Estonian National Scholarship Programme for International Students

Overview

The Estonian National Scholarship Programme is a government-funded award that helps international students cover living costs while studying at higher education institutions in Estonia. It is run by the Estonian Education and Youth Board (Harno) under the Ministry of Education and Research, and it pays a monthly stipend during your study period rather than covering tuition or other expenses.

The programme is open to students at three levels, but the rules differ by level. Bachelor's applicants can only apply if they study fields connected to Estonian language and culture. Master's and Doctoral students can apply across all fields. The scholarship is aimed at citizens of designated partner countries that Estonia cooperates with, and for the 2026/27 cycle citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus are not eligible.

This is a competitive programme. Harno reports that only around 10% of applicants receive the scholarship each year, so a complete application backed by a confirmed admission offer matters a great deal. If you are heading to Estonia and want predictable monthly support that you do not have to repay, this is one of the main national routes to look at.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a confirmed admission or enrolment at an Estonian higher education institution. Bachelor's applicants can only apply in fields related to Estonian language and culture, and from the second year onward must study full-time. Master's and Doctoral applicants can come from any field. Doctoral applicants cannot hold an active junior-researcher employment contract with an Estonian institution.

Nationality Requirements

The programme is for citizens of Estonia's designated partner countries, a list of roughly 35 nations that includes countries such as Armenia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, South Korea, Ukraine and the United States. For the 2026/27 cycle, applications from citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus are not accepted. Check the current country list on Harno's page before you apply, since it can change year to year.

Language Requirements

The programme itself does not set a separate language test. Your language requirements come from the study programme you are admitted to. All documents you submit to Harno must be in English or Estonian.

Other Requirements

Exchange students need a study period longer than one month to qualify. Degree students typically receive 12 months of support per year, except in the final year when support is for 10 months. Exchange students receive a maximum of 10 calendar months of support per year.

What the Scholarship Covers

• A monthly stipend of EUR 350 for Bachelor's and Master's students.
• A monthly stipend of EUR 660 for Doctoral students.
• Support paid across the study period (12 months for degree students, 10 months in the final year).
• For summer school participants only, accommodation and course fees may be covered.
• It does not cover tuition fees, travel, insurance or other living costs beyond the stipend.

How to Apply

1. Secure admission first. Get a confirmed offer or enrolment at an Estonian higher education institution, since the scholarship requires proof of your study place.
2. Check the country list. Confirm your nationality is among the designated partner countries for the current cycle and that no exclusion applies to you.
3. Download the application form. Use the official Word application form from the Harno page. An unsigned form is accepted.
4. Gather your documents. Prepare your passport or ID copy and an institutional confirmation letter in English or Estonian.
5. Submit by email. Send your complete application to the email address listed on the Harno page within the 2 September to 1 October window, before 23:59 Estonian time on the deadline day.
6. Wait for results. Decisions are announced by 1 December. Incomplete applications or those missing the institutional confirmation are rejected.

Required Documents

• Completed application form (Word format; unsigned is acceptable).
• A copy of your passport or national ID card.
• An institutional confirmation letter verifying your admission status, study level, curriculum, and study start and end dates.
• All documents in English or Estonian.

Key Dates & Deadlines

The application window runs each year from 2 September to 1 October, closing at 23:59 Estonian time on 1 October. Results are announced by 1 December, ahead of the spring semester and the following academic year. Because the window is short and tied to a confirmed admission, line up your study place well before September.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Confirm your admission early so your institutional letter is ready before the window opens.
• Double-check that your field qualifies, especially Bachelor's applicants who must be in Estonian language or culture studies.
• Make sure every document is in English or Estonian and clearly readable.
• Submit a few days before the deadline to avoid email or time-zone problems.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sending an incomplete application or leaving out the institutional confirmation letter, which leads to automatic rejection.
• Applying as a Bachelor's student in a field unrelated to Estonian language and culture.
• Applying as a doctoral candidate while holding an active junior-researcher contract with an Estonian institution.
• Missing the 23:59 Estonian-time cutoff because of your local time difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Estonian National Scholarship Programme pay?

It pays EUR 350 per month for Bachelor's and Master's students and EUR 660 per month for Doctoral students. Other costs are not covered.

Does the Estonian National Scholarship Programme cover tuition fees?

No. The programme provides a monthly living stipend only. It does not pay tuition, travel or insurance, except that summer school participants may receive accommodation and course fees.

Who is eligible for the Estonian National Scholarship Programme?

Foreign Bachelor's students in Estonian language and culture fields, plus Master's and Doctoral students in all fields, who are citizens of Estonia's designated partner countries and have admission to an Estonian institution.

Can Bachelor's students apply for the Estonian National Scholarship Programme?

Yes, but only in fields related to Estonian language and culture. From the second year, Bachelor's recipients must study full-time.

When is the Estonian National Scholarship Programme deadline?

Applications are open from 2 September to 1 October each year, closing at 23:59 Estonian time. Results are announced by 1 December.

Are Russian and Belarusian citizens eligible for the Estonian National Scholarship Programme?

For the 2026/27 cycle, applications from citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus are not accepted.

How competitive is the Estonian National Scholarship Programme?

It is highly competitive. Harno reports that only about 10% of applicants receive the scholarship each year, so a complete, well-documented application is important.

How do I apply for the Estonian National Scholarship Programme?

You download the official Word application form, attach your passport or ID copy and an institutional confirmation letter, and email the package to the address listed on Harno's page within the application window.

What documents do I need for the Estonian National Scholarship Programme?

You need the application form, a copy of your passport or ID, and a confirmation letter from your institution stating your admission, study level, curriculum and study dates, all in English or Estonian.

How long does the Estonian National Scholarship Programme support last?

Degree students usually receive 12 months of support per year, dropping to 10 months in the final year. Exchange students receive up to 10 calendar months per year and must study for longer than one month.

Can doctoral candidates with a junior-researcher contract apply for the Estonian National Scholarship Programme?

No. Doctoral applicants cannot hold an active junior-researcher employment contract with an Estonian higher education institution.

Is the Estonian National Scholarship Programme repayable?

No. It is a government scholarship paid as a stipend and does not have to be repaid.