2026 Government of Estonia Scholarship (Degree & Exchange Program)

The Government of Estonia Scholarship provides financial support to international students seeking to pursue degree or exchange programs in Europe.

Funded by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research and the Education and Youth Board, this scholarship provides selected candidates with a monthly living stipend. Because tuition is free for all higher education programs in Estonia, this scholarship effectively provides a fully funded study abroad experience.

Here is everything you need to know about the Estonia Degree and Exchange Scholarship, along with a step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

 Scholarship at a Glance

• Host Country: Estonia (Europe)
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, & Short-term Exchange
• Rewards: Full Tuition Coverage, Living Stipend, Accommodation, Travel Costs & Health Insurance
• Language Requirement: No IELTS Required
• Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 (23:59 Estonian Time)

 Program Details

The Estonian Ministry of Education and Research offers scholarships to foreign nationals based on bilateral intergovernmental or inter-ministerial agreements. Since 2016, these agreements have fallen under the broader Estonian Scholarship Programme for international students, researchers, and academic staff.

The program is designed to support:

1. Long-term Study: Foreign bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students who have completed at least one year of study at their home university (including former study levels).
2. Short-term Study: International students participating in summer and winter schools at Estonian universities.

 Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Estonia Degree and Exchange Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

For Degree Students:

• Undergraduate Level: Applicants must be pursuing fields related to the Estonian language or culture.
• Master’s & Doctoral Levels: Applicants from all fields of study are eligible.

For Exchange Students:

• Applicants must currently be enrolled in a recognized higher education institution in their home country.
• The scholarship covers the exchange study period in Estonia for up to 10 calendar months per year.

Scholarship Benefits

The benefits of the scholarship vary slightly depending on whether you are a degree/exchange student or a summer/winter school attendee:

For Degree & Exchange Students:

• Tuition: Fully covered (as higher education is free in Estonia).
• Living Stipend: A monthly allowance to cover living expenses.
• Additional Support: Coverage for accommodation, travel costs, and health insurance.

For Summer/Winter School Participants:

• Course Fees: Up to €700 (covers one course per applicant).
• Accommodation: Up to €25 per night for a maximum of 4 weeks.
• Note: Funds for short-term schools are transferred directly to the hosting Estonian university, which then arranges the accommodation or disburses the funds to the student.

 Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents in English or Estonian (translations are required if the originals are in another language):

1. Completed Application Form (Downloadable via the application link below).
2. Motivation Letter outlining your academic goals and reasons for choosing Estonia.
3. Valid Identification (A copy of your passport or national ID).
4. Confirmation of Admission from an accredited Estonian higher education institution. (Applications without this will not be processed).

 How to Apply (Step-by-Step Process)

The application portal opens on April 1, 2026. To apply for the 2026 Government of Estonia Scholarship, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Secure Admission Apply for and receive an official admission letter from an Estonian higher education institution. You cannot apply for the scholarship without this.
• Step 2: Gather Your Documents Download the scholarship application form and collect your motivation letter, ID, and admission letter. Ensure all documents are scanned clearly.
• Step 3: Submit via Email Between April 1st and May 1st, 2026, send your completed application form and all attached documents via email to: rvo.dokumendid@harno.ee
• Step 4: Await Results Ensure all paper-signed documents are submitted as high-quality scans. Incomplete or late applications will be automatically disqualified.

Important Reminder: The deadline is strictly May 1, 2026 (23:59, Estonian Time). Do not wait until the last minute to apply.