Shaping the Future, Promoting Applied Higher Education
Estonian Rectors’ Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences (RCUAS) is the united voice of Estonian universities of applied sciences. Our mission is to promote high-quality, practice-oriented higher education that meets the needs of society, the labour market, and lifelong learners.
RCUAS serves as a collaborative platform for rectors to shape higher education policy, promote applied learning, and represent the collective interests of universities of applied sciences in Estonia. Through strategic focus areas and active engagement in national and international networks – including EURASHE – RCUAS strengthens the visibility and impact of applied higher education, both nationally and across Europe.
We work closely with policymakers, employers, education leaders, and civil society to reinforce the role of applied higher education in Estonia’s sustainable development.
Interested in working with us? Contact us to learn more.
Rector of Pallas University of Applied Sciences
Piret Viirpalu is the Chairman of the Estonian Rectors’ Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences. She is a Junior Lecturer in Art Education Methodology at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy and an active member of the Estonian Society for Education through Art (EstSEA). Her work bridges creative practice and pedagogy, supporting the development of art education with a strong applied and community-oriented focus. Pallas University of Applied Sciences is an active member of CUMULUS and CIRRUS – international networks that foster collaboration and innovation in art and design education.
Rector of Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences
Andrus Pedai, Vice Chairman of the Estonian Rectors’ Conference of Universities of Applied Sciences, has served as Rector of the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (EUAS) since 2023. He holds PhD in production engineering and robotics and has over 20 years of managerial experience in international high-technology electronics and automotive manufacturing. As Rector of the private university, he places strong emphasis on cost awareness and operational efficiency in higher education. EUAS is part of Ülemiste City, the largest business campus in the Baltics, and Andrus is driving the internationalization of higher education, supporting EUAS´s mission to provide knowledge and skills sought by global employers in innovative business sectors.
Rector of Tartu Applied Health Sciences University
Ulla Preeden is the Vice-President of EURASHE and a member of its Board. She represents Estonian universities of applied sciences in European higher education policymaking. Ulla is a strong advocate for the role of applied higher education in shaping a skilled and future-ready society. She is particularly passionate about strengthening the contribution of applied higher education to research and innovation, and about ensuring academic quality across the sector. Her work supports practice-based learning, regional impact, and the growing relevance of applied research in addressing real-world challenges.
Rector of Estonian Aviation Academy
Koit Kaskel has long-term managerial and international work experience in aviation and has also worked in the fields of environment, EU funding and higher education. Koit’s goal as the rector of the EAVA is to ensure a sufficient number of high-level specialists for the aviation sector and to develop the Estonian Aviation Academy into a modern and internationally recognized competence center to support the introduction of new aviation technologies in society, especially in relation to unmanned aviation. To this end, EAVA actively cooperates with IATA, AZEA, NATO, JEDA, the Estonian Aviation Cluster and other organizations.
Rector of TTK University of Applied Sciences
Martti Kiisa is a strong advocate for applied higher education in the field of technology and places great emphasis on international collaboration. TTK University of Applied Sciences plays an active role in international projects and cooperation networks, such as ARTEMIS (Alliance for Regional Transition, Equality, Mobility, Inclusion and Sustainability). He is also deeply involved in national working groups and organisations, helping to ensure that applied higher education programmes are closely aligned with the needs of the labour market.
Rector of Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences
Ülle Ernits has served as Rector of Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences since 2001. As an esteemed education leader, she has advanced applied higher education, strengthened nursing education, and addressed healthcare workforce shortages. She represents the Rectors’ Conference on the EURASHE Council, advocating professionally oriented higher education across Europe. Tallinn Health University of Applied Sciences participates in numerous international networks, including EBHC (Evidence-Based Health Care Teachers & Developers) and NANDA (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association), reflecting its broad international engagement.
Rector of Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
Kuno Tammearu is a respected leader in the field of internal security. Before becoming Rector in 2023, he led the Estonian Rescue Board for two terms. An alumnus of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, he also holds master’s degrees from TalTech and the University of Tartu. His leadership combines extensive operational experience, strategic vision and a strong commitment to developing future internal security professionals. Kuno Tammearu has been awarded high national honours, including the 2nd and 4th Class Orders of the Estonian Red Cross and the Grand Gold Cross of the Rescue Service.
Captain (N) Johan-Elias Seljamaa
Commandant of the Estonian Military Academy
Management Board of the Foundation of Estonian UAS
