Study in Estonia, Requirements, Fees, Scholarships

authorImageVaishnavi k Pandhari11 Sept, 2025
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Study in Estonia

Study in Estonia: Estonia has modern and high-quality education. Many of its programs are in English with great support and modern facilities. Estonia is a country focused on innovation and research. Education covers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral studies. Estonia is safe and student-friendly for international students. 

 English is widely spoken, and Estonia boasts a high literacy rate of around 99%. Much of the reason why numerous students across the world are choosing to study in Estonia is due to the affordability of tuition, with plenty of scholarship offers. Estonian universities are all world-class, and programs range across different fields such as technology, business, and science. Read on for a guide to study in Estonia. 

Why Study in Estonia? 

The country is accessible in terms of sponsorship and education. Many English-taught subjects are on offer in Estonia, and the security level is relatively high in terms of the friendly environment. Students experience contemporary cities like Tallinn and Tartu. Estonia has a budding technology and startup environment. 

For effective and standard education, many international students vie for this country's scholarship. Listed below are some reasons to know why study in Estonia is:

  • Estonia is a modern, innovative country with high-quality education and a digital lifestyle.

  • Over 150 English-taught Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs available.

  • Doctoral studies are often tuition-free.

  • Safe, green, and student-friendly cities like Tallinn and Tartu.

  • A growing community of international and Indian students.

  • Innovative startup and technology ecosystem.

Study in Estonia from India

Studying in Estonia has become quite popular and easy for students from India. The application will be done online through the university portals themselves. The entire process of visa acquisition is simple, considering the student-friendly policies that are available. Indian students support each other and get opportunities to work part-time. Estonia embraces Indian culture and students from India. Scholarships are available for Indian students too.

  • Applications are mostly online through university portals.

  • Acceptance rates approx. 60% for international applicants.

  • Visa procedures include a D visa and residence permit post-arrival.

  • Indian students benefit from vibrant student support and cultural integration.

  • Part-time jobs and post-study work opportunities are available.

Study in Estonia Requirements

The application may also require proof of valid passport, application forms, and motivation letters. Student visa (D-visa) is a requirement for non-EU citizens. Proof of funds and health insurance are mandatory. The table shows  the necessary requirements to study in Estonia

Requirement Type

Details

Educational Qualification

Completed secondary school for bachelor's; Bachelor's degree for master's

English Language Proficiency

Accepted tests: IELTS (minimum score 6.0 to 6.5), TOEFL (minimum score 72 to 90); Other proof may be accepted.

Application Documents

Completed application form; Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts; Copy of passport; Motivation letter; Letters of recommendation (1 or 2); Portfolio or interview (if required); Proof of payment of application fee.

Visa/Residence Permit

Apply for a student visa or residence permit if not from EU/EEA/Switzerland; Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.

Other Possible Requirements

Extra tests (entrance exams, interviews, or portfolio for arts); CV and research proposal for PhD and research programs.

Application Timing

Apply in spring for September intake; Smaller intake in February.

Study in Estonia Fees

Estonia Annual tuition fees for various disciplines are between €1,500 and €15,000. For a bachelor's or master's program, fees are determined by the course and university. Doctoral studies are usually tuition-free and have stipends. Monthly living expenses are about €350 to €700. Some private universities may charge high fees. Scholarships usually help in reducing educational costs. 

Study in Estonia Fees

Program Level

Tuition Fee Range (EUR/year)

Notes

Bachelor's

€1,500 – €7,500

Depends on program and university

Master's

€1,600 – €15,000

Some specialized courses cost more

Doctoral (PhD)

Usually tuition-free

Often includes stipend or salary

Private Universities

Higher fees, vary

Check university-specific details

Study in Estonia Scholarship

Study in Estonia offers various scholarship opportunities that can be highly beneficial. These scholarships are provided either by the government or universities and may cover tuition fees or living expenses. Notable examples include Dora Plus and Erasmus+. Merit-based scholarships typically require a high academic performance. Submitting applications early can improve your chances of receiving a scholarship. Some scholarships also cover travel costs and health insurance.

 

Scholarship Name

Eligibility

Coverage

Benefits

Estonian National Scholarship for Students

International master's degree students

Covers all fields of study

Monthly stipend of 350 euros for up to 12 months

Republic of Estonia Government Scholarships

Bachelor's, master's, PhD, exchange students, researchers

Limited fields (mainly Estonian language and culture)

Full tuition coverage, monthly living stipend, travel grants, health insurance, accommodation assistance

Scholarships for Summer and Winter Schools

Students

Short courses on language and culture, IT, media, international relations, and others

Cover course fees up to €700, accommodation costs

Scholarships at Specific Universities

Students applying to Estonian universities

Various fields including tuition waivers

Tuition-waiver places in English-taught master's programs

Other Scholarships

Young diplomats and civil servants

8-month certificate program

Covers tuition fees, monthly stipend (€500), accommodation, health insurance, Schengen visa costs

Research Grants

Academic staff

N/A

Daily or monthly subsistence allowance

 

Study in Estonia Without IELTS 

Most universities require English proficiency equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5. However, some universities in Estonia allow admission without IELTS, based on alternative assessments. They may accept other tests such as TOEFL or Cambridge English exams. Students who have completed their previous education in English may be exempt from providing additional language test scores. A few universities also offer preparatory English courses as an alternative.

 

Always check the specific admission requirements of each university before applying, as they may vary. This flexibility makes it easier for more international students to study in Estonia.

Top Universities to Study in Estonia

Estonia is home to several well-ranked, internationally recognized universities, many of which offer a wide range of English-taught programs for international students. Here are the leading universities in Estonia, along with key details about their courses and strengths:

 

University

Location

Notable Features & English-Taught Courses

University of Tartu

Tartu

29 English-taught bachelor’s & master’s programs; strong in sciences, IT, humanities; tuition waivers for top applicants

Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)

Tallinn

4 English-taught bachelor’s & 12 master’s programs; strengths in engineering, ICT, business, e-governance, cyber security, innovation

Tallinn University

Tallinn

6 English-taught bachelor’s programs; focus on humanities, social sciences, education, human-computer interaction

Estonian University of Life Sciences

Tartu

Focuses on agriculture, environment, landscape architecture, life sciences; English-taught master’s in landscape architecture

Estonian Academy of Arts

Tallinn

Leading institution for arts, architecture, design; several English-taught master’s programs

Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre

Tallinn

Strong in performing arts, music technology, compo

 

Estonia offers a unique combination of quality education, affordability, and innovation, making it a top choice for students worldwide. Indian students can benefit from scholarships, flexible language requirements, and a supportive environment to achieve their academic goals.

 

Study in Estonia FAQ's

Can Indian students just directly go to Estonia and pursue their studies without IELTS?

A few may be authorized to accept the TOEFL; some may listen to students whose earlier education was in English.

Is there any scholarship available to international students in Estonia?

Yes, full and partial, among their number are also from the government.

What would the cost be for studying in Estonia?

1,500-15,000 Euros in tuition per year, and a monthly living cost of 350-700 euros.

Is it free studying in Estonia?

Yes, there are scholarships and work grants for high-achieving students and other select scholarship students.

What are the documents necessary for obtaining an Estonian student visa?

Passport, university acceptance letter, proof of financial means, health insurance, and a visa application.
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