Estonia offers a variety of attractive scholarships for international students, researchers, and academic staff through its government programs and individual universities. Known for its innovative digital society, high-quality English-taught programs, and affordable living costs, Estonia has become an increasingly popular study destination in Northern Europe. The scholarships are coordinated primarily by the Education and Youth Board (HARNO) under the Ministry of Education and Research, with additional merit-based and need-based options available directly from universities like the University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech).
University of Padua International Excellence Scholarship
These scholarships aim to promote internationalization, support students from partner and developing countries, and foster academic exchange while building long-term ties with Estonia.
Main Types of Estonia Government Scholarships
- Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Studies This is the flagship program supporting full-degree or exchange studies at Estonian higher education institutions. It is available at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels in most fields.
- Benefits: Monthly stipend of €350–€500 depending on level, partial or full tuition coverage in some cases, and sometimes additional support.
- Duration: Full program length for degree studies or one semester/academic year for exchanges.
- Eligibility: Open to citizens of specific partner countries. Full list on the official HARNO website; excludes Russian and Belarusian citizens for the 2026/2027 round. Applicants usually need an admission letter from an Estonian university.
- Summer and Winter School Scholarships Short-term scholarships, usually 2–4 weeks to attend Estonian language, culture, or specialized academic summer/winter schools at universities like the University of Tartu or Tallinn University. These are excellent entry points for experiencing Estonia.
- Application period for 2026: opens in early April and closes around May 1.
- Scholarships for Researchers and Academic Staff Mobility grants and research fellowships for short-term visits, conferences, or collaborative research.
Important Note: Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year for degree/exchange studies are open from early September to early October 2025.
University-Specific Scholarships
University of Tartu (UT) Scholarships
The University of Tartu, Estonia’s oldest and highest-ranked university (founded in 1632), offers generous support:
- Tuition Waivers: Many English-taught Master’s programs provide full or partial tuition waivers, especially for EU/EEA students, with competitive options for non-EU students based on academic merit.
- Raefond Scholarship and other foundation grants for international degree-seeking students.
- Performance-based and needs-based scholarships are once enrolled.
- Special programs like Erasmus Mundus scholarships for certain joint degrees.
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) Scholarships
TalTech focuses on engineering, IT, business, and maritime studies:
- Success Scholarship and Development Fund Scholarships are merit-based, up to several thousand euros per year.
- Estonian National Scholarship support for graduate and PhD students.
- Performance and needs-based grants for enrolled students.
Other institutions like Tallinn University and the Estonian Business School also offer targeted scholarships and tuition discounts.
What Do the Scholarships Typically Cover?
- Monthly living stipend (€350–€500+).
- Full or partial tuition fee waiver.
- In some cases, accommodation support, health insurance, travel grants, or relocation allowance.
- Note: Scholarships rarely cover all living expenses fully, so students should budget for accommodation (€300–€600/month), food, and transport in cities like Tartu or Tallinn.
Eligibility Criteria (General)
- International (non-Estonian) citizenship from eligible countries.
- Strong academic record.
- Admission or conditional acceptance to an Estonian higher education institution.
- Motivation to contribute to the home country or academic field upon return.
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent) for English-taught programs.
- Age and prior scholarship restrictions may apply to certain programs.
Russian and Belarusian citizens face restrictions in the current cycles due to geopolitical guidelines.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Choose a Program: Browse English-taught programs on studyinestonia.ee.
- Apply for University Admission first. Most scholarships require an admission/confirmation letter.
- Prepare Documents: Motivation letter, CV, transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of English proficiency, and passport copy.
- Submit Scholarship Application via email to HARNO rvo.dokumendid@harno.ee or through university portals during open calls.
- Wait for Results: Usually announced within 1–2 months after the deadline.
Applications are competitive, and strong motivation letters emphasizing development impact or academic excellence are crucial.
