Financial Assistations

Financial Assistance for Studying in Estonia

This guide outlines practical ways to finance your studies in Estonia: scholarships and waivers, stipends, university payment plans, part‑time work, mobility grants, and emergency support. Availability and rules vary by university and programme, so always follow the instructions on your programme page and in your applicant/student portal.

What Counts as Financial Assistance

• Tuition fee waivers (full/partial)

• Stipends and living cost grants

• Erasmus+ and other mobility funding

• Paid research/teaching assistantships (RA/TA)

• University installment/payment plans

• Emergency or hardship funds

• External funding (home‑country scholarships/loans, foundations)

• Part‑time work and internships compatible with studies

Who Can Apply

• EU/EEA and non‑EU students across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels

• Full‑time enrolled students (many awards require confirmed admission)

• Eligibility depends on merit, programme fit, nationality, degree level, and progress

Main Funding Sources

• University funding: tuition waivers, merit awards, targeted faculty scholarships, and paid RA/TA positions (especially in STEM, IT, and research projects)

• National/public support: Estonian government or agency‑managed scholarships (check Harno), Dora Plus mobility/study support via universities

• European funding: Erasmus+ for exchanges/traineeships; Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (if applicable to your field)

• External/home‑country: Government scholarships, employer sponsorships, foundation/NGO grants, educational loans from your home country

• Employment: Part‑time jobs and internships in Estonia’s tech and startup ecosystem; confirm your visa/TRP rules before working

Where to Look

• Study in Estonia scholarships overview: studyinestonia.ee/scholarships

• Estonian Education and Youth Board (Harno): harno.ee/en

• Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

• University pages (scholarships/tuition/financial aid): University of Tartu (ut.ee), TalTech (taltech.ee), Tallinn University (tlu.ee), Estonian University of Life Sciences (emu.ee), Estonian Academy of Arts (artun.ee), Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (eamt.ee)

• Jobs and internships: Work in Estonia jobs portal workinestonia.com, university career centres, faculty labs

Types of University Support

• Tuition waivers based on admission ranking or academic merit

• Entrance or performance‑based stipends (amounts and renewal rules vary)

• Faculty/department awards for specific fields or projects

• RA/TA roles providing a salary or stipend in exchange for research/teaching duties

• Payment plans allowing tuition in multiple installments per semester/year

• Emergency/hardship grants for unexpected financial shocks (apply via student support)

National and European Programmes

• Government/Harno calls: degree studies, short courses, and research visits (check annual announcements and university channels)

• Dora Plus: support for international degree students and mobility; rules differ by university—see your faculty/graduate school

• Erasmus+: funding for exchange studies or traineeships; apply through your home/host institutions

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: comprehensive scholarships for multi‑country master’s programmes (some tracks involve Estonian universities)

Loans and Payment Plans

• University payment plans: request via your finance office before the tuition due date

• Home‑country student loans: often the main loan route for international students in Estonia

• Estonian state‑guaranteed loans typically target citizens/permanent residents; international students usually do not qualify—verify locally

Part‑Time Work and Internships

• International students can usually work if it does not interfere with studies; confirm conditions with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board: politsei.ee/en

• Prioritize jobs aligned with your field (labs, startups, IT, engineering, design, business services)

• Paid internships may be available via university career centres or Erasmus+ traineeship grants

• Track study progress; some scholarships have limits on weekly work hours or require permission

Typical Monthly Budget (Guide)

• Tallinn: 750–1,150 EUR (room 300–550, studio 500–800+, utilities 70–150, food 200–300, transport/phone/other 80–150)

• Tartu: 650–1,000 EUR (room 250–450, studio 400–700, utilities 60–130, food 180–280, transport/phone/other 70–140)

• Dorms: often 90–250 EUR/month with utilities included; limited places—apply early

• These are indicative ranges; your lifestyle and housing choice will change totals

Proof of Finances for Visa/TRP

• Non‑EU students generally must show sufficient funds via bank statements, scholarship/waiver letters, insurance, and accommodation details

• Rules and acceptable documents are set by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board: politsei.ee/en

• Keep your financial proof consistent with your scholarship and tuition payment plan

How to Apply for Financial Assistance (Step‑by‑Step)

• Step 1: Map your costs (tuition + living) and funding sources (waivers, scholarships, work, savings)

• Step 2: Check each programme’s scholarship page for eligibility, documents, and deadlines

• Step 3: Prepare documents (transcripts, grading scale, CV, language proof, recommendations, motivation/need statement, portfolio/research plan if required)

• Step 4: Submit admission and scholarship applications on time; some awards require a separate form

• Step 5: For payment plans, email the tuition/finance office before the due date with a clear proposal

• Step 6: If needed, apply for Erasmus+/mobility grants via your international office

• Step 7: For RA/TA funding, contact potential supervisors early with a tailored CV and topic fit

• Step 8: Track your portal/email; accept offers and complete any deposit or enrollment steps

Documents Commonly Requested

• Passport/ID

• Diploma(s) and final transcript(s) with official grading scale

• Proof of English/Estonian proficiency (as required)

• CV and motivation letter (addressing merit and/or financial need)

• Recommendation letters

• Portfolio or research proposal (where applicable)

• Bank statements or sponsor letters (for need‑based support or visa/TRP)

• Certified translations, notarisation/apostille if required

Selection and Renewal Criteria

• Merit: GPA, ranking, prerequisite subjects, portfolio quality, research potential

• Fit: Alignment with programme focus and Estonia’s strengths (digital society, startups, research)

p>• Progress: Many awards require satisfactory academic progress each year (ECTS/GPA thresholds; check your award letter)

• Conduct: Compliance with university rules and deadlines; report changes (leave, programme switch) promptly

Combining Funding Sources

• Some awards cannot be held together; check stacking rules

• You can often combine a partial waiver with a stipend and personal savings

• If you receive a large external grant, your university package may be adjusted—read terms carefully

Banking, Payments, and Taxes

• Open a local bank account after arrival if possible; some payments require an Estonian IBAN

• Estonia is largely cashless; plan for card/mobile payments and online billing

• Use low‑fee transfer services for international tuition payments and avoid poor exchange rates

• If you work, learn basic tax rules and file as required; see Estonian Tax and Customs Board: emta.ee/eng

Money‑Saving Tips

• Apply early for dorms; compare neighborhoods and commute times for value

• Use student discounts (ISIC/ITIC/Euro26), university cafeterias, and second‑hand markets

• Share housing and batch‑cook meals; watch winter utility usage

• Register your address; some municipalities offer transport benefits to registered residents (check local rules)

• Tap university libraries, makerspaces, and software licenses instead of buying new

Emergency and Hardship Support

• Contact your university’s student support or welfare office for short‑term hardship grants or food/housing advice

• Speak with your programme coordinator early if you anticipate difficulties meeting tuition deadlines

• Many faculties can arrange temporary solutions (installments, deadline extensions) when informed in advance

Special Situations

• Doctoral candidates: Funding often comes via employment contracts with salary/social benefits rather than classic scholarships

• Students with families: Explore larger housing options early; check childcare availability and costs in your city

• Disabilities/health needs: Contact student services to discuss adjustments, accessible housing, and any relevant grants

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming a tuition waiver includes a living stipend—confirm coverage and renewal conditions

• Missing early scholarship deadlines or separate application forms

• Relying on informal promises; always get award details in writing

• Underestimating initial costs (visa/TRP fees, deposits, travel, first month’s rent, insurance)

Helpful Links

• Study in Estonia (funding overview): studyinestonia.ee/scholarships

• Education and Youth Board (Harno): harno.ee/en

• Police and Border Guard Board (visa/TRP): politsei.ee/en

• Erasmus+ (EU funding): erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

• Work in Estonia (jobs): workinestonia.com

• Tax and Customs Board: emta.ee/eng

Final Reminders

Start early, track all deadlines, and confirm the exact coverage and conditions of every award. Use university housing and finance offices, career centres, and international offices as your first point of contact. Keep copies of all documents and align your visa/TRP financial proof with your funding plan. With a well‑mixed package of waivers, stipends, work, and smart budgeting, studying in Estonia can be financially manageable and rewarding.