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The higher education system is regulated primarily by the Universities Act, the Institutions of Professional Higher Education Act, and the Private Schools Act.
The higher education system is also regulated by the following legislation:
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Organisation of Research and Development Act -
Study Allowances and Study Loans Act
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Adult Education Act
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Standard of Higher Education (regulation of the Government of the Republic)
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Conformity of the qualifications of the Republic of Estonia and the qualifications of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics prior to 20 August 1991 (regulation of the Government of the Republic).
One of the most important framework documents in addition to the acts and regulations listed above is the Higher Education Strategy for 2006–2015 approved with a resolution of the Riigikogu on 8 November 2006, which defines the development objectives for Estonian higher education until 2015. The aim of the strategy is to ensure the internationally competitive quality of the higher education offered in Estonia, a volume of higher education that corresponds to the needs of Estonia and the development of education and culture in the Estonian language. The strategy seeks to develop a functional structure of higher education in Estonia, to promote the social dimension of higher education, and to guarantee that higher education serves Estonia’s developmental interests and innovation.
On 2 August 2007, the Government of the Republic approved the Higher Education Strategy Implementation Plan for 2008–2010, which proceeds from the objectives set out in the Higher Education Strategy by outlining the activities required for the achievement of the goal of the strategy along with the relevant deadlines, responsible persons, and budgets.
All of the acts and regulations governing this field can be viewed through the electronic version of the State Gazette (www.riigiteataja.ee) and an overview is also available on the website of the Ministry of Education and Research (www.hm.ee).
