ABSTRACT
Soviet Estonian institutions of higher learning and research have continuity from prewar times and the structure of higher education has undergone appreciable change under Soviet rule. After the implementation of Soviet rule in Estonia, the institutions of higher education and research were at first subordinated directly to the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in Moscow. Admission to higher educational establishments is normally achieved through competitive entrance examinations, since the number of applicants usually far exceeds the available places. The oldest among the several Estonian institutions of higher education is the University of Tartu Rocklike Ulikool, the founding of which dates to 1632. In comparison with the University of Tartu, the Tallinn Polytechnic Institute is a relatively young institution. The Estonian Agricultural Academy was organized in 1951 by removing faculties from the University of Tartu in agriculture, forestry, and veterinary science.
