2026 Government of Estonia Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Programs

International students often look for ways to study abroad without high costs. The Government of Estonia Scholarship stands out as a strong option. It helps cover living expenses for degree or exchange studies in Estonia, where tuition is already free at public universities. This program opens doors to quality education in a modern European country.

Scholarship Overview

The Government of Estonia Scholarship targets foreign students through the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research and the Education and Youth Board. It follows international agreements and fits into the broader Estonian Scholarship Programme started in 2016. The program supports bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students who have completed at least one year of prior studies.

Key facts include:

Host Country: Estonia
Levels: Undergraduate, postgraduate, master’s, and PhD
Eligible Countries: Open to all nations
Funding: Full scholarship with a yearly stipend of €9,100 (earlier notes mention €7,920)
IELTS: Not required
Deadline: April 16, 2025

Since tuition is free in Estonia, this scholarship focuses on living costs. It makes studying there affordable for many.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet clear requirements based on their study type.

Degree Students

At undergraduate level, focus on fields tied to Estonian language and culture.
Master’s and PhD levels cover all study areas.
Students need to have finished at least one year at their home university.

Exchange Students

Must be enrolled full-time at a university outside Estonia.
The scholarship funds stays up to 10 months per year.

All candidates apply through Estonian higher education institutions. A confirmation of admission is key.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

This program provides real financial help. For degree and exchange students, expect a monthly stipend to handle living expenses. Amounts reach €9,100 per year, paid directly to support daily needs.

For shorter programs like summer or winter schools:

Course fees up to €700 (one course only).
Accommodation up to €25 per night for no more than four weeks.

The board signs contracts with universities for payments. Some costs go straight to the school, while others reach the student. This setup keeps things simple and direct.

Documents You Need

Prepare these items before applying:

Completed application form (download from the official site).
Motivation letter explaining your goals.
Valid passport or ID.
Admission confirmation from an Estonian university.
Translations for any non-English or non-Estonian documents.

Scan paper-signed forms. Email everything together. Missing admission proof means rejection.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Follow these steps to submit on time.

Visit the Official Page: Go to the scholarships section on the HARNO website at harno.ee/en/scholarships-and-grants.
Apply to an Estonian University: Secure admission first. Contact your chosen school early.
Download the Form: Get the application form from the SharePoint link provided by organizers.
Gather Documents: Collect your motivation letter, ID, admission letter, and translations.
Submit by Email: Send to [email protected]. Attach all files. The window opens March 17, 2025, and closes April 16, 2025, at 23:59 Estonian time.

Check emails often for updates. Late or incomplete applications fail.

Important Dates

Mark your calendar:

Application opens: March 17, 2025
Deadline: April 16, 2025 (23:59 Estonian time)

Apply early to avoid issues. Estonia offers a safe, tech-forward environment with English-taught programs in many fields. This scholarship lets students focus on learning, not money worries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Government of Estonia Scholarship?

It provides a yearly stipend of €9,100 to cover living expenses for international students in degree or exchange programs at Estonian public universities, where tuition is free.

Who can apply for this scholarship?

Degree students need at least one year of prior studies, with undergrads focusing on Estonian language and culture fields; exchange students must be full-time at a non-Estonian university.

What does the scholarship cover?

It offers a monthly stipend up to €9,100 per year for living costs; shorter programs get up to €700 for fees and €25 per night for accommodation.

When is the application deadline?

Applications open on March 17, 2025, and close on April 16, 2025, at 23:59 Estonian time; submit by email with all required documents.