From Tallinn University to University of Cambridge

We are delighted to share the inspiring journey of Sofiia Loienko, a recent alumna of Tallinn University (TLU) Faculty of Law. Sofiia graduated cum laude from her Bachelor's program, successfully defending her thesis titled: "Legal Mechanisms For Protecting Women's Rights In Response To Violations Arising From the Ongoing Russia-Ukraine War."

Her academic brilliance is now taking her to the next grand chapter: a Master of Law at the prestigious University of Cambridge, King’s College, thanks to the Quantedge Cambridge Refugee Masters Scholarship! Furthermore, she was invited to the Estonian Presidential Reception on June 26, 2025, in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements.

We had an interview with Sofiia to discuss her journey, her TLU experience, and her ambitious plans for the future.

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Where are you from and what did you study at Tallinn University?

Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, and at Tallinn University, I studied a Bachelor's in International and European Law. 

What made you choose Tallinn University for your studies?

I initially decided to apply to Tallinn University because I really wanted to pursue a career as a lawyer and study law in English. Tallinn University's programme, with its focus on European and international law, seemed like a very perfect fit, and that's why I applied there.

How would you describe your academic experience at TLU?

My academic experience at TLU was amazing. I really enjoyed all of the courses, their structure, and their substance too, I would say. I liked the practical aspect of our classes and the fact that you had to grasp a lot of information at home, and then you came to class and you had to critically analyze different legal cases and apply your knowledge practically.

Can you share some of the extracurricular activities or initiatives you were involved in?

My academic journey at TLU was full of several extracurricular activities. From the very first year, I was involved in international law moot court competitions, which are trial simulations where law students from all over the world compete in legal drafting and oral advocacy.

I participated in five international law moot court competitions (Telders, Jessup, Viss, FDI Moot Court), where I was recognized as ATN's best advocate in one of them. Also, I had the pleasure of being an assistant coach for the ICC Moot Court competition team that represented Tallinn University this year. Apart from that, I was also the author of The Legal Problem and the co-organizer of the very first internal mooting competition at Tallinn University.

What was the most memorable moment or experience during your time at TLU?

The most memorable moment or experience I had during my time at TLU was definitely going on exchange for an Erasmus+ programme to the University of Lisbon. It was a very enriching experience that allowed me to dive into a new culture and learn law from a different perspective, make amazing long-lasting connections, and perhaps understand who I am from a different perspective.

You also had the honour of attending the President’s reception. Could you share how that experience felt and what it meant to you?

This summer, I graduated cum laude from the Faculty of Law at Tallinn University, and I was consequently invited to the Estonian Presidential Reception. Honestly, it was a very special moment for me because it finally felt like all of the late nights and all of the hard work that I put into this bachelor's degree finally paid off, but it was also a very nice tribute to all of the people who supported me, to all of the amazing professors. It was a great honor to be there and sort of represent the Faculty of Law of Tallinn University.

Where is your academic journey taking you next?

After successfully graduating from Tallinn University, I'm now going to the University of Cambridge, where I'm going to be pursuing my Master of Law studies at King's College.

You received a full scholarship to pursue your Master’s studies at Cambridge. How did you achieve this, and what advice would you give to others aiming for similar opportunities?

I received a scholarship from the The Quantedge-Cambridge Refugee Masters Scholarship. If I had to give advice to someone who's applying to the University of Cambridge or to any sort of funding, I think it's important to emphasize three main points:

• Academic Excellence: You have to show it from transcripts, you have to show it from your achievements or aspirations.
• Genuine Passion: You have to be genuinely passionate about what you're doing, about your degree, and you have to really reconcile it with your future intentions. You have to show that the university you're applying to or a certain scholarship is going to help you achieve a certain result, something that you are striving for.
• Extracurricular Activity: You really have to show both the academic excellence and your passion through your extracurricular activities. You have to show this desire and the fact that you are taking steps to do something. I think that if you combine those three, this is basically your recipe for success.

What advice would you give to current or future law students at Tallinn University?

If I were to give advice to current and future law students at Tallinn University, I would say that you should go for it. Just go for everything that the university offers and be bold, be confident, promote your ideas, and express your views. Participate in Moot Court Competitions, organize new Moot Court Competitions, and I really hope that you guys will continue the tradition of the Speed Moot Court Competition. Just be very open-minded, this is very important, and always believe in yourself, and take all the resources that the university provides.