The Estonia Scholarships can be awarded to the BA, MA and PhD students who are enrolled to the higher education institution abroad at least one year by the time of application. Estonia, a Northern European gem with a vibrant digital society and rapidly growing academic landscape, is increasingly becoming a popular destination for international students. From its dynamic cities and serene landscapes to its commitment to innovation and high-quality education, Estonia offers an enriching study experience. One of the standout aspects that makes studying in Estonia appealing is the wide array of scholarships available for international students through the Republic of Estonia’s scholarship programs.
This guide delves deep into the various Estonia Scholarships provided by the Estonian government, eligibility requirements, how to apply, benefits offered, and key deadlines to keep in mind. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree—or even considering short-term mobility programs—Estonia might just be your next academic destination.
Why Study in Estonia?
Before exploring the scholarships, it’s important to understand what makes Estonia an attractive destination for international students.
Key Highlights:
- Digital Innovation: Estonia is known for its tech-savvy society. It was the first country to allow online voting and has made impressive advancements in e-governance and digital infrastructure.
- Affordable Living: Compared to other European countries, the cost of living and tuition in Estonia is quite reasonable.
- English-Taught Programs: Many top universities in Estonia offer full degree programs in English, which is perfect for international students.
- Safe & Clean Environment: Estonia is among the safest countries in Europe and boasts pristine natural beauty and a high standard of living.
- Strong Academic Network: Estonian universities collaborate with institutions across Europe and the world, providing a global learning atmosphere.
Overview of Republic of Estonia Scholarships for International Students
The Estonian government, through the Education and Youth Board (Harno), offers various scholarship programs that promote the internationalization of higher education and attract top talent from abroad. These scholarships cater to multiple levels and types of studies, including full-degree studies, short courses, doctoral research, and postdoctoral programs.
Types of Estonia Scholarships Offered
1. Scholarships for Degree Studies (Bachelor’s & Master’s Levels)
International students from countries outside of the European Union are eligible to apply for scholarships to pursue full-time bachelor’s or master’s degree programs at Estonian institutions.
Eligibility:
- You must have received admission to an Estonian university offering English-taught degree programs.
- Proof of excellent academic performance.
- Motivation to study in Estonia and contribute to your home country afterward.
Estonia Scholarships Benefits:
- Monthly stipend of €350 to cover living costs.
- Duration: Covers the standard nominal period of the study program.
- Does not cover tuition fees unless the university offers additional tuition waivers.
Fields Covered:
- Scholarships are available for a wide range of disciplines, including IT, engineering, social sciences, environmental studies, and education.
2. Estonia Scholarships for Short-Term Studies and Summer/Winter Schools
These scholarships are designed for students who want to experience Estonia for a shorter period, such as a semester or seasonal school.
Types:
- Short-Term Study Mobility: For students enrolled in universities abroad who wish to study in Estonia for 1–10 months as part of a degree program.
- Summer and Winter Schools: Language, culture, or subject-specific short-term programs organized by Estonian universities.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled in a university abroad.
- Accepted by an Estonian higher education institution for short-term studies.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Monthly allowance: €500
- Travel expenses may be partially reimbursed depending on the program.
- For seasonal schools: One-time allowance up to €500 covering tuition, accommodation, and meals.
3. Estonia Scholarships for Doctoral Studies and Postdoctoral Research
Estonia also offers research-focused scholarships to PhD students and early-stage researchers.
Eligibility:
- PhD students or researchers affiliated with a recognized university or research institution.
- Must have an agreement or invitation from an Estonian university or R&D institution.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Monthly stipend: Up to €660 for doctoral students and €1,000 for postdoctoral researchers.
- Research support, including access to labs, libraries, and academic supervision.
Duration:
- Short-term visits (1–10 months).
- Renewable based on performance and agreements.
Application Process of Estonia Scholarships
Here’s a general breakdown of how to apply for these scholarships.
Step 1: Choose a Program and Institution
Start by selecting an English-taught program from one of Estonia’s recognized universities. Popular choices include:
- University of Tartu
- Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)
- Tallinn University
- Estonian University of Life Sciences
- Estonian Academy of Arts
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Apply to your chosen program via the respective university portal or Estonia’s centralized application platform, DreamApply.
Step 3: Scholarship Application via Harno
Once accepted into a program, you can apply for the scholarship through the Education and Youth Board’s platform:
- Visit the official site: https://harno.ee/en/scholarships
- Visit Study in Estonia to explore all available programs.
- Create an account and complete the online application.
- Upload required documents (see below).
Required Documents
While requirements can vary depending on the scholarship type, here are common documents requested:
- Copy of passport or national ID
- Admission letter from an Estonian university
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Language proficiency proof (usually IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
For doctoral and research programs, you may also need:
- Research plan
- Letter of invitation from Estonian host institution
- References from academic supervisors
Deadlines
Estonia Scholarships deadlines typically align with the Estonian university application cycles:
- Degree Studies: Applications generally open around February and close in April each year.
- Short-Term and Seasonal Studies: Applications for summer schools are usually accepted until May or June.
- Research Scholarships: These may have multiple rounds or rolling deadlines throughout the year.
- The last date to apply is 16th April, 2025.
Priority Regions and Countries
Estonia particularly encourages students from the following regions:
- Developing non-EU countries in Asia, Africa, and South America.
- Countries with emerging partnerships in research and innovation.
- Eastern Partnership countries and EU Neighborhood countries.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Strong Motivation Letter: Clearly express why Estonia is your study destination, your academic goals, and how your field aligns with Estonia’s expertise.
- Tailored Research Plan: For research scholarships, your proposal should match Estonian research strengths or national priorities.
- Meet All Criteria: Don’t leave any required section blank or documents missing.
- Apply Early: Submit both university and scholarship applications ahead of the deadlines.
Collaboration Opportunities
In addition to scholarships, international students can benefit from exchange programs such as:
- Erasmus+
- Nordplus
- Bilaterial cooperation programs between Estonia and other countries
These often include mobility grants and partnerships that enhance your academic experience in Estonia.
Life in Estonia as an International Student
Accommodation:
Student dormitories are available and affordable, with average monthly rent between €100–€200. Private apartments are also an option in major cities.
Food and Lifestyle:
The cost of meals in student cafeterias is relatively low (around €3–€5 per meal), and public transport is student-friendly.
Language:
While Estonian is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in academic and urban settings.
Career Prospects After Graduation
Estonia allows international students to work during their studies without a separate permit. After graduation, students can apply for a temporary residence permit to stay and look for work in Estonia.
The country’s strong start-up ecosystem, particularly in tech, provides a vibrant job market for young graduates, especially in IT, engineering, and business fields.
Always check the official Harno scholarship page for current calls and exact dates.
Conclusion
The Republic of Estonia offers a compelling mix of modern education, digital innovation, and generous scholarship programs for international students. Whether you’re a budding researcher, undergraduate hopeful, or a master’s candidate looking to study in a country that blends old-world charm with futuristic aspirations—Estonia has something valuable to offer.
FAQs: Republic of Estonia Scholarships
1. Can I apply if I’m from an EU country?
Most scholarships target non-EU citizens, but some programs may be available for EU nationals as well.
2. Is there an age limit to apply?
There’s generally no strict age limit, though some programs may have recommendations based on academic level.
3. Do I need to speak Estonian?
No. Many programs are fully offered in English.
4. Will the scholarship cover tuition fees?
No, these scholarships usually cover only monthly living stipends. Tuition waivers must be provided by the university separately.
5. Can I renew the scholarship every year?
Yes, scholarships can be renewed based on academic progress, especially for full-degree programs.
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