This FAQ helps incoming and exchange students find quick answers to the most common questions about studying at TalTech.
If this is your first time in Estonia or at TalTech, we strongly recommend starting with:
Many answers below include links to pages with more detailed information. The FAQ gives short explanations and helps you find the right place on our website.
Applying & Nomination
Transcript of Records is an official document from your university indicating all the courses you have previously passed until your exchange period.
Master students have to attach their Bachelor studies Transcript of Records as well.
No. All applications and supporting documents are submitted online and only in English via the mobility platform used by TalTech. Paper copies are not required unless explicitly requested.
Yes. You must provide official proof of English proficiency at minimum level B2.
This can be either:
- an official language certificate, or
- a formal confirmation from your home university stating your level or that you study fully in English.
A Learning Agreement is a formal document confirming which courses, internship or thesis you will complete during your mobility period. It must be approved by:
- you,
- your home university,
- TalTech.
Changes can be made later if needed but the initial document must be submitted together with all of the other documents by the application deadline.
Courses & Learning Agreement
You may choose courses that:
- are taught in English,
- match your academic level,
- are approved by your home university.
Some courses have limited places or prerequisites.
👉 See guidance here: Courses for Exchange Students
The required number of credits depends on your home university’s rules. Most exchange students take 20–30 ECTS per semester, but you must confirm this with your home institution. The minimum requirement on our side is 15 ECTS.
Timetables are finalised after the semester starts. If courses overlap or are not available, you can modify your Learning Agreement during the change period.
👉 For details, see: First Days at TalTech
The beginning and end dates of the semester are indicated in the Academic calendar. Autumn semester lectures start in the end of August or the beginning of September (closest Monday to 1st of September) and the Spring semester lectures start in the end of January or the beginning of February (closest Monday to 1st of February).
Students must arrive during the first week of the semester. Before the lectures start we have some days Welcome Programme.
Accommodation & Living in Tallinn
Yes. Exchange students can apply for accommodation at the Academic Hostel, subject to availability. Rooms are not guaranteed and must be booked separately.
You can also look for private accommodation in Tallinn. Many students use rental platforms and social media housing groups.
Living costs vary by lifestyle, but students should budget for:
- accommodation,
- food,
- transport,
- personal expenses.
👉 Estimated costs: Cost of iving in Tallinn
Residence, Visa & ID
No visa is required. After arrival, you must register your place of residence in Tallinn once you have a rental contract.
Non‑EU students usually need a visa or a temporary residence permit before arrival. Requirements depend on nationality and length of stay.
EU students can apply for an Estonian ID card after registering their residence. It allows access to public services and discounts, including free public transport in Tallinn.
First Days & Studying at TalTech
UNI‑ID is your personal TalTech user account. You need it to access:
- the Student Portal,
- Ă•IS,
- Moodle,
- TalTech email,
- campus IT services.
You receive your UNI‑ID login details around Welcome Week.
You can see the general timetable on our timetable website: https://tunniplaan.taltech.ee/#/public
Your official and personalized timetable appears in the Student Portal after you register for courses.
Timetables may change during the first weeks — this is normal.
Yes. During the first weeks, you are allowed to attend lectures even if your course registration is not yet finalised.
Participating in the Orientation Days is strongly recommended. If you miss it, you can review the materials online and contact the Mobility Centre for guidance.
👉 Orientation Days
Internship & Thesis Writing
Yes, but only if you find a professor who agrees to supervise you individually. Internships are not centrally assigned and are based on academic cooperation.
Yes, if:
- a TalTech supervisor agrees,
- your home university approves the arrangement.
Important:
- You defend your thesis at your home university.
- TalTech does not award ECTS credits for thesis writing under visiting status.
- Credits and the degree are awarded by the home university.