Study in Estonia

Study in Estonia

Study in Estonia: A Guide for International Students

Estonia, located in Northern Europe at the crossroads of the Baltic region, is one of the three Baltic States. It shares borders with Russia, Latvia, and the Baltic Sea. Known as "Land in the East," Estonia boasts its own distinctive traditions, culture, and language, with Tallinn serving as the vibrant hub of innovation and technology in the country.

Estonia is one of the three Baltic States, located at the crossroads of Northern Europe and the East. It shares borders with Russia, Latvia, and the Baltic Sea. The name "Estonia," meaning "Land in the East," reflects its distinct customs, culture, and language, with Tallinn standing as its technological and innovative capital. However, this is just a glimpse into what Estonia has to offer.

Despite its small size, Estonia is a global leader in technology. It is the birthplace of innovations like Skype and TransferWise and is home to the Bank of Estonia, the first bank worldwide to offer e-residency for financial services and businesses. Estonia is truly a top-tier destination when it comes to technological advancement.

In addition to its technological achievements, Estonia is proud of its unique language. Estonian, a Uralic language, shares some similarities with Finnish and Hungarian but remains distinct. Known for its rich vowel sounds and long consonants, Estonian is often compared to French in terms of beauty.

While Estonian can be challenging to learn, English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially among younger people. This makes it easy to explore another of Estonia's treasures—the stunning outdoors—without the need to master the language.

Estonia is home to captivating national parks, with Soomaa in the western part of the country being the most renowned. On the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, you’ll find pine forests, freshwater lakes, and ancient marshlands, which lead to stony beaches and the clear waters of the Baltic Sea.

With all this in mind, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about studying in Estonia.

Study in Estonia: Education in Estonia

Estonia has a rich tradition of higher education, with the University of Tartu, founded in 1632, being one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. Today, Estonia is a member of the Bologna Process, ensuring that the education you receive is of the highest international standard.

Estonia boasts a rich history of higher education, with the University of Tartu, established in 1632, being one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe.

Universities in Estonia

Estonia’s higher education system is highly regarded worldwide. As a participant in the Bologna Process, Estonia ensures that its university diplomas are recognized internationally. The country is home to 15 public universities and nine private ones, with most offering a wide range of programs in English. English is widely spoken throughout Estonia, making it an accessible destination for international students.

University of Tartu

Ranked second in the latest QS University Rankings: EECA, the University of Tartu is Estonia’s oldest university, founded in 1632. It is one of the oldest in Northern Europe and currently teaches around 13,400 students, including over 800 international students. The university is a member of prestigious networks such as the Coimbra Group and the Utrecht Network, promoting global academic collaboration. Additionally, the University of Tartu participates in the Erasmus Mundus program, working with over 200 universities worldwide. It boasts many notable alumni, including two Nobel laureates in medicine and chemistry. Located in Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city, the university is an intellectual center, home to the Ministry of Education and Research.

Tallinn University of Technology (TUT)

Tallinn University of Technology, ranked 621-630 in the QS World University Rankings, is Estonia’s only university focused solely on technology. Established in 1918, it offers degrees in engineering, economics, business administration, social sciences, and information technology. The university enrolls around 12,000 students, including 1,400 international students, and has a strong focus on innovation. Due to its reputation for cutting-edge research and technology, TUT is one of the top choices for international students, with participants from over 60 countries. Located in the capital city, Tallinn, the university has strong industry connections and provides students with excellent work opportunities and internships.

Tallinn University, the third-largest university in Estonia, is also based in the capital. It offers a wide array of courses and has established exchange programs, ensuring strong support for international students.

Life in Estonia

Estonia is renowned for being one of the world’s most digitally connected societies, offering free Wi-Fi almost everywhere. However, beyond its impressive technological achievements, Estonia has much more to offer. For those wanting to escape the hustle of city life (and perhaps disconnect from technology), Estonia’s green forests, scenic lakes, and white-sand beaches provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in the charm of medieval Estonian towns, enjoy concerts, participate in vibrant city nightlife, or take part in a range of student-organized activities, from cycling trips to photo competitions.

Discover Estonia’s Major Student Cities:

Tallinn
As the capital and largest city of Estonia, Tallinn is one of the most innovative and exciting cities in Europe. Throughout its history, Tallinn has been invaded by the Danes, Teutonic Knights, Swedes, Russians, Nazis, and Soviets, leaving behind monuments and remnants from each era. The Old Town is a charming maze of cobblestone streets dating back to the Medieval Ages, while the Nõmme suburb offers a glimpse into the 1930s. The Kadriorg area reflects the opulence of the Czarist era with its tree-lined streets and parks, and the Lasnamäe district showcases the lasting influence of the Soviet period. While rich in historical significance, Tallinn is also a modern and forward-thinking city with innovative architecture, especially in its city center.

Tallinn is home to some of Estonia’s most prestigious universities, including Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn University, and the Estonian Academy of Arts.

Tartu
As Estonia’s second-largest city, Tartu is often considered the country’s intellectual and academic heart. Located in southern Estonia, Tartu has a population of around 97,000. The city was heavily bombed during World War II, leaving many historical buildings in ruins, and it was declared a “closed town” to foreigners. However, after Estonia regained independence in 1991, Tartu’s city center, including St. John’s Church and other key landmarks, was meticulously restored. Today, Tartu is a lively city with a thriving cultural scene and a bustling nightlife, largely thanks to its large population of domestic and international students.

Tartu is home to the University of Tartu, Estonia’s highest-ranked institution, as well as the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the Baltic Defence College, and the Estonian Aviation Academy.

Applying to Study in Estonia
To apply to universities in Estonia, you must demonstrate that you have completed the previous level of education—secondary education for undergraduate programs or a bachelor’s degree for master’s programs. International students applying for English-taught programs must provide proof of English language proficiency. All internationally recognized language tests are accepted, but some Estonian universities may require you to take their own language test. Depending on the program and university, you may also need to attend an interview, submit an application essay, or present a portfolio of work.

Visas to Study in Estonia
Students from European Union (EU) member states do not need a student visa to study in Estonia, but they must obtain a temporary right of residence upon arrival. EU students should register with local authorities within three months of entering the country and apply for an Estonian ID card within one month of obtaining the right of residence.

International students from non-EU countries must apply for a temporary residence permit for studying (TRP), which serves as a student visa. To obtain this permit, you should contact your nearest Estonian Embassy for specific requirements based on your country of origin. The TRP must be renewed annually, at least two months before it expires. For more information, visit the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website.

Fees and Funding
Tuition fees in Estonia vary depending on the program and university. On average, tuition fees range from €1,000 to €7,500 (~US$1,140-8,500) per year. Medical programs tend to be more expensive, costing around €11,000 (~US$12,500) annually, while programs in law, business administration, and social sciences typically fall on the higher end of the fee spectrum. Doctoral programs are tuition-free.

There are various scholarships available to international students, particularly at the master’s and PhD levels, though some scholarships are also offered for bachelor’s degrees. The Estonian government recommends students budget between €300-500 (~US$340-570) per month to cover accommodation and living expenses.