The Estonian University of Life Sciences is a public university. This means that we have a considerable degree of autonomy in our activities.
Our operations are based on the Estonian University of Life Sciences Act. The provisions of Act are further specified in the university’s statutes, which outline the university’s purpose and tasks, describe its membership, governance, structure, assets, and budget.
The university’s essence and development goals are defined in its development plan. In 2025, we initiated the creation of a new development plan.
We create and share knowledge for bioeconomy innovators for the benefit of nature and humanity.
The Estonian University of Life Sciences is an internationally recognized research university in the field of bioeconomy.
The university is objective, ethical, honest, responsible, fair, and professional in its activities. It cares for its students and employees while ensuring academic continuity and the preservation of traditions. The university promotes a sustainable and environmentally conscious mindset.
Everyone at the university has the opportunity to express their views and present research findings without external constraints or prescriptions, fostering knowledge development and serving society in the best possible way.
The university is open to collaboration and knowledge sharing. It fosters equal opportunities, a tolerant atmosphere, and synergy.
The university is innovative and receptive to new ideas. It nurtures a creative environment that supports academic curiosity among its academic community and students.
The university values the preservation and development of national culture, the creative advancement of the Estonian scientific language, and higher education in the native language. Through high-quality research, education, and service to society, the university contributes to the sustainable development of Estonia.
According to the Estonian University of Life Sciences Act, the Council is the university’s highest governing body. It is responsible for the university’s long-term and sustainable development, as well as for making key economic, financial, and asset-related decisions to ensure the achievement of the university’s objectives.
The Council consists of seven members, appointed as follows:
The composition of the Council is determined for a five-year term by the Government of the Republic of Estonia through an order proposed by the Minister of Education and Research.
The Senate is the university’s academic decision-making body, responsible for the university’s research, development, creative, and educational activities, ensuring their high quality.
Regular Senate meetings are held at least six times per academic year according to the Senate’s approved work plan. Extraordinary Senate meetings may also be convened if necessary.
The Senate consists of 19 members, and the Rector serves as the Chair of the Senate.
The university's management consists of the heads of responsibility areas within the Rectorate, including the Rector, Vice-Rector for Research, Vice-Rector for Studies, Development Manager, Finance Manager, and the Directors of the Institutes.
The Rector is the university’s legal representative, overseeing its daily operations based on the university’s development plan, budget, and other strategic documents
Oversees the field of research activities and is responsible for research and development, doctoral studies, and other duties assigned by the university's legal regulations.
Oversees the field of education and is responsible for degree studies, academic organization, continuing education, and other duties assigned by the university's legal regulations.
The university consists of three institutes, which encompass 20 academic chairs. Together with the Language Center and the Centre for Science Studies located in the Karl Ernst von Baer House, these are referred to as academic units.
The university’s core activities are supported by 12 administrative and support departments, cross-disciplinary units, experimental and training facilities, and legal entities established by the university. The umbrella organization for the student body is the Student Union
Here you will find key documents related to university management, from the budget to the annual financial report.