Estonia is one of the best places you can choose to get an international graduate, undergraduate or doctoral degree. It is a country of startups (Hi there Bolt, Wize, Pipedrive and Skype) and technology (don’t get me started on how digital technologies are incorporated into everyday activities to make your life easier), as well as diverse cultures: I happen to have friends from Vietnam, China, Azerbaijan and Serbia. I could go on and on, but I just love how Estonia has become a center of the international experience and cultural diversity in the recent years. One more thing: Estonian nature is beautiful and all around you, even in the city: I have recently witnessed a breathtaking season change, as the leaves go from green to orange. Can’t wait for the snow now! You can see by the picture below how happy I am (I know you can’t see my face, but trust me: I am happy).
Photo: Nkajima Ngewe-Oluka
The next year’s application season is almost upon us, and if you’re just like me, you’ll be overthinking the whole process. But fear not! I have drawn up a checklist to help you prepare for this.
Checklist Number 1: Grab a pen, paper and coffee.
Checklist Number 2: Make sure you have a valid international passport.
Checklist Number 3: If you haven’t decided on a programme yet, now is the time to visit our page, where you can access the list of all international programs of any study level offered by eight universities in Estonia.
Photo: Unsplash
Checklist Number 4: Check when the application season opens and when it closes. Generally, the next application period for the fall intake starts in January. However, be aware of the university-specific deadlines.
Checklist Number 5: Check for the application requirements and know what documents you will have to present. Application fees may differ for each school, whereas questions for motivation letters will differ for each program, especially those offering tuition fee waivers or scholarships. You will likely need to present an internationally-recognized certificate of English proficiency.
Checklist Number 6: Take a passport photograph and make sure it’s a digital copy.
Photo: Unsplash
Checklist Number 7: Write a clear, well-structured motivation letter. What exactly makes you the best candidate for this program? I know you feel a little bit nervous about this. So did I! The best way to deal with it is to write it as soon as possible: the earlier you start preparing your application, the better.
Checklist Number 8: Make digital copies of all documents you will submit.
Checklist Number 9: When applications start, you have to open a DreamApply account to initiate the application process and submit the digital copies of your documents to the university. The site is intuitive once you access it, but you can already get acquainted with it.
Screenshot: Dreamapply
Checklist Number 10: Go through checklists 1-9 and be sure you have everything!
All of the above covers each step of your application and if that’s complete and ready, congratulations! You beat anxiety and are prepared to apply. Woohoo! If you have questions or need to talk to someone who has already gone through the process, send us an email and we will be happy to help with some more information: studentambassadors@studyinestonia.ee.
Good luck in advance!
Text: Nkajima Ngewe-Oluka