Applications for the 2026 academic year are now open
Applications to Estonian universities for the 2026 academic year are now open for international students. Applicants can choose from a wide range of English-taught Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes across different fields of study.
European Commission highlights Estonia as a valued destination for international students
According to an overview by the European Commission, international students in Estonia report very high satisfaction with their study experience. Nearly all students surveyed (95%) said they chose Estonia because they believed studying here would positively impact their future careers.
Estonia is recognised for its high-quality education system, advanced digital infrastructure and safe living environment. International students are drawn to the country for its innovative study programmes, close cooperation between universities and industry, and a clear and transparent application process.
Source: European Commission
More international students choosing Estonia
Growing international interest in Estonia as a study destination is also reflected in independent media coverage. According to a recent report by ERR News, the number of international students enrolling in Estonian universities continues to rise, with students arriving from countries such as Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Finland and India.
The report highlights that popular fields of study among international students include business, humanities, arts and information and communication technologies (ICT). At the University of Tartu, more than 1400 international students were enrolled in the previous academic year, making it one of the largest international student communities in the country.
Source: ERR News
Growing interest among diaspora Estonians
International interest in Estonian higher education is also increasing among diaspora Estonians. Another report by ERR News highlights that universities are seeing growing interest from young people with Estonian roots who choose to return to Estonia to earn their degrees.
The article features the story of Liam Ivanko Kivirist, an Estonian-American student who moved to Estonia after the COVID-19 pandemic and is now completing an Estonian-language Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity engineering at Tallinn University of Technology. After initially planning a short stay, he decided to remain in Estonia, combining his studies with work in the cyber defence field.
Education officials estimate that there are tens of thousands of young people of Estonian descent living abroad who could potentially be interested in studying in Estonia. During the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 4,300 international students from 125 countries studied at Estonian universities, including nearly 100 students of Estonian descent.
Source: ERR News | Diaspora Estonians increasingly drawn to higher education in homeland | News | ERR
Watch & listen: Studying in Estonia
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Topics include:
- choosing Estonia as a study destination
- admissions and application tips
- student life and academic culture
- combining studies with work opportunities
What can you apply for?
Applications are open for programmes at different levels of study, including:
Doctoral programmes in areas such as computer science, engineering and technology
(Many PhD positions are offered without tuition fees)
- Master’s programmes in fields including IT, business, engineering, social sciences, health sciences, languages and culture
- Bachelor’s programmes, including business administration, science and technology, and aviation-related studies
Programmes are offered by Estonian higher education institutions such as the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology and Estonian Aviation Academy.
Application deadlines
Applications are open for programmes at different levels of study, including:
- Some PhD programmes close already in January or February.
- Most Master’s programmes have deadlines in March.
- Bachelor’s programme deadlines usually fall between April and May.
Please note that all deadlines are based on Estonian time (EET / EEST). We strongly recommend starting your application early to allow enough time to prepare documents and meet programme-specific requirements.
How to apply
The application process is straightforward:
- Search for a suitable programme.
- Review the admission requirements.
- Submit your application online via the application system linked to the programme.
Browse available programmes and start your application: Find programmes