Study In Estonia

Why Estonia is a Popular Destination for International Students

Estonia has emerged as an attractive destination for international students due to its innovative education system, strong digital infrastructure, and high-quality universities. The country combines the best of modernity with rich cultural traditions, making it a unique place to study in Europe. With its tech-driven society, beautiful landscapes, and growing international student community, Estonia offers a welcoming environment for students from all over the world.

Academic Calendar and Intakes

Estonian universities typically follow two major intakes:

Fall Intake (September): This is the main intake, with most programs starting in late August or early September.
Spring Intake (January/February): Some universities offer a spring intake for specific postgraduate programs. The application deadlines are usually in November or December.

Be sure to check specific university websites for detailed deadlines and specific program offerings.

Popular Courses to Study in Estonia

Estonia offers a wide range of academic programs, with many universities offering courses in English, especially at the master’s level. Some popular courses include:

Computer Science and IT: Estonia is known for its strong tech industry, and computer science and IT programs are among the most popular fields of study.
Engineering: Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering programs are available at top universities, preparing students for successful careers in the growing European tech and engineering sectors.
Business and Management: With its start-up culture, business and management programs attract students aiming to enter the growing Estonian economy or global business sectors.
Data Science: Estonia is recognized as a digital nation, and many universities offer innovative programs in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Environmental Science: Programs in environmental studies and sustainability attract students interested in understanding global environmental challenges.
Design and Creative Arts: Estonia offers specialized programs in design, visual arts, and digital media, combining creativity with technology.

Top Universities in Estonia

Estonia is home to several well-regarded universities offering high-quality education:

University of Tartu: Estonia’s oldest and most prestigious university, offering a wide variety of programs in English at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech): Known for its strong focus on engineering, business, and technology-related programs.
Tallinn University: Specializes in arts, humanities, and social sciences, with numerous international student programs.
University of Life Sciences (Tartu): Offers programs focusing on agriculture, forestry, and environmental sciences.
Estonian Business School (EBS): Offers internationally recognized programs in business and management.

English Language Requirements

Estonian universities offer many programs in English, particularly at the postgraduate level. The most commonly accepted English proficiency tests and their minimum required scores are:

IELTS: Typically, a minimum score of 6.0 to 6.5 is required for undergraduate programs and 6.5 to 7.0 for master’s programs.
TOEFL: A score of 80 to 90 is generally required for undergraduate programs and 90 to 100 for postgraduate programs.
PTE Academic: A minimum score of 50 to 58 is usually accepted for most programs.

Students who have completed previous education in English may be exempt from providing English test results. Always check specific program requirements.

Cost of Study in Estonia

Estonia is one of the more affordable study destinations in Europe. Tuition fees vary depending on the program and university:

Undergraduate Programs: Tuition fees for bachelor’s programs typically range from €2,000 to €8,000 per year.
Postgraduate Programs: Master’s programs generally cost between €3,000 and €12,000 per year.
PhD Programs: Doctoral programs are often tuition-free for EU/EEA students, while non-EU students may have to pay tuition fees, which vary by program.

Estonia offers scholarships for international students, particularly in the form of government scholarships, university-specific awards, and external funding options.

Cost of Living in Estonia

The cost of living in Estonia is generally lower than in many Western European countries. On average, international students can expect the following monthly expenses:

Accommodation: Rent for a student apartment or shared housing typically ranges from €150 to €350 per month, depending on the city and type of accommodation. Tallinn, the capital, tends to be the most expensive.
Food: Monthly grocery costs range from €150 to €250, depending on your eating habits. Dining out costs €5 to €15 per meal at inexpensive restaurants.
Transportation: Public transport in Estonia is affordable, with a monthly pass costing around €20 to €30. Tallinn offers free public transport for residents.
Other Expenses: Personal expenses like mobile phone plans, entertainment, and miscellaneous items typically cost between €100 and €200 per month.

Overall, students should budget €600 to €900 per month to cover living expenses, depending on their lifestyle and city of residence.

Work Opportunities for International Students

Estonian law allows international students to work part-time during their studies, making it easier to support themselves while studying. Here are the key points regarding work rights:

On-Campus Jobs: Students can find part-time work within their university, such as research assistant positions, administration roles, or tutoring.
Off-Campus Jobs: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.
Popular Jobs: Common student jobs include roles in retail, hospitality, customer service, and tutoring, as well as internships in tech companies.

Estonia has a growing tech sector, and many international students find work in IT-related positions, especially in Tallinn’s start-up ecosystem.

After completing their studies, students can apply for a temporary residence permit to stay in Estonia and work.

Visa and Immigration Policies

To study in Estonia, international students need to apply for a student visa or residence permit for studies. Here’s a summary of the process:

Admission Letter: Students must have an official offer of admission from a recognized Estonian university.
Proof of Funds: Students must demonstrate that they have enough financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses during their stay. The minimum required amount is usually around €3,216 per year.
Health Insurance: Students must show proof of valid health insurance that covers them while studying in Estonia.
Visa Application: Students apply for a student visa or residence permit at the Estonian embassy or consulate in their home country.

The visa application process typically takes 1 to 2 months, so students should apply well in advance.

Cultural and Social Environment

Estonia offers a vibrant student life, mixing a rich cultural heritage with modern technological innovations. Here’s what you can expect:

Language: Estonian is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in universities and larger cities. Many programs are available in English, particularly at the master’s level.
Student Life: Estonian universities have a lively student community with various clubs, events, and cultural activities. Students can explore the country’s history, nature, and modern tech innovations.
Travel: Estonia is a great starting point for exploring Europe. With its location in the Baltic region, it’s easy to visit neighboring countries such as Finland, Latvia, and Sweden.

Recent Developments and Updates

Digital Society: Estonia is known for being a leader in digital governance, and international students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in this tech-driven society.
Post-graduation Work Opportunities: Estonia offers a Jobseeker Visa for graduates, which allows them to stay for up to 9 months to look for work after completing their studies.
International Students’ Community: Estonia’s international student population is steadily growing, and universities are increasingly offering English-language programs to cater to students from around the world.