Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA)

Established in 1914, the Estonian Academy of Arts is the only public university in Estonia providing higher education in fine arts, design, architecture, media, visual studies, art history, and conservation.

At-A-Glance

What

Global Exchange School

Where

Tallinn, Estonia

When

Final dates announced on school’s website.

Spring Semester

January — June

Fall Semester

August — January

Who

Open to RISD students

Juniors + Seniors. Minimum 3.0+ GPA required.

Eligible RISD Departments

Apparel Design
Architecture
Ceramics
Film/Animation/Video
Glass
Graphic Design
Industrial Design
Interior Architecture
Jewelry + Metalsmithing
Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Textiles

Spring Semester Application Deadlines

RISD Deadline: Oct 1, 2025
School Deadline: Oct 15, 2025

Fall Semester Application Deadlines

RISD Deadline: Mar 1, 2025
School Deadline: May 1, 2025

Academic Credits

Minimum 12 RISD credit equivalency

Instruction Language

Estonian
English

Some English instruction

The Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design (AAAD / UMPRUM)

Apply for Global Exchange

The entire application process will be completed using an online application portal. Apply the semester before you plan to attend.

View details

About EKA

Bachelor's-level coursework at EKA is instructed in Estonian language, with only a few exceptional classes offered in English. English Master's-level coursework is available to exchange students. For detailed information about study programs available for exchange students, visit this EKA-managed live doc.

In addition theoretical and practical electives in English are offered each semester and the list of courses is confirmed before the beginning of the semester.

Academic Credits

EKA utilizes the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to award academic credit for coursework. For transfer to RISD, 2ECTS is equivalent to 1 RISD credit.

Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA), Estonia

1:1 Advising Session

Have questions? The RISD Global team is available to meet for a 1:1 advising session. We can give you more information about your study options, help you figure out which program makes sense for you, and assist you with the application process.

Schedule an Appointment