The Republic of Estonia Government Scholarships 2025 offer international students the opportunity to pursue Master’s, and PhD studies, as well as participate in short-term programs like summer and winter schools in Estonia. These scholarships are funded by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research and administered by the Education and Youth Board.
Foreign students can apply for Republic of Estonia Government Scholarships to study at Estonian universities in the 2025/2026 academic year as degree or exchange students. For Bachelor’s studies, scholarships are primarily available for fields related to the Estonian language and culture. The application deadline for summer and winter school scholarships is April 16, 2025. Applications for degree and exchange studies are expected to open in May 2025.
University/Institutions:
- Funded by: Estonian Ministry of Education and Research and the Education and Youth Board.
- Host Country: Estonia
- Degree Level: Short Programs, Master’s, PhD
- Duration:
- Short courses (1–4 weeks)
- Master’s: 1–2 years,
- PhD: 3–4 years
Types of Republic of Estonia Government Scholarships
- Scholarships for participation in summer and winter schools
- Grant for researchers and academic staff
- Scholarship for degree and exchange study in Estonia
Study Areas:
Scholarships are available for a variety of study areas, including but not limited to:
- Estonian language and culture
- Information Technology
- Media
- International Relations
- Engineering
- Arts and Design
Host Universities & Sample Courses for Summer and Winter Schools
- University of Tartu:
- Synthetic Biology and its Applications
- Computational Immunology
- Self-driving Cars
- Estonian Summer Courses
- Semiotics, Technology and Society
- Tallinn University:
- Game Development & Gamification
- Global Norms & World Order
- Storytelling in Marketing
- Estonian Language
- Tallinn University of Technology:
- Secure e-Governance
- Estonian Business School:
- Digitalisation and Sustainability
Republic of Estonia Government Scholarships Benefits:
Scholarships for Degree and Exchange Studies
- Available for both exchange and degree students.
- Exchange studies: Max 10 months of funding/year; min duration 1 month.
- Bachelor’s and Master’s: €350 per month.
- PhD students: €660 per month.
Scholarships for Summer and Winter Schools
- Covers course fee up to €700 (one course per applicant).
- Covers accommodation up to €25 per night, for a max of 4 weeks.
Grant for Researchers and Academic Staff
- Short-term grant (1–9 days): €45 per day.
- Long-term grant (10 days–10 months): €660 per month.
Benefits Not Included:
While the scholarship covers many expenses, it does not include:
- Personal expenses beyond the provided stipend.
- Additional travel costs not covered by the travel grant.
Eligibilities for Republic of Estonia Government Scholarships:
- Be citizens of eligible countries (specific country lists are available on the official website).
- For degree studies:
- Hold the necessary academic qualifications for the chosen program.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (usually English).
- For summer and winter schools:
- Be enrolled in a higher education institution abroad and have completed at least one year of studies by the time of application
Scholarships for Degree and Exchange Studies
- To continue receiving the scholarship: students must complete 75% of required credits.
- Awarding a scholarship does not guarantee admission—applicants must secure admission separately.
- No coverage for other expenses (e.g., travel, insurance, books).
Scholarships for Summer and Winter Schools
- Payment made directly to the university by the Estonian agency.
- Accommodation arranged or reimbursed by the university organizing the course.
Grant for Researchers and Academic Staff
- Grant covers stay in Estonia based on confirmation letter dates.
- Grantee must stay in Estonia during the funded period.
- Stay must be within the academic year after application deadline.
Eligible Countries
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Cyprus
- Egypt
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Great Britain
- Greece
- Hungary
- India
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Mexico
- Moldova
- People’s Republic of China
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Republic of Korea
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United States of America
Required Documents:
Summer and Winter Schools
- Filled application form and motivation letter
- Confirmation from your home university (includes study level, program duration, and academic progress)
- Confirmation from host university (about the specific course) – can be emailed
- Copy of passport or ID card
- All documents must be in English or Estonian (or officially translated)
Important Notes:
- You must first register and be accepted into the summer/winter course before applying.
- Send your complete application to: rvo.dokumendid@harno.ee
- Application period: March 17 – April 16, 2025 (23:59 Estonian time)
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Results announced in June.
Scholarships for Degree & Exchange Student
- Filled application form with a motivation letter
- Copy of passport or ID card
- Letter of admission from the Estonian university
- Documents must be in English or Estonian (or translated)
Key Rules:
- You must be admitted to an Estonian university before applying.
- Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Send all documents via email as scanned copies.
Grants for Researchers & Academic Staff
- Formal application form
- Academic CV (preferably in EUROPASS format)
- Letter of confirmation from the Estonian host institution (including employment period)
Reminders:
- The Education and Youth Board evaluates all submissions.
- You must arrange your hosting agreement before applying.
- Send documents via email to: rvo.dokumendid@harno.ee
Republic of Estonia Government Scholarships Application Process:
To apply for the scholarship:
- Choose Your Program: Research and select a suitable program at an Estonian university
- Secure Admission: Apply to the chosen institution and obtain an admission confirmation.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents as specified.
- Submit Application: For summer and winter schools, submit your application to [email protected] between March 17 and April 16, 2025. For degree studies, application details will be announced in May 2025.
- Await Results: Scholarship decisions are typically announced a few months after the application deadline.
Ensure all documents are complete and submitted before the deadline.
Tips for a Successful Application
Crafting a strong application increases your chances of winning the scholarship. Here are some practical tips:
- Start early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin gathering your documents and researching programs as soon as possible.
- Follow the guidelines: Stick to the official instructions and ensure your documents meet the formatting and language requirements.
- Write a compelling motivation letter: Clearly explain why you chose Estonia, your academic goals, and how the program fits your future plans.
- Showcase relevant experience: Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and work experience that align with the chosen field.
- Get strong recommendations: Choose referees who know your academic work well and can write a detailed and personalized letter.
- Proofread everything: Spelling and grammar errors can hurt your credibility, so have someone review your application before submitting.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Estonia
Estonia offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western European countries. On average, international students spend around €300 to €500 per month on basic living expenses. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Accommodation: €100–€300 (shared dormitories are cheaper)
- Food: €100–€150
- Transportation: €10–€20 (public transport is often free for students in some cities like Tallinn)
- Miscellaneous: €50–€100 (books, leisure, mobile, etc.)
Careful budgeting can make student life in Estonia both comfortable and manageable.
Why Should You Choose This Opportunity?
Choosing the Republic of Estonia Government Scholarships opens the door to a top-tier European education in a tech-savvy, innovative country. Estonia is known for its digital society, safe environment, and high-quality education system. The scholarship covers major costs, making it an attractive opportunity for international students. Plus, studying in Estonia gives you a chance to explore Europe while gaining an internationally recognized degree. It’s more than just a scholarship — it’s a chance to grow both academically and personally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for the scholarship before securing university admission?
A: No. You must first receive an admission offer from an Estonian institution before applying for the scholarship.
Q2: Do I need to know Estonian to study there?
A: Not necessarily. Many programs, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels, are offered in English.
Q3: Can I apply for more than one scholarship program?
A: Yes, but you must meet the eligibility criteria for each and submit separate applications if required.
Q4: Is work allowed during studies?
A: Yes, international students can work part-time in Estonia without needing a separate work permit.
Q5: What happens if I drop out or fail my studies?
A: You may be required to repay the scholarship, depending on the terms set by the funding body.
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Official Link for More Details and Application
For full details and to apply, please visit the official page:
