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EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Organisation of post-secondary non-tertiary education
Estonia

Estonia

6.Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary Education

6.7Organisation of post-secondary non-tertiary education

Last update: 27 November 2023

Organisation of post-secondary non-tertiary education undertaken on the EQF levels 4 and 5 is distinct from the organisation of vocational upper secondary education mainly due to the application of forms of study and terms for admission. For post-secondary education, unlike vocational secondary education, more flexible forms of study, non-stationary study, and workplace-based study are applied. Evening studies and cycle studies are provided as well. Acquired secondary education is the prerequisite for commencing studies on the basis of initial VET curricula at EQF level 5. Acquired secondary education and profession corresponding to level 4 or 5 or the corresponding competencies is the prerequisite for commencing studies on the basis of continuing VET curricula at EQF level 5.

Instruction is provided according to the curricula for the Estonian Qualifications Framework (EQF) level 4 and 5. The curricula are divided into initial training and continuing training curricula. The prerequisite for the commencement of studies according to continuing curricula is previous education or professional experience in the according field.

Persons who have acquired secondary education have the opportunity to commence studies also according to EQF level 4 curricula. The choice of the curriculum shall, first and foremost, depend on the preferences of the student and employment opportunities.