Candidates will also have to submit a written essay on one of a list of assigned topics. Those short-listed will be called for interview. Registered students are admitted at a matriculation ceremony. Graduates of other universities will be admitted on the basis of their diploma and official transcript and they may choose any of the minor programmes. The main language of tuition is Estonian, but a number of courses are given in English, German and other foreign languages.
Many departments have visiting lecturers from abroad.
The EIH is a fee-paying institution. Fees are subject to annual review. The EIH cannot offer scholarships, loans or financial assistance. EIH funding comes from tuition fees, government and private sponsorship. The EIH is governed by a Collegium which takes decisions on academic matters and is responsible for the final selection of EIH students.