Long and short-term academic programs are available in Estonia across many universities and educational centers. International students and researchers may apply to BA, MA, Ph.D., and postdoctoral research programs in Estonia. Moreover, summer schools and conferences are other excellent academic activities that make Estonia an attractive destination for scholars and scientists. Many programs also come with fully-funded scholarships and fellowships as well as travel grants and financial aid, thus every student, researcher, and professor can always find a suitable program in Estonia and apply.
Scholarships in Estonia
- Tallinn University Study Allowances and Scholarships
- University of Tartu Scholarships
- Estonian University of Life Sciences Study Allowances, Loans, and Scholarships
- Estonian Business School Scholarships
- Estonian School of Diplomacy Scholarships
- Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Scholarships
- International School of Estonia Scholarships and Bursaries
- Skype and Study IT in Estonia Master’s Scholarship
- Dora Scholarship
Fellowships in Estonia
- CEE Fellowship Programme with Estonia
- OSF Eurasia Programme Fellowship
- Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians in Estonia
- Tartu International Fellowship
- Fellowship of Volunteers in Estonia
- Eesti Pank Visiting Researchers Programme
Grants and Awards in Estonia
- ETAG Mobilitas Pluss Postdoctoral Research Grant
- Estonian Research Council Grants
- EEA and Norway Grants in Estonia
- EMBO Installation Grants
- Tallinn University Grants for Internship Instructors
- Ministry of Education and Research Research Programmes
- US Embassy in Estonia Small Grants Program
- Settle Estonia Research Module
- Estonian University of Life Sciences Research Funding Opportunities
- Norway Grants Green ICT Programme
Summer Programs in Estonia
- University of Tartu International Summer University
- TalTech Summer & Winter Schools
- International Ballet Summer Workshop Estonia
- Tallin Ballet Summer Masterclasses
- Tallinn Summer School
- EBS International Summer School on Digitalization and Sustainability
- Ajax and Kalju Summer Camp
Estonia as an academic destination
Choosing to study in Estonia means spending a portion of your studying time in one of the most innovative and digitalized countries. 99% of Estonia's citizens hold electronic ID cards, and the majority of the life spheres such as government services, education, and even parking services are organized through electronic technologies. Wired named Estonia as the most advanced digital society globally, and you have an excellent opportunity to become a part of that society through several education funding programs mentioned above.
You can study in full-degree programs of all levels in Estonia or apply for short, 2-4 week programs. Short programs are usually offered in summer, but there are also opportunities to apply for short winter courses. Short courses can be a trial period to understand whether the country fits your preference to continue longer-term studies there. As an international student, your attention can catch the fact that Estonia is the 4th safest country in the world.
Estonia also cares for the foreigners' adaptation in the country. It offers Settle Estonia a free educational program, where newcomers can study language, culture, traditions, and other aspects of the locals' lives. The program is available for those who are physically in Estonia and hold a residence permit. The registration for the Settle Estonia is open via the following link.
Universities in Estonia
Most of Estonia's population and its activities and most of the country's universities are located in the capital city Tallinn. There are around 24 universities in total, ten of which offer more than 250 programs taught in the English language. So, you should not experience any language barrier in the country. Below are the most popular universities in Estonia, where you can find programs fully taught in English.
- Estonian Academy of Arts
- Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre
- Estonian Business School
- Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences
- Estonian University of Life Sciences
- Tallinn Health Care College
- Tallinn University
- Tallinn University of Technology
- Tartu Health Care College
- University of Tartu
The second city in the row according to the universities' distribution is Tartu. It's also the city where the first university of Estonia was founded. The University of Tartu started its operations in 1632. It's not only the oldest university in Estonia but one of the oldest ones in northern Europe.
From the modest number of universities in the country, that's an outstanding achievement to have two internationally ranked universities. The most cited in global university rankings are the University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology.
International Student Expenses in Estonia
Living cost in Estonia is almost in the same level with that of other Western European countries. There is a significant price difference based on whether you will live in university dormitories or rent an individual apartment.
Students can pay starting from 80EUR a month for a student dormitory, whether renting a private accommodation will cost them 200-500$ per month. Some additional 300EUR might probably be spent on the food, depending on each student's preferences in this aspect.
University fees in Estonia do not significantly vary based on the degree levels. In most cases, the tuition between undergraduate and graduate studies is not different and comprises around 1500-6500 EUR per academic year. Medical degree programs usually start at 12,000 EUR a year.
Study & Work Opportunities in Estonia
The competitive advantage of Estonia over many other countries is that it does not require a specific work permit to let students work during studies. Also, there are no restrictions on working hours. The golden rule is that students should complete the predefined courses of their academic programs according to the program's curriculum. As long as your parallel work does not distract you from your studies, you can have part-time and full-time jobs.
Estonia encourages international students to work and stay in their country after studies through its policies. International students can stay in the country and try to find permanent employment within nine months after completing their studies. If, during that period, you can start a job in the country, that is a great opportunity to apply for a temporary residence permit.
Another great chance to stay and start a career in Estonia is to start your own business. Estonia has a number of start-up idea supporters when it comes to truly innovative and valuable ideas. Especially the local companies such as Garage48, Startup Wiseguys, and others are a great place to present your business idea and get funding support.
If you have more information gaps on your international studies in Estonia, the link to Study in Estonia website is the best place to continue your searches. It's the national guide for higher education in the country, supported by the government of the Republic of Estonia. We hope this section of ARMACAD will help you construct your dream education and career path in the country.