Admissions

MA PROGRAMME ADMISSION INFORMATION

Applications for entry in the 2026/27 academic year will open on 1 February 2026.

Applications can be submitted on DreamApply or SAIS:

• international applicants with foreign education have to submit their application on DreamApply and pay the application fee;
• international applicants with a degree obtained in Estonia and a valid Estonian ID have to submit their application on DreamApply and do not have to pay the application fee;
• Estonian nationals applying to international programmes have to follow the rules here and apply on SAIS.

The admission deadline for international programmes is 2 March 2026 at 3 pm (EET).

Admission interviews will be held on 16-17 March 2026. The exact interview time for each applicant will be announced to him/her via e-mail a few days ahead.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Craft Studies is a perfect programme for candidates who: 

• are curious, self-motivated individuals aiming to establish a professional artistic practice, to become a critical craft maker and thinker;
• are ready to take on a high level of independent and disciplined study;
• wish to develop tools for generating and implementing creative ideas, experimenting, and exploring innovative research into materials, processes, and concepts;
• wish to engage in field trips and unconventional settings for gathering and investigating materials; 
• have previous experience and are skilled in one of the craft specialities (not excl. to accessories, blacksmithing, ceramics, fashion, glass, jewellery, textiles); or can demonstrate other relevant qualifications;
• are interested in decolonizing, rethinking and reimagining the discourse; 
• are willing to obtain and communicate critical reflection and contextualization of their artistic/craft research and practice;
• or are interested in further studies and/or academic careers.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

NB! All the required documents, including the English language proficiency certificate, have to be submitted with the application by 2 March 2026 at 3 pm (EET).

— Application (submitted via DreamApply or SAIS: 01.02—02.03.2026)

— Payment confirmation (applications will only be processed after 80 EUR application fee is received by the Estonian Academy of Arts)

— Copy of your bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent, and its translation into Estonian or English (please check the requirements here)

— Copy of your transcript of records, and its translation into Estonian or English (please check the requirements here)

— English language proficiency certificate  (please check the requirements here)

— Copy of the data page of your passport or ID-card

— CV

— Digital portfolio, in PDF format, capacity up to 40 Mb (no more than 10 projects with short descriptions). If the portfolio contains works in video format, they must be presented in the portfolio as a working web link.

— Completed questionnaire:

1. Please describe and analyse your creative practice. (max 1500 characters)

2. Analyze and reflect on a specific topic that interests you based on one example (a design object, a work of art or literature, a visited exhibition, personal or cultural experience/event, etc). (max 1500 characters)

3. What does ‘craft’ mean for you as a noun or verb? Please describe your previous experience in the field of design and crafts. What do you think is essential to communicate through making? (max 1500 characters)

4. What questions and thematics do you currently see yourself dealing with as part of your thesis research?

5. Who or What inspires you? Explain!

6. Are there any specific skills, methods and forms of knowledge you are looking for in an MA programme? What are your expectations for the Craft Studies curriculum?

7. What do you see yourself potentially bringing or contributing to the MA studies (e.g. skills, peer support, cultural diversity, independent initiatives, discussion topics, etc.)?

8. Who would you see as your studio advisor during the first semester amongst faculty members? (find a list on the curriculum webpage)

9. Why did you choose the Estonian Academy of Arts? Where did you get your information about the programme?

10. How many different MA programmes are you applying to?

NB! Translations are only requested if documents are not in English or Estonian. Both the copies of documents in their original language and translations have to be attested.

INTERVIEW

NB! All applicants will receive feedback via DreamApply, and all interviews with international applicants will be held via Zoom.

The interview considers the provided materials and determines the final result of the examination. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Questionnaire

The candidate will be assessed for:

• Written self-expression.
• Analytical skills, clarity of argumentation and presentation of ideas.
• Ability to initiate critical and engaging discussion.
• Awareness of ideas and topics relevant to the field and cross-disciplinary relations.

Digital portfolio

The candidate will be assessed for:

• Clarity of the presentation.
• Quality and characteristics of previous work.
• Positioning creative work within the field.
• Ability to analyse and conduct independent work processes. 

Portfolios are evaluated by the admissions committee. Passing the portfolio round is a prerequisite for getting to the interview round.

Interview

The candidate will be assessed for:

• Presentation and formulation of ideas and skill of argumentation.
• Ability to position one’s knowledge and skills.
• Interest and knowledge of ideas and topics that transcend speciality boundaries.
• Suitability of the planned studies with objectives, study environment and methodologies of EKA.