TAKE THE LEAD! Get to know all our microdegrees HERE!
 

Self-directed and flexible learning is becoming increasingly valuable. Alongside traditional degrees, microdegrees offer a quick way to upgrade your skills.

EBS was the first Estonian university to launch microdegrees (formerly nanodegrees). These are mainly master’s level modules in five key areas: sustainability & green economy, digital transformation, marketing & communication, management & leadership, and finance & accounting. Since autumn 2023, some programmes are also open to participants without a university degree.

 

"When designing microdegrees, we are guided by the principle that we create and adapt them according to the challenges of the labour market," explains Anto Liivat, Head of Bachelor’s and Specialist Master’s Programmes at EBS.

Each microdegree is a compact, high-impact learning programme — either drawn from full degree modules or designed as a standalone course. They allow you to dive deep into a specific field, develop practical, in-demand skills, and stand out in the job market.

 

Why is microdegree programme good for you?

 

• The rapidly changing working life requires updated knowledge and skills, even if you already have a master's degree
• An in-depth course in a specific field allows you to acquire modern knowledge with a future perspective
• A systematic and short study period (9 weeks) allows you to acquire skills and knowledge at a pace that favours the formation of new habits, whilst fitting into your work schedule
• Expand your horisons and business network – the study group includes experts with deep professional know-how and people with at least three years of management experience
• Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded an EBS microdegree certificate with a value of 9-15 ECTS, which you can transfer to the curriculum of any university in the world and continue with graduate studies if you wish.

How will your company benefit?

• An employee with modern skills is a valuable investment for the company, both when updating existing skills and if acquiring new skills
• The student can connect the homework done within the programme with their professional life, so many real business challenges can be solved
• Employee development plays an important role in the company's value proposition.

​Autumn 2025   (from August until January)

Full list of autumn 2025 microdegree programmes will be updated beginning of February.
We encourage you to have an online consultation with us to ensure that the program fulfills your requirements and aligns with your interests!

• Digital Innovation, Transformation, and Resilience * (August 22 – October 17, 2025. Pre-registration has started.

  Is your role to drive change in your organization? Do you need support in motivating and engaging your team to find innovative solutions? This programme equips you with practical tools to successfully lead change, communicate effectively, and persuade employees and partners for a smooth transition. Learn how to apply digital innovations in project execution and enhance your organization's adaptability. Through a blend of hands-on assignments and theoretical insights, you'll develop skills to manage innovation processes, create new products or services, and optimize workflows.

  A key part of the programme is crisis response and building organizational resilience — turning challenges into opportunities. The third course focuses on risk management, providing you with tools to assess and mitigate risks, adapt leadership styles to crisis situations, and understand risk dynamics (probability + impact) in real business environments.
   

• Sustainable and Green Transition: Strategies, Practices and Resource Management * (18 October – 13 December 2025) Pre-registration has started.

  This microdegree programme provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of sustainability and the green transition in the context of business and economics. Participants will learn to manage resources efficiently, assess sustainability risks, and develop strategies for resilience and long-term success. The programme covers sustainability crises, ESG integration, responsible resource management, and the energy sector’s impact on business. Ideal for entrepreneurs and professionals, including those new to the green sector, looking to apply ESG standards in their organisation. Programme combines expert-led lectures, discussions, and case studies to equip participants with the tools to drive sustainable transformation in their organizations.
   

• Management and Marketing in the International Business Environment (Expected programme dates: September 2 – December 13, 2025. An exact schedule will be available in May). 

  Looking to start or strengthen your international business career? This  microdegree provides practical knowledge in economics, management, and marketing - perfect for both beginners and professionals looking to structure their expertise.

  You will learn to interpret economic data and understand the business environment, gain insights into marketing strategies, branding, and consumer behavior, and develop essential leadership skills for navigating today’s dynamic business landscape.

  No prior background in economics or business is required - this program is open to anyone eager to succeed in the international business world!
   

• Financial Reporting and Communication (Expected programme dates: September 2 – December 13, 2025.
  Delivery mode: during working days and working hours, an exact schedule will be available in May)

  Want to master financial reporting and communicate complex data with confidence? This microdegree equips you with the skills to prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements according to IFRS standards. You'll learn how to present financial information clearly, engage stakeholders effectively, and apply ethical considerations in financial decision-making. The micro-degree is designed for those interested in starting an international career in finance and enhancing their professional communication skills. The content is aligned to the equivalent topics in the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Applied Skills. The microdegree programme consists of two integral courses, both designed to equip students with essential skills in the field of finance and accounting. Prerequisite: A basic knowledge of accounting.  Consultations and pre-registration have started.
   

• Core Competencies in Investment and Finance (Expected programme dates: September 2 – December 13, 2025.
  Delivery mode: during working days and working hours in the period September- December; an exact schedule will be available in May)
  The micro-degree is designed for those interested in starting an international career in investment and finance. The content is aligned to the equivalent topics in CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level 1 requirements. The key points of this microdegree are: Financial markets and institutions; Investment portfolios, risk and return; Fundraising and capital structure; Ethical standards for finance professionals. NB! The microdegree program requires prior basic knowledge of finance and accounting, so it is most beneficial for those who already have a certain understanding and experience in these fields.
  Purchasing the programme starts in summer 2025, however consultation can be held beforehand.
   

• * a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification is a prerequisite

Spring 2026 (from January until June)

We encourage you to have an online consultation with us to ensure that the program fulfills your requirements and aligns with your interests!

• Managerial Decision-Making. Expected course duration: February until May 2026. Exact schedule to be announced in November.  The registration process for the programme begins in autumn 2025 through a personal interview, while purchasing the programme will be available starting in December 2025.
   The microdegree equips aspiring managers with essential skills for making ethical and informed business decisions in an international context. Participants will gain practical knowledge in financial analysis, including time value of money, risk assessment, and budgeting, as well as managerial accounting techniques for effective planning and resource allocation. The programme also enhances professional communication skills, focusing on overcoming cross-cultural barriers and confidently presenting ideas in global business settings. By the end, participants will be prepared to apply these skills in real-world scenarios, making sound decisions and communicating effectively within diverse professional environments. Take a look at the at the 2025 delivered programme here here 
   
• Introduction to Financial Management Expected course duration: February until May 2026. Exact schedule to be announced in November. Registration starts December 2025
  This bachelor level microdegree programme provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in valuing securities and managing risks in business activities. The course covers risk assessment and mitigation, as well as the application of valuation models in real-world financial environments. Participants will develop analytical and critical thinking skills, enabling them to make informed, ethical financial decisions that consider both market dynamics and corporate responsibility. Designed for individuals with intermediate economics or finance knowledge, including business students, managers, and those advising top management.
  The programme will be delivered on weekdays and during office hours. The exact schedule will be available at the end of the year. Take a look at the at the 2025 delivered programme here.
   

• Digital Marketing in the AI Era * (Master’s level microdegree)
  The programme is held on Fridays and Saturdays on period January 16 – March 13, 2026. More information coming soon.

  This digital marketing microdegree is designed for marketing professionals and entrepreneurs who want to understand and harness the new opportunities of digital marketing in the age of artificial intelligence. The programme provides knowledge and hands-on skills for designing data-driven marketing strategies, optimizing visibility through SEO, Google Ads, and social media platforms, and analyzing marketing data using tools such as Google Analytics 4 and Looker Studio. You will also learn to create personalized and automated email and social media campaigns that increase user engagement and conversions. The programme culminates in the development of a comprehensive marketing strategy that integrates everything you’ve learned and provides a solid foundation for immediate application in your business or organization.

• New programme about Advanced Finance*  (Master’s level microdegree)
  The programme takes place on Fridays and Saturdays, from 14 March to 9 May 2026. Further information upcoming.
   

• * a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification is a prerequisite

Study format
 

Studies are in a session-based format, which allows to study without interrupting your professional life. Lectures and seminars for master-level programmes take place every second week on Fridays and Saturdays between 10:00-17:15 for nine weeks. Lecturers for bachelor-level micro degrees will be delivered mostly on Mondays to Thursdays during working hours. 
Active learning takes place in the classroom through discussions, group work and practical tasks. Group dynamics and communication are an integral part of learning, and that's why we put a lot of emphasis on it. In between school days, you need to contribute to your studies by preparing for lectures or seminars.

 

Registration

 

EBS will open registration for the new microdegree programmes twice a year- by the end of June 2025 and the end of December 2025. 

Programme registration goes via MyEBS  (login, add microdegree to the shopping cart)  and starts on July 1st for autumn 2025 programmes and December 2025 for spring 2026 programmes  If you cannot add the microdegree to your shopping cart yet, then you have not probably passed a consultation first. We are recommending to book your online consultation before that date.  Registration is open until 72 h before the first lecture of the programme or until there are free seats available.
 

We encourage you to register for consultation if:

• You doubt whether your previous work experience or education is compatible with your chosen microdegree;
• You are choosing between several courses or programmes s want more information or support to make the right choice;
• You want more information about the registration process, organisation of studies or the financing of studies.  
  The personal online consultation lasts for up to 30 minutes. The consultation language is Estonian or English.

NB! If you intend to take a microdegree (or any Open university short-term courses), you will not be issued a residence permit for studies. A residence permit is issued only for studies leading to a degree. 

Prerequisites for master level microdegrees

• Bachelor degree or an equivalent qualification
• Have at least 3 years of work experience in business, entrepreneurship or economics sector. We value both people and process management experience.
• Sufficient proficiency in English (B2)
• Passed consultation with EBS consultant

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• For EBS alumni or previous EBS continuing education participants (Open University), please use your current EBS account in MyEBS.
• For the prospective learners for microdegrees only, please book an online consultation or write to avatudulikool@ebs.ee 
• To start master's studies at EBS, please write to admission admission@ebs.ee

Good to know

 

Microdegrees fall under continuing education (not part of the formal qualification system such as vocational or higher education),and therefore do not come with certain state-supported benefits available to participants in formal education programmes.

• No temporary residence permit is granted to non-EU participants.
• Participants in microdegree programmes do not hold official student status, which is typically reserved for those enrolled in full-time formal education.
• Participants are not eligible for government-backed student loans.
• Unlike students in degree programmes, microdegree participants do not receive automatic national health insurance coverage based on their studies.

While microdegrees don’t include these benefits, they offer maximum flexibility, career relevance, and a faster path to practical, job-ready skills.