The Institute of Theology of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church is the oldest private university in Estonia, established in 1946, after the Soviet regime had closed the only faculty of theology in Estonia at the state university of Tartu. The Institute continued to educate future clergy for the EELC and is still doing so.
Today the Institute of Theology is an educational center for the whole Lutheran church in Estonia providing not only degree programs in theology but also continuing training both for pastors and other professionals and volunteers in church ministry. However, institute as an accredited private university is open for everyone having interest in humanistic education in the field of theology or education or would like to learn more about the interaction of Christianity and Western culture and society.