Riigieksamid

Riigieksamid are standardized national examinations in Estonia taken at the end of upper secondary education to certify completion of the gymnasium and to support admission to higher education. They are organized by the national examinations authority and are designed to provide a uniform measure of knowledge across the country. The exams are held annually and form a central part of the Estonian secondary education system.

The structure typically includes core subjects and optional subjects. The core exams are Estonian language and literature, mathematics, and a foreign language. In addition, students select at least one more subject from a list that commonly includes biology, chemistry, physics, geography, history, and social studies, though the exact offerings may vary by year. Examinations combine written components, and in some subjects there may be oral elements. The aim is to assess practical knowledge and understanding across different disciplines.

Scoring involves points earned across the various exams, and students must meet minimum requirements to graduate from upper secondary education. The results also play a significant role in higher education admissions, where they are used alongside school performance and other criteria as part of the selection process. Students who do not achieve the required standards may have opportunities to retake examinations in subsequent sessions.

Historically, riigieksamid emerged as part of Estonia’s efforts to modernize and standardize its education system after regaining independence. Over time, the program has been revised to reflect curricular changes and evolving educational goals, with the overarching aim of ensuring consistent qualifications nationwide and supporting fair access to higher education.