The mission of the Estonian University of Life Sciences is to guarantee sustainable use of natural resources and enhance rural development. The EMU is the only university in Estonia whose priorities in academic and research activities provide the sustainable development of natural resources necessary for the existence of Man as well as the preservation of heritage and habitat. The EMU is the center of research and development in such fields as agriculture, forestry, animal science, veterinary science, rural life and economy, food science and environmentally friendly technologies.

According to QS World University Rankings, the Estonian University of Life Sciences belongs in the top 100 universities in the world in the field of Agriculture and Forestry. Thomson Reuters Essential Science Indicators database places the Estonian University of Life Sciences in the top 1% most cited research facilities in the world in the field of plant and animal science as well as environment and ecology. EMU is involved in two Erasmus Mundus Action II partnerships called INFINITY and EFFORT with a focus on urban agriculture, sustainable development, environmental protection, smart growth and urban design, the projects offer students from these countries the opportunity to study at EMU.

EMU is an active member of many European and worldwide networks for the exchange of information and provision of teaching opportunities: Nova PhD network (Nordic agricultural universities); Le:Notre network on landscape architecture education; Nordnatur – nature has no borders. Supported by NORDPLUS and offers scholarships for student  and staff exchange in the field of natural resource management; SuWaCo – Education for Sustainable Development of Water Bodies and Coasts; SILVA – European Forest Science Academic Network; ERABEE– Network for Education and Research in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in Europe; ALTER-net, A Long-Term Biodiversity, Ecosystem and Awareness Research Network.