Counselling for Students with Special Needs
Tallinn University of Technology is guided by the principle that everyone should have the opportunity to receive education that is accessible and supportive for them. We pay attention to implementing universal design, support services, and counselling to enable students with special needs to access academic buildings and dormitories and to support their as independent and active participation in student life as possible.
Note: A student has the right to take academic leave at their own request for up to 2 semesters and for health reasons for up to 4 semesters.
1. Accommodations in studies and how to apply
TalTech aims to ensure that the specific needs and rights of students with documented special needs are considered in study arrangements. The information below explains the process for requesting and implementing accommodations, including who qualifies as a student with special needs, what documentation is required, which accommodations may be provided, and the student’s role in this process.
A student with special needs may apply for accommodations if they have a long-term documented health condition or disability (physical, sensory, psychological, or cognitive) that significantly affects their ability to study or take examinations. Examples (non-exhaustive list) include: mobility impairment, visual or hearing impairment, chronic illness, learning difficulties, and mental health disorders.
Valid documentation is required. Acceptable documents are:
- specialist medical certificate,
- a disability decision/certificate (Social Insurance Board),
- certificate of reduced work capacity (Unemployment Insurance Fund).
The certificate must confirm that the need for accommodation is justified.
Possible accommodations may include:
- extended exam time,
- separate or quieter exam room,
- alternative formats for coursework (e.g., oral instead of written),
- alternative formats for study materials (e.g., larger fonts),
- reasonable deadline flexibility,
- practical accessibility accommodations.
The list is illustrative; accommodations are provided based on the student’s individual circumstances.
Accommodations can only be implemented if the lecturer of the respective course agrees with them and is able to provide such accommodation while ensuring the intended learning outcomes of the course are achieved. The university does not guarantee the implementation of the requested accommodations.
At TalTech, the student must initiate and coordinate the accommodation request process themselves.
Step-by-Step Guide and Student Responsibilities
The student must have a valid document certifying their special need(s). Obtaining the certificate may take time, so we recommend applying for it well in advance.
- Prepare a short list of the accommodations you need to study at the university;
- Compare your list with TalTech’s possible accommodations (see above) and prepare a final list;
- If you wish, briefly explain why you need these specific accommodations (this information helps to better understand the context and, if necessary, suggest alternative accommodations).
- Contact the lecturer of the course(s) in which you wish to use accommodations
- Present the documentation/ valid certificate;
- Inform them which specific accommodation you are requesting and, if applicable, which accommodations you have previously received in your studies;
- Ask whether the lecturer can implement these accommodations within the framework of the specific course.
Accommodations will only apply if the lecturer has agreed to them. Agreements are course-based (i.e., accommodations must be requested separately for each course).
Important Notes for Students
Begin the process early — before the semester starts or immediately when the need arises. NB: A lecturer may take up to 30 days to respond to an accommodations request. Accommodations apply prospectively and cannot be implemented retroactively after deadlines have passed.
Be prepared to explain why the requested accommodations are necessary for that particular course.
If a lecturer is unable to implement specific accommodations, they may help find an alternative that is feasible within the course.
The university does not provide automatic or identical accommodations for all courses.
2. Exemption from Tuition Fees (Reimbursement of Study Costs)
A student with a severe or profound disability, or who is a parent or caregiver of a person with a disability or has lost work capacity, may apply for exemption from tuition fees and study with a nominal or reduced workload while still retaining their student place. The exemption requires a minimum of 15 ECTS credits per semester. Applications must be submitted to the faculty dean by 30 September for the autumn semester and 15 February for the spring semester.
3. Admissions
If you have questions about admission or possible accommodation, contact the admissions specialist as early as possible. While TalTech cannot make exemptions to the general entrance requirements, certain accommodations can be applied in entrance tests (e.g., extended time).
4. Counselling
Students with special needs can receive information and guidance on topics such as:
- applying to university and studying,
- Accommodations in the physical learning environment,
- study arrangements,
- housing conditions,
- extracurricular activities,
- opportunities for applying for support and scholarships.
For best study and living conditions, we recommend informing the university about your special needs early by contacting the counsellor for students with special needs, a designated contact person, or your faculty.
Counselling is FREE for students with special needs.
Booking counselling: You can book an appointment here via our online booking link.
5. Scholarships and Support
To help cover additional costs arising from disability or special needs and study-related expenses, students are encouraged to apply for various supports and scholarships. Detailed information is provided under “Support and Services.”
TalTech encourages students with special needs to participate in all aspects of university life as much as possible (e.g., international weeks, student exchanges like Erasmus, student union activities, course events, youth exchanges, European Voluntary Service).
We continuously develop and improve our services and welcome your constructive suggestions for better organizing higher education studies and the supporting activities for learners with special needs.