How to study in Estonia?

Estonia – officially the Republic of Estonia is a country in northern Europe, bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia and to the east by Lake Peipus and Russia. Estonia is an ‘e-society’ – meaning that Estonians operate with electronic ID-cards, e-government, - healthcare, -parking and even e-schooling. Overall, Estonia has 19 educational institutions offering higher education degrees. Estonian higher education diplomas are internationally accepted, and with over 100 degree programmes taught in English, you’re sure to find the best study programme for you.

Estonia’s Higher Education System in International Comparison

In this section, we highlight the overall performance of Estonien universities on the institutional level per U-Multirank dimension. The table below shows the national breakdown of Estonien universities and how they stand across the spectrum of above average (receiving a score of ‘A’ (very good) or ‘B’ (good)), versus below average (receiving a score of ‘D’ (below average) or ‘E’ (weak)). In doing so, U-Multirank offers a clear picture on the country’s strengths and areas for improvement.

It becomes apparent that in general Estonia's higher education institutions perform strongest in U-Multirank’s teaching & learning and regional engagement dimensions.

How much does it cost to study in Estonia?

Tuition fees at Estonian universities vary considerably depending on the level of studies and degree programme. With the exception of some degree programmes, tuition fees vary from 1,660 EUR to 7,500 EUR per year for Bachelor and Master programmes. Some of the more expensive specialties with higher fees are medicine, law, business administration and social sciences. Some higher education institutions may differentiate tuition fees for students from the European Union and from outside the European Union. In addition, some universities offer various Master and Bachelor programmes with no tuition fee at all (tuition fee waivers, tuition free programmes). Because tuition fees vary and change from institution to institution, we’d recommend contacting the universities directly for more information (contact information can be found on each respective university profile page).

What are the entry requirements for Estonian universities?

Applicants wishing to pursue bachelor-level studies are required to have completed their secondary education or an equivalent education level necessary for higher education. Applicants must be eligible for higher education in their own country. Additional qualifying examinations may also be required for admission to higher education institutions in Estonia. Applicants wishing to pursue master-level studies are required to have completed bachelor-level studies, and those wishing to pursue a doctoral-level studies must have completed master-level studies.

How to get a Stipend/Scholarship in Estonia?

No matter the reason, paying high tuition fees can be a source of stress for many. However, there are many options for financing your studies, including the use of scholarships. There are various scholarship opportunities available for international students looking to study in Estonia. Depending on your country of origin and the level of studies, there are different options for funding. To explore what scholarship options are available, check this scholarship database.

Do I need a Student Visa for Estonia?

All students who are not Estonian citizens or EU citizens (including EEA countries and Switzerland) need a temporary residence permit for study. EU citizens should obtain a temporary right of residence in Estonia. Estonia does not issue a "study visa", all non-EU students should apply for a temporary residence permit for studying (TRP). When certain conditions are met, then it is possible to apply for C- (short term) or D-visa (long term) to travel to Estonia and apply for a residence permit after arrival.