The Estonia Government Scholarships Programme, sponsored by the Ministry of Education and Research together with the Education and Youth Board, offers a range of fully funded opportunities for international students, researchers, and academic staff. These scholarships are provided under bilateral intergovernmental agreements and are designed to boost academic and research excellence in Estonia.
This comprehensive programme supports various academic paths—from full degree studies at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels to short-term summer and winter schools. Whether you are a student looking to further your education or a researcher eager to collaborate with Estonian institutions, these scholarships can help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
Applicants should note that, in line with current policies, submissions from candidates who are citizens of the Russian Federation or Belarus will not be accepted for the 2024/2025 academic year. The program emphasizes academic merit and international collaboration, providing full funding for tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and research or participation grants.
With multiple opportunities available—including grants for researchers, scholarships for degree and exchange studies, and support for short-term academic programmes—this initiative is tailored to foster global teamwork and promote top-tier learning across Estonia’s esteemed higher education institutions.
Program Details
- Host Institutions: Partner universities in Estonia.
- Eligible For: International students, researchers, and academic staff
- Study Levels: Bachelor’s (for Estonian language/culture), Master’s, PhD, and Exchange Studies
- Scholarship Types: Full scholarships covering tuition, living stipends, travel grants, research funds, and participation in seasonal academic programmes
- Target Group: Open to citizens of all nationalities.
Estonia Government Scholarships Benefits
The Estonian Scholarship Programme is designed to cover all essential academic expenses, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience in Estonia. Awardees can expect:
- Tuition Fee Coverage: Full payment of tuition fees for the duration of your study programme.
- Living Stipend: Regular financial support to cover everyday living costs.
- Travel Grants: Funding to help cover international travel expenses, including return tickets.
- Accommodation Support: Assistance with securing affordable housing during your studies.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for the entire study or research period.
- Seasonal Programme Funding: Extra funds to cover course fees for short-term summer or winter schools.
Estonia Government Scholarships Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Estonian Scholarship Programme must fulfill the following requirements based on the specific category:
- General Eligibility: Open to foreign nationals under the terms of bilateral agreements (applications from Russian Federation and Belarus citizens are not accepted for 2024/2025).
- For Summer and Winter Schools: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students who have been enrolled in their home institutions for at least one year.
- For Grants for Researchers/Academic Staff: Must hold an academic position (e.g., professor, lecturer, researcher) at a recognized foreign university.
- For Degree and Exchange Studies: Applicants must be enrolled or admitted to a higher education institution in Estonia for the 2025/2026 academic year. Bachelor’s applicants are eligible only in fields related to Estonian language and culture, while Master’s applicants can pursue any subject.
How to Apply for the Estonia Government Scholarships
The application process is conducted online. Please follow the instructions below based on your chosen category:
- Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for your respective category (degree/exchange studies, summer/winter schools, or grants for researchers/academic staff).
- Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- For all categories, prepare a complete set of documents including your application form, CV, academic records, proof of language proficiency, recommendation letters, and any other required certificates. Documents must be in English or Estonian, with translations provided if necessary.
- Step 3: Submit Your Application
- For Summer/Winter Schools and Grants for Researchers/Academic Staff: Email your completed application form and supporting documents to [email protected] by April 16, 2025 (23:59 Estonian time).
- For Degree and Exchange Studies: Applications will be accepted online starting one month before the announced deadline in May 2025. Follow the instructions on the official application portal for your category.
Be sure to submit your application by the respective deadlines. Incomplete or late submissions will not be processed.
All applications are reviewed by the Education and Youth Board of Estonia, which is responsible for evaluating the submissions and disbursing the scholarship funds. The board will transfer the scholarship payments to the host university within 21 days of finalizing the contracts.
For any questions regarding the application process, document requirements, or specific scholarship categories, please contact Senior Programme Officer Tiiu Tuisk at [email protected] or call +372 5474 0155.
Application Periods:
- Summer and Winter Schools: March 17 – April 16, 2025
- Grants for Researchers/Academic Staff: March 17 – April 16, 2025
- Degree and Exchange Studies: Details announced in May 2025
The application deadline is . For further details on the Estonia Government Scholarship program, please visit the official scholarship website. To be the first to see latest opportunities, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.