Landscape Architecture - admission requirements

WHAT KIND OF BACKGROUND AND SKILLS SHOULD YOU HAVE IN ORDER TO SUCCEED IN THE PROGRAMME?

The International Programme in Landscape Architecture is a so-called “conversion master” programme where applicants from a range of backgrounds in disciplines which are closely aligned to landscape architecture – so called “neighbouring disciplines” - can transfer the knowledge and skills from their previous degrees and then add to these from the subjects taught here. So what are these preferred subjects?

Landscape architecture/landscape design/environmental design

These are the subjects which most easily provide a base for entering the programme – if you have a bachelor degree from a recognised programme in landscape architecture then it is a simple transfer into the master programme which is already part of a so-called 3+2 degree (three years bachelor plus two years master under the European Bologna system). You must demonstrate your design skills in three dimensions as well as knowledge of eg. computer-aided design and graphics, drawing etc. through a full portfolio. Landscape design and environmental design degrees may also closely resemble a “standard” landscape architecture degree and the same requirements apply.

Architecture and related subjects

The transfer from a knowledge base in architecture or subjects such as architectural technology is usually fairly straightforward because these programmes focus on 3-D design, urban planning, construction, use of computer-aided design and graphics etc. It is usually knowledge about natural systems and plants which is most lacking and for which the programme amply supplies courses to cover. Sometimes architecture students have also received introductory courses on landscape design which also helps. You must demonstrate, through your portfolio, your knowledge and skills in design, construction and use of relevant software and, where possible, in outdoor space design.

Civil engineering

This subject deals with larger scale construction and manipulation of the earth through excavation. This means that students who can transfer to landscape architecture should have knowledge of surveying, drainage, construction at different scales in a range of materials, and understand something about soils and slopes, for example, as well as the use of computer-aided design software and probably Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It is likely that the missing ingredients are spatial and 3-D design, awareness of aesthetic issues, natural systems and plants and presentation graphics, all covered in the programme through a variety of courses. For your application you need to demonstrate, via a portfolio of projects and possibly supported by reports on engineering solutions, your competences in the areas described above.

Geography

This subject is wide-ranging and can include, for example, physical geography, cultural geography, urban geography etc. These disciplines typically cover a range of scales of landscape and yield an understanding of what makes up a landscape and how it has evolved over time. Description and analysis of landscapes is usually a strong feature helping the transfer to landscape architecture. Skills should include familiarity with GIS. It is likely that the subject areas lacking are spatial and 3-D design, awareness of aesthetic issues, familiarity with computer aided design or graphics, technical construction and plant knowledge. Your portfolio could include mapped studies of specific landscapes/territories, studies on landscape history of specific places, cultural evaluation, urban development studies etc. 

Ecology/forestry

These subjects include deep knowledge of natural systems, plant communities, soils, vegetation cultivation and management, environmental protection as well as use of GIS and surveying and possibly subjects like urban trees and recreation management. These form a good background but miss spatial planning and 3-D design, awareness of aesthetic issues, urban studies (unless urban forestry or ecology has been studied), computer-aided design and graphics and technical construction. A portfolio or collection of materials such as mapping studies, ecological inventories, plant community studies, management plans or reports on specific aspects relating to particular sites or ecosystems would demonstrate the potential to transfer knowledge to landscape architecture.

Horticulture/gardening

These subjects provide an excellent knowledge of plants used in parks and gardens, how to grow and manage them and, usually, some aspect of designing with plants in a garden or park setting. Some construction techniques are also often included and also garden design principles and drawing. This provides a good starting point on which to add 3-D and spatial design, planning and technical aspects such as landscape construction as well as use of computer-aided and graphic design. A portfolio of planting design projects and/or garden or park management plans should be offered as evidence of your suitability to proceed into the master programme.

Useful additional skills

If you have any background in drawing and sketching, then this is also an advantage – it probably depends on whether you did art at school or have an interest in it. So a sketchbook would also be a good element to include in your portfolio.

From your portfolio, we need to see how your knowledge in Landscape Architecture and your attitude towards our profession is shown and exemplified. This means, you need to submit a portfolio with approx. 15 pages, where you present yourself, your research and design interests and your professional practice as a PDF or other electronic format. Anything, starting from graphical examples to planning project scan be included, so our reviewing team gets a good picture of you, as somebody who wants to be a Master in Landscape Architecture.

Interview is usually held over BigBlueButton. The time of the interview will be arranged individually by e-mail. 

In total is possible to collect 10 admission points: 5 points for the portfolio and 5 points for the interview. Evaluation results of the portfolio together with interview results will be used to rank applicants. Applicants are admitted on the basis of the ranking list. The results are rounded to the first decimal place. In the case of equal scores, applicants whose portfolio collected more points are given preference.

• A completed and signed application formlink opens in new page. You will receive an applicant code, which gives access to your account to track your application status. In addition to sending the documents by mail, please upload the electronic copies of all the required documents to your application. This makes the pre-processing of your application quicker.
• Certified copy of (upper) secondary education certificate and its official translation into English (from non-EU countries). Certified copies are documents bearing the original signature and seal of the authority which certify that these are true copies of the original documents. The documents can be certified by an authorized official of the issuing institution, by a notary, or with an Apostille attached. We do not accept simple copies made on the basis of already certified copies. Please see also our country-specific requirements.
• Certified copy of the diploma of Bachelor's degree together with the Diploma Supplement (transcript). Certified translations of documents into English are required if original documents are not in English or Estonian. Certified copies are documents bearing the original signature and seal of the authority which certify that these are true copies of the original documents. The documents can be certified by an authorized official of the issuing institution, by a notary, or with an Apostille attached. We do not accept simple copies made on the basis of already certified copies. Please see also our country-specific requirements.
• Portfolio.
• Proof of English language proficiency - applicants are required to be proficient in English at level B2. Please see acceptable tests and exempt categories.
• Copy of the passport page stating the applicant’s personal particulars.
• Confirmation/receipt of application fee payment (if applicable).

Applicants graduating in spring/summer 2026 and having their diplomas issued later than application deadline (in July, for example) should send their most recent official Transcript of Records by the indicated deadline, along with the rest of the required documents. Please inform our admission service when the diploma will be issued (at [email protected]). In case of additional questions or problems related to late documents, please contact us at [email protected]

If the applicant should be accepted to our university, then the acceptance is conditional, until we receive an official copy of the diploma and final transcript of records. 
 

Paper copies of all requested documents (including printed, dated and signed application form) should be sent to the following address:

Estonian University of Life Sciences
Department of Academic Affairs
Fr.R.Kreutzwaldi 1
Tartu 51006
ESTONIA

NB! Please do not send the paper copies out before you have received the positive feedback through the DreamApply Estonialink opens in new page application system!

The university has the right to send candidates’ educational documents to the Estonian ENIC/NARIC Centre for evaluation. The function of candidates’ previous qualification(s) (formal access to further study) will be evaluated. For more information, please visit the Estonian ENIC/NARIC Centres’ homepagelink opens in new page.

The procedure may take up to 30 days starting from the day that candidates’ paper documents arrive at the university. The evaluation decision is made available to the candidate in the online application system DreamApply. The decision will include a short explanation based on an analysis of the educational system of the country the diploma has been issued in. In the case the evaluation result is negative, the candidate's application will be rejected. If not satisfied with the result of the evaluation, the candidate has the right to appeal the decision. In order to appeal the decision, the applicant shall send a written reasoned appeal along with additional documents to the e-mail address [email protected]. The appeal has to be submitted within 7 days starting from the date the decision was uploaded to DreamApply.

The Estonian University of Life Sciences has made every effort to maintain tuition fees at the lowest level possible. However, tuition fees may have to be modified periodically.

In 2026/2027, the tuition fee for landscape architecture studies is 4000 EUR per year. This sum covers the cost of courses at the EMU and does not include room and board. The deadlines for payment of the fees for the autumn and spring term are October 15 and March 1 respectively. Students must meet all financial obligations each semester. Students with delinquent accounts may not be permitted to enroll in a succeeding semester or to graduate.

There is 1 targeted scholarship for candidate not with Estonian citizenship and 2 for candidates with Ukrainian citizenship.

Please see more information about scholarships available for English-taught programmes here.