The Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (VLI) at the Estonian University of Life Sciences is one of the university's three institutes and the only educational institution in Estonia where it is possible to obtain a veterinary degree. The institute combines high-level teaching, research and development activities with everyday clinical work, contributing to animal health, food safety and sustainable bioeconomy.
Focus areas
The institute's activities focus on:
- veterinary medicine,
- animal husbandry (including animal health and welfare),
- aquaculture,
- circular bioeconomy,
- and food science.
Our teaching and research support a holistic view of the welfare of animals, people, and the environment, and contribute to the development of knowledge-based and sustainable food production.
Students, staff, and international dimension
The institute offers a total of eight study programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. It also offers integrated studies in veterinary medicine, with both Estonian and English language curricula. The fields of study are veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, circular economy, and food technology.
The institute employs nearly 330 people, including teaching staff, researchers, veterinary clinic doctors and staff, and support specialists. Nearly one-sixth of the employees have an international background, which enriches the teaching and research environment and supports close cooperation with partners in Europe and elsewhere in the world.
We are an active partner in international networks, including the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) and the Nordic-Baltic veterinary education network.
Quality of education and practical environment
All of our study programs have a strong practical focus, and a wide range of practical opportunities ensure that our students receive thorough preparation.
Our veterinary medicine program is accredited by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE). The accreditation is valid until November 2032 and confirms that the studies meet high European standards. This gives our graduates a solid and internationally recognized preparation for working as veterinarians both in Estonia and elsewhere in the world.
Animal clinic and Märja test farm
The institute has a 24/7 animal clinic, which includes:
- small animal clinic,
- horse clinic,
- productive animal clinic.
Research and teaching also take place at the Märja experimental farm, which was renovated in 2024. The farm has 120–130 dairy cows and approximately the same number of calfs. At the end of 2025, the farm opened Estonia's only vending machine offering elite-class raw milk, which is open to all.
In 2026, the design of a new small animal clinic will begin. The building will be constructed next to the Tartu-Tallinn highway on the border of Tartu, and its completion is planned for the coming years.
Research and cooperation with companies and government agencies
Every year, the institute organizes a research conference entitled "Healthy Animals and Healthy Food," which brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, officials, and others in the field to discuss animal health, food science, and innovation in sustainable food production.
There is One Health Centre being established, which aims to bring together scientific expertise to prevent and mitigate biological risks and, more broadly, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) risks. The center supports prevention and crisis preparedness in a situation where the risk of zoonotic diseases, pandemics, and other biological threats is increasing.
