Thinking about studying in Estonia? You don't need to figure everything out at once. This guide takes you from choosing a degree to submitting your application, accepting an offer and preparing to move.
Estonian universities set their own admission requirements. Some use DreamApply; others have their own application systems. The first step is finding the right programme and following its official instructions.
Understand your study options
Finishing secondary school? Look at bachelor's degrees. Already have a bachelor's degree? Explore master's programmes. If you need to improve your language skills or academic preparation, a preparatory course may help — but check which degree it prepares you for and whether you must apply again afterwards.
Start with Study in Estonia, then open the programme page on the university's own website. That's where you'll find the requirements that actually apply to you.
Check your study and entry options early
Before spending money on applications or tuition, check three separate things: whether the university accepts your qualifications, what visa or residence rules apply to you, and whether you can enter Estonia for your studies.
Your citizenship, country of residence and any existing residence permit can affect the process. Some applicants face additional restrictions. If you have more than one citizenship, check the rules relevant to each passport and your actual situation.
Start with the Estonian MFA's official visa-application restrictions and guidance from the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA). University admission is not the same as permission to enter or live in Estonia. Check your route before making a large non-refundable payment.
Choose a university and programme
Compare programmes, not just university names. Look at the subjects you'll study, teaching language, degree, duration, tuition fees, city, admission requirements and scholarship options.
Shortlist a few realistic choices. Save each programme's official page and application deadline. A backup choice is useful if your first application is unsuccessful.
If you're considering a foundation or language course, check who provides it, what you can progress to, whether progression is automatic or requires a separate selection, and what residence arrangements apply during the course.
Check requirements and deadlines
Each programme has its own rules. You may need specific school subjects, grades, language scores, an interview, entrance exam or portfolio. Master's programmes may also require a related previous degree or particular credits.
Still at school? Check whether you can apply with your current grades and submit your final certificate later. Confirm the exact deadline for the final document.
Start preparing several months before applications open if you need a language test, translations or references. Deadlines may differ between applicant groups, so use the date shown for your programme and circumstances.
Prepare your documents
Common documents include a passport, school certificate or degree, transcripts and proof of language skills. Some programmes also ask for a motivation letter, CV, references or portfolio.
Foreign documents may need a translation, apostille, legalisation or qualification assessment. Check the university's instructions and, where relevant, Harno ENIC/NARIC.
Make sure every scan is readable, your name matches your passport and your files meet the upload limits. Keep the originals available if the university requests them.
Language tests: For English-taught degrees, check which tests are accepted, minimum overall and component scores, validity and possible exemptions. Don't book a test until you know it meets your programme's requirements. Estonian-taught degrees have their own language rules.
Submit your application
Open your chosen programme's official website and find Apply or Admissions. Follow the application link shown there. It may lead to DreamApply Estonia or to the university's own system.
The image comes from the University of Tartu’s official tutorial. The original screenshot is dated 2022 and the tutorial was updated in 2025, so the interface may differ.
- Create an account with an email address you check regularly.
- Enter your personal and education details exactly as shown in your documents.
- Upload the requested files and complete any programme-specific questions.
- Review your application and pay the application fee if required.
- Submit the application and save the confirmation and application number.
A saved draft is not a submitted application. If you reopen an application to make changes, check whether you need to submit it again.
Plan your budget and funding
Include more than tuition: application fees, tests, translations, visa or residence costs, travel, housing deposit, rent, food, transport and insurance.
Make two budgets: money needed before departure and costs for your first academic year. Check payment deadlines and refund rules before paying a deposit.
For scholarships, start with your university's funding page and Harno. Check eligibility, deadlines and what the award actually covers. Don't count on a scholarship until it has been confirmed.
- Item
- Application fee
- Current amount
- €0–120
- Scope and official source
- Per university application; non-refundable. Check the university’s exact fee. Study in Estonia, checked 12 November 2026.
- Item
- Long-stay D visa fee
- Current amount
- €120; €60 for children aged 6–11
- Scope and official source
- Standard D visa state fee; exemptions may apply. Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, checked 12 November 2026.
- Item
- Financial means for study
- Current amount
- €880 per month
- Scope and official source
- Threshold for a long-stay D visa for study — not a living-cost estimate or a residence-permit threshold. Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, checked 12 November 2026.
Important distinction: Proof of financial means for a visa is not a government fee or a reliable estimate of your monthly living costs. Check the current official amount for the immigration route that applies to you.
Understand the university's decision
After submitting, check your email, spam folder and application account. The university may request extra documents, an interview or a test.
A conditional offer means the university is willing to admit you once you meet stated conditions — for example, sending your final diploma or language result. Check every condition and deadline.
An unconditional offer means the academic admission conditions have been met. You may still need to accept the offer and complete payment or administrative steps.
If you're waitlisted, follow the university's instructions. If you're rejected, check your other shortlisted programmes and remaining deadlines.
Accept your place
Follow the acceptance instructions and deadline in your offer. If the decision arrives through DreamApply, use the relevant offer section; if it comes through a university portal, follow that portal's instructions.
Before accepting or paying, check the programme, outstanding conditions, tuition schedule, refund policy and start date. Save your admission letter and payment records. Accepting a place does not automatically complete your visa or residence process.
Arrange your visa or residence documents
Once your place is confirmed, prepare the documents needed for your stay. The process depends on your citizenship, existing status and study duration. EU/EEA students and students from outside the EU do not necessarily follow the same procedure.
For some non-EU students, a long-stay D visa or a residence permit for study may be relevant. Check the correct route and application location with the MFA and PPA.
In some locations, applications are submitted through VFS Global. Use that service only when the relevant Estonian representation officially directs you there. VFS Global receives applications; it does not decide whether a visa is granted.
Get ready to move
Start with the university's accommodation options, then compare private rentals if needed. Check the full monthly cost, utilities, deposit, contract length and cancellation terms. Admission does not automatically include a dormitory room.
Before travelling, confirm your travel documents, insurance, housing, arrival instructions and orientation dates. After arrival, follow the university's and relevant authorities' registration instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply straight after school? Yes, for bachelor's programmes, provided your qualification meets the programme's requirements.
Do I always need IELTS? No. Universities may accept other tests or alternative evidence. Check the exact programme rules.
Does every university use DreamApply? No. Always use the application link on the official programme page.
Can I apply to several universities? Often yes, subject to each university's rules, deadlines and fees.
Does an admission offer mean the visa is approved? No. Admission and permission to enter or live in Estonia are separate decisions.
Are scholarships available? Yes, but eligibility and coverage depend on the specific scholarship and programme.
Your checklist
Before applying: Choose programmes; check entry and residence rules; confirm deadlines, requirements and language tests; prepare documents; plan your budget; find the official application link.
After applying: Save your confirmation; monitor email and your account; respond to university requests.
After admission: Accept your place; meet any remaining conditions; arrange the required visa or residence documents; organise housing and travel.
Ready to get started?
StudyRoute helps you compare programmes and plan your next steps.
You can also browse all universities or check the visa route.
