One of the main reasons to study at the Estonian University of Life Sciences is the lifelong friendships and professional connections you will make here.
Over the past 70 years, nearly 35,000 graduates have received diplomas from the Estonian Agricultural Academy, the Estonian University of Agricultural Sciences, or the Estonian University of Life Sciences. One in every thirty adult people in Estonia is our alumni, with the majority of them working in the agricultural sector. It’s a large family where you can always rely on the support of your fellow alumni.
Our alumni have gone on to become presidents of the Republic of Estonia (Arnold Rüütel, Alar Karis), politicians, entrepreneurs and business leaders, as well as well-known creatives, scientists, innovators, and specialists in a variety of fields.
Alumni are united by the Alumni Association, but there are also many other ways to stay connected with the university, including through your own department. Perhaps you have great ideas on how to develop our curricula or want to offer internship opportunities to our current students?
Alumni are always welcome at university conferences and special events. And, of course, the university doors are open to all eager learners among our alumni—whether it's for a microdegree, short-term continuing education, or even a completely new field of study.
Stay up to date with the most important alumni news by subscribing to the Estonian University of Life Sciences alumni newsletter, delivered to your inbox every couple of months.
Since 2009, the Estonian University of Life Sciences Alumni Association has annually selected an Alumnus of the Year.
The purpose of awarding the title is to recognize an individual who, through their professional or societal activities, actively contributes to the development of rural life and/or rural economy, and collaborates with the Estonian University of Life Sciences.
Alumnus of the Year 2026 Kaie Laaneväli
Kaie Laaneväli graduated from the Estonian University of Life Sciences in 2012 with a Master’s degree in Economics and Entrepreneurship. She has maintained long-term and substantive cooperation with the University, promoting agricultural cooperation and helping to bring the University’s research-based knowledge to entrepreneurs and policymakers.
Laaneväli has contributed to the preparation of publications, training courses and information days on agricultural cooperation at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, as well as to the organisation of the annual conference on agricultural cooperation. At the same time, she has brought practical experience and research needs from the agricultural sector back to the University. In her work at the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, she helps connect the needs of Estonian agricultural producers, the University’s expertise and European Union agricultural policy.
“Kaie Laaneväli is an excellent example of an alumna who applies the knowledge gained at the University for the benefit of society as a whole. Her ability to combine knowledge, practical experience and an international perspective contributes to the sustainable development of Estonian agriculture,” said Ülle Jaakma, Rector of the Estonian University of Life Sciences.
You can learn more about previous award recipients herelink opens in new page.
Alumnus of the Year 2025 Lauri Bobrovski
Alumnus of the Year 2024 Taavi Võsa
Alumnus of the Year 2023 Tõnu Post
Alumnus of the Year 2022 Mart Erik
Alumnus of the Year 2021 Helen Kaskema
Our alumni share their stories
Our alumni have taken different paths, but they are united by the knowledge, people and experiences they gained at the university. We asked our alumni what they are doing today, what makes them proud of their university and which moments from their student years they remember most vividly.
Uzair Aftab
2024 – MSc in Environmental Governance and Adaptation to Climate Change (ENGO)
What do you do now?
I now assist the Chair of Environmental Protection and Landscape Management with communications and research, bringing my previous experience in journalism, editorial work and project management into academia. I help make research and complex environmental topics more accessible and support the Chair’s projects, outreach and events.
As an alumnus, what makes you proud to be connected to the Estonian University of Life Sciences?
EMÜ’s vision and mission to protect nature for future generations through research and innovation, with a focus on biodiversity, food security and economic security, continue to inspire me and help me move forward with purpose and a clear sense of direction.
Looking back at your student years, what is one particularly fond or memorable moment that comes to mind?
It’s tough to pick just one, but the time spent with fellow students and lecturers has to be at the top of the list. The field trips, conversations and shared experiences outside the classroom made the ENGO programme especially memorable. From exploring Estonia’s national parks and bogs to attending three summer schools in one summer, including one involving fieldwork in Lapland – good ol’ times!
The Alumni Association
The Alumni Association is a community of active alumni committed to strengthening connections between graduates and developing cooperation with the university in the fields of higher education, continuing education and research.
The Alumni Association has more than 200 members representing a wide range of fields that have been taught at the Estonian University of Life Sciences over the years.
The members of the Alumni Association care deeply about the success of their alma mater. They contribute to shaping the university’s future and strategies, award scholarships to outstanding students, and promote the university’s activities and developments not only among alumni but also to the wider public. The aim is to raise the profile of the university and create stronger connections and more opportunities for cooperation between the university and society.
The goal of the Alumni Association Scholarship Competition is to recognize the Estonian University of Life Sciences students for their academic achievements and active social engagement, particularly in promoting the university and its fields of study to the public. The scholarship fund is established from donations made by the Alumni Association to the Estonian University of Life Sciences Joosep Toots Fund.
In 2025, the Alumni Association Scholarship was awarded to:
- Teele Eskor
- Egle Liiskmann
- Maare Mõtsküla
The awards were presented during the ceremony dedicated to the university's anniversary on November 7, 2025, in the university auditorium.
You can find the previous scholarship recipients on the Joosep Toots Fund page.
If you would like to get involved in the activities of the Alumni Association or have suggestions regarding alumni relations, please contact the Alumni Association Board via email [email protected]
Board of the Alumni Association
Rector Ülle Jaakma
Chairman of the Board Argo Normak
Külli Annamaa
Gerlin Järvela
Külli Kell
Martin Tishler
Marko Kass
Ingrid Tamla
Indrek Lindsaar
Audit Committee of the Alumni Association
Alumni Reunion
The most notable initiative of the Alumni Association is organising reunions for the alumni of the Estonian University of Life Sciences.
On 18 September 2026, the Estonian University of Life Sciences held its alumni reunion, bringing graduates together to reconnect, reminisce about their university years, and create new memories. The day concluded with the traditional alumni party at the Estonian University of Life Sciences Sports Hall.
- View the full photo gallery from the alumni party herelink opens in new page (Photos: Maria Kilk)
- View the full photo gallery from the alumni party herelink opens in new page (Photos: Veiko Proovel, Jassu Hertsmann)
