in touch with your classmates to start planning the event!
