Scholarships for International Students in Estonia
Estonia, a small but tech-savvy and culturally rich country in Northern Europe, has become an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking world-class education. With its innovative approach to learning, vibrant student life, and affordable cost of living compared to other European countries, Estonia is an attractive option for international students. To make studying in Estonia even more accessible, a variety of scholarships are available to help ease the financial burden. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the key scholarships available for international students in Estonia, how to apply, and how much financial support you can potentially receive.
1. Estonian Government Scholarships
The Estonian government offers a number of scholarships for international students, particularly for those from countries with which Estonia has bilateral agreements. These scholarships aim to support students who wish to study in Estonia at the undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral levels.
Types of Estonian Government Scholarships:
- Estonian Government Scholarship Program: This prestigious scholarship offers financial support for students from developing countries. It typically covers tuition fees, a monthly allowance for living expenses (around €400–€500), and accommodation costs (up to 100% of housing expenses).
- Estonian Scholarships for Doctoral Studies: This specific scholarship is aimed at doctoral students and provides funding for up to 4 years of study, covering full tuition fees and offering a stipend for living expenses (typically around €1,200 per month). It may also cover travel costs for research-related activities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Available to students from developing countries, based on bilateral agreements.
- Students need to meet specific entry requirements for the degree program, such as a strong academic record and language proficiency (usually English).
How to Apply:
- You can apply for Estonian government scholarships through the university to which you are applying.
- Typically, the scholarship application is integrated into the admission process, though some universities may require a separate application.
Maximum Funding:
- Full Tuition Fees: Covered.
- Living Stipend: Around €400–€500/month.
- Accommodation: Up to 100% of housing costs covered, depending on the university and program.
2. University-Specific Scholarships
Many Estonian universities offer their own scholarships to attract international students. These scholarships typically cover partial or full tuition fees, and some may also include living stipends. Here’s a breakdown of the opportunities offered by top Estonian universities:
Tartu University Scholarships
Tartu University, one of Estonia’s most prestigious institutions, offers several scholarships:
- Tartu University Development Fund Scholarships: These scholarships can cover 100% of tuition fees and provide an additional living allowance (up to €400 per month).
- Tartu University International Students’ Scholarship: A merit-based scholarship offering up to 50% of tuition fees.
Tallinn University Scholarships
Tallinn University provides various scholarships, including:
- Tallinn University Scholarship for International Students: A partial scholarship covering up to 50% of tuition fees.
- Erasmus+ Scholarships: Available for exchange students, these scholarships may cover part of living expenses (up to €700/month) and travel costs.
Eligibility Criteria for University Scholarships:
- To be eligible for university-specific scholarships, you must first gain admission to the university.
- Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Some universities may also consider your extracurricular achievements.
How to Apply:
- Application procedures vary by university, so check the university’s website for specific instructions.
- Most scholarships are awarded automatically upon admission, but some may require a separate application with supporting documents.
Maximum Funding:
- Full Tuition Fees: Coverage up to 100% depending on the scholarship.
- Living Stipend: Typically up to €400–€700/month, depending on the scholarship.
- Accommodation: May be partially subsidized by the university.
3. Erasmus+ Scholarships
Erasmus+ is a European Union program supporting education and youth exchange. If you're an exchange student from a partner institution or applying for a full degree, you may be eligible for Erasmus+ funding.
Eligibility:
- Open to students at all academic levels (undergraduate to doctoral) from participating partner institutions.
- Erasmus+ is available for full-degree students as well as exchange students spending 1–2 semesters in Estonia.
How to Apply:
- You must apply for the Erasmus+ scholarship through your home institution, which will guide you through the application process.
Maximum Funding:
- Travel Costs: Up to €1,000–€1,500, depending on the distance from your home country to Estonia.
- Living Stipend: Between €300 and €700/month, depending on your home country’s economic situation.
Erasmus+ funding can be combined with other scholarships for a full coverage of costs.
4. Archimedes Foundation Scholarships
The Archimedes Foundation is responsible for managing several scholarship programs in Estonia. Among these, the Estonian National Scholarship Program is one of the most important. It supports non-EU students who want to study for a full degree in Estonia.
Types of Scholarships:
- Estonian National Scholarship Program: Provides full tuition fee coverage, a living stipend of €400 per month, and support for accommodation.
- Short-term Study Scholarships: For exchange students, these scholarships cover travel and living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to students from non-EU countries who wish to study in Estonia.
- Students must meet the specific entry requirements for their chosen program.
How to Apply:
- Applications are submitted via the Archimedes Foundation website. You will need to submit documents such as proof of admission, academic transcripts, and a statement of motivation.
Maximum Funding:
- Full Tuition Fees: Covered.
- Living Stipend: €400 per month.
- Accommodation: Partially subsidized depending on the program.
5. Private Scholarships
In addition to government and university scholarships, various private organizations and foundations also offer funding opportunities for international students in Estonia.
The U.S. Embassy Scholarships
The U.S. Embassy in Estonia sometimes offers scholarships for U.S. students to study abroad in Estonia. These may be particularly useful for those participating in exchange programs.
European Social Fund Scholarships
These scholarships are available for students from developing countries to help diversify the student body in Estonia. They typically provide tuition coverage and a stipend for living expenses.
How to Apply:
- Applications typically require documentation such as academic transcripts, proof of financial need, and a personal statement. Check the specific scholarship for instructions.
Maximum Funding:
- Full Tuition Fees: Coverage up to 100% depending on the scholarship.
- Living Stipend: Varies but generally covers €300–€700 per month.
- Accommodation: Varies depending on the scholarship program.
6. Other Funding Options
If scholarships alone do not fully cover your expenses, consider these additional options:
- Student Loans: Some Estonian banks offer student loans for international students, which may cover tuition fees and living costs.
- Part-time Jobs: International students are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during the academic year) in Estonia, which can help with living costs.
- Crowdfunding and Sponsorships: Some students also look to platforms like GoFundMe or find private sponsors to help fund their education.
Conclusion: How Much Can You Get?
The scholarships available to international students in Estonia can cover a significant portion of your educational expenses, and in some cases, provide full funding. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Tuition Fees: Many scholarships cover full tuition fees (100% coverage).
- Living Stipend: Most scholarships provide a living stipend, ranging from €300 to €1,200 per month, depending on the scholarship and your level of study.
- Accommodation: Some scholarships include partial or full coverage of accommodation costs, particularly if you’re studying at a university with dormitory options.
- Travel Expenses: Programs like Erasmus+ and certain government scholarships may also provide travel funding.
How to Apply:
- Research: Check the scholarship offerings on the university’s website or the relevant foundation.
- Prepare Documents: Typically, you will need academic transcripts, a motivation letter, proof of language proficiency (English), and sometimes reference letters.
- Apply Early: Make sure to adhere to all deadlines for applications, as many scholarships have limited funding and high competition.
Estonia’s scholarship offerings, combined with its affordable living costs, make it an attractive study destination. With the right preparation, you can fund your education and experience life in one of Europe’s most innovative countries.
Good luck with your applications, and may your studies in Estonia be an unforgettable experience!
