Estonian Academy of Arts
About
Estonian Academy of Arts offers 8 English-taught MA programmes — animation, graphic design, interaction design, urban studies and more — from €2,800/year, a fraction of Western European arts-school fees, and accepts IELTS 6.0. An EU-recognised diploma brings full post-study work rights, and Tallinn's private housing runs €300–500/month, far below Berlin or Amsterdam.
Tallinn offers a small-city art scene with galleries, street murals, and a creative student culture scattered across walkable neighbourhoods. The cost of living is roughly €900–1,200 per month—affordable enough to focus on creative work without constant part-time job pressure.
Application deadlines
- September (Master's)Mar 02
All applicants; via DreamApply
- September (Doctoral)Mar 31
PhD programmes
Accommodation
Scholarships
- 🏛Harno degree scholarship
- 🏛Harno short-course grants
- 🏛Estophilus Scholarship
Harno national scholarships open to all CIS/Eastern European students. Apply via harno.ee.
National funding for this destination
Honestly
Why this works
- Estonia is an EU Schengen state — an EU diploma gives full post-study work rights across Europe.
- Tuition is €2,800/year, far below Western European arts schools charging €8,000–15,000.
- IELTS 6.0 minimum is accessible for most CIS applicants with B2 English.
- 8 English-taught MA programmes cover animation, graphic design, interaction design, urban studies and more.
- Tallinn is a compact, walkable capital with private housing at €300–500/month — low cost versus Berlin or Amsterdam.
- EKA is Estonia's only public university specialising exclusively in arts, design and architecture — recognised within creative industries.
What to check
- No university dormitory — students must find private housing independently from day one.
- Portfolio-heavy admissions mean high rejection risk for candidates without focused creative practice.
- The institution is niche; its brand recognition outside creative industries is limited, which can affect visa sponsorship prospects.
- Estonia is a small market: local job opportunities during studies are limited, especially outside Tallinn's startup scene.
- Scholarships are not confirmed — budget planning must rely on tuition plus full living costs without discount assumptions.
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Figures are indicative and change by academic year. Always confirm tuition, deadlines and visa requirements on the official institution and government sources before applying.