Estonia is a member state of the EU and participates in the Schengen Area. This means that there are no border controls with any other country in the Area. Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can freely move to Estonia and stay for as long as they wish once registered.
If you’re from outside of the EU sphere, you’re classed as a third-country national - and you’ll need a visa. Please note: UK citizens are now classed as third-country nationals.
Estonia issues Schengen visas. These are valid for travel across all twenty-six member countries and every EU country except for Ireland. But you must enter the Area through the country that issued the visa. For example; you can’t enter the Area through Rome on a visa issued by Norway.
Schengen visas have broadly similar requirements, so an Estonian visa isn’t much harder to get than one issued by Germany or France. This is what you’ll need to get an Estonian study visa:
- A completed application form - this can be done online
- Your passport and two photos as well as copies of any previous visas you’ve been given
- Health insurance with a minimum value of €30,000 ($35,500), valid across the entirety of the EU
- A letter outlining why you want to enter and stay in Estonia
- Flight confirmation
- Confirmation of a place to stay (your school can help you with this after you’ve been admitted)
- Birth certificate
- Proof of finances for the entirety of your stay
- Proof of enrolment at an Estonian school
- A no-objection certificate from your school
You’ll need to apply in-person at your nearest Estonian embassy or consulate. The application fee is €100 ($120).
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need to register with the police and immigration authorities. Your school can tell you how to do this. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be issued a temporary residency permit.
Your permit allows you to work during your time in Estonia. You can work up to fifteen hours per week during term time and up to forty hours per week (full time) during holidays. You’ll be taxed like an Estonian. As English is so widely spoken, you can find work without having any knowledge of Estonian.
Study in Estonia
Want an overview of Estonia? Do you want to know a little more about this Baltic State? The section gives you an overview of all you need to know.
Education in Estonia
Want to learn about how the higher education system works in Estonia? Estonia is a good destination for a variety of students, given its good programs, reasonable fees and its natural beauty. Take a minute to find out more about the structure of the education system in Estonia!
Housing & Living Costs
No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Estonia.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees for degree programs in Estonia can vary. Both international and domestic students are expected to pay tuition fees in Estonia, but these fees are normally quite low. We've put together information on how this works, and on scholarships, in this section.
Language & Culture
Estonia is a country rich in political significance and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of its language, culture, and more! We also talk about safety in Estonia in this section.
Application Process
Learn more about how to apply to Estonian schools and the documentation you need to do it in this section.
Programs
Ready to look at education in Estonia? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Estonia today!
