Priit Reiska Elected Tallinn University's New Rector Amid Free Education Push
Tallinn University (TLU) has chosen Priit Reiska as its new rector following a vote on Wednesday. His five-year term begins on May 15. The decision comes as Estonia continues to uphold free higher education for Estonian-language programmes at public universities.
Reiska, a professor of science education, has long advocated for tuition-free university studies. His election follows a competitive race against two other candidates.
Reiska earned his degree from Tallinn Pedagogical University before completing a doctorate in physics education at the University of Kiel. He previously led TLU's Institute of Natural and Health Sciences and holds a distinguished professorship in science education.
During the election, he defeated Semiotics Professor Indrek Ilbrus and TLU Vice-Rector for Research Katrin Niglas. His campaign focused on maintaining free higher education, a policy already in place for Estonian-language bachelor's, master's, and PhD programmes at public institutions.
Estonia's broader higher education system generally offers free tuition for public university courses taught in Estonian. However, private universities and non-Estonian programmes often charge fees. The Reform-Eesti 200 coalition reaffirmed this approach last spring, ensuring free access to first degrees in Estonian.
Reiska now plans to develop a new strategy for TLU, involving students and collaborating with other universities. His leadership will begin in mid-May, marking a shift in the institution's direction under his academic and administrative experience.
Reiska's appointment solidifies TLU's commitment to accessible education. His term starts as Estonia maintains its policy of free higher education for Estonian-language degrees. The university expects his strategy to shape its future academic and financial planning.
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