What is VÕTA, and why is it beneficial for you?
Have you studied something similar before, completed exciting training courses, or perhaps acquired valuable skills on the job? VÕTA—the recognition of prior learning and work experience—is an opportunity designed just for you!
VÕTA helps you complete your studies faster and more smoothly, since you don’t have to repeat material you’ve already mastered. This way, you can focus solely on acquiring new knowledge and skills. In addition, VÕTA can help you meet a school’s admission requirements.
Under the VÕTA framework, it is possible to have a wide variety of experiences recognized as formal academic credit:
- Previous studies: Courses completed at other schools or in formal education.
- Training and courses: Knowledge acquired through other organized educational activities.
- Work Experience: Practical skills and knowledge acquired directly through work.
- Daily Life and Hobbies: Skills acquired independently during free time or in the course of daily activities.
Important to remember: Your prior experience must essentially correspond to the topics in the EWERS curriculum or the expected learning outcomes. What matters is not where you studied, but what your actual knowledge and skills are! (Note: However, VÕTA cannot be used to replace the final exam or thesis defense required to graduate.)
- Compare and analyze: First, carefully review the curriculum for your field of study and assess whether your prior knowledge aligns with the curriculum requirements.
- Fill out the application: To apply, submit the appropriate application in the Tahvel study information system.
- Attach supporting documents: Be sure to include materials with your application that demonstrate your skills and experience.
- Please wait for a decision: Your application will be reviewed by the VÕTA Evaluation Committee, which will then make a decision.
- Keep going to class for now! Until the committee has made an official decision, you are still required to attend classes.
- View the result: You can conveniently view the Commission’s final decision directly in the Tahvel information system.
VÕTA applications may be submitted three times per academic year:
- During the enrollment period: By the deadline established in the admission regulations.
- For the fall semester: No later than October 15.
- For the spring semester: No later than January 15.
If all this analysis and paperwork seems complicated at first, don’t worry—we’re here to help you! Feel free to stop by or contact our helpful VÕTA advisors:
- Ülle Muru – ylle.muru@ewers.ee
- Kaiu Zernand – kaiu.zernand@ewers.ee (You can find both advisors in Room 122 of the main building or by calling +372 508 04 or +372 508 24.)
- Juta Kond – juta.kond@ewers.ee | Tel. +372 508 03