Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, alongside the Education and Youth Board, provides scholarships for foreign nationals as part of the Estonian Scholarship Programme initiated in 2016. The 2026 application cycle is now open, offering funded opportunities for Master’s, PhD, and summer programs aimed at academically strong candidates. Scholarships cover study support, research grants, and summer school fees, enhancing Estonia’s appeal as a destination for global talent.
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Application Deadlines:
- Summer Schools & Research/Academic Staff Grants: 1 April – 1 May 2026 (23:59 Estonian time)
- Degree & Exchange Study Scholarships (2026/27): 2 September – 1 October 2026 (23:59 Estonian time)
Tell Me About The Scholarships:
The Estonian Ministry of Education and Research and the Education and Youth Board offer scholarships to international students, researchers, and academic staff under bilateral agreements. These scholarships support participation in summer schools, research activities, and formal degree or exchange studies in Estonia.
Which Fields are Eligible?
- Summer Schools: Estonian language & culture, IT, media, international relations, entrepreneurship, creative industries, data science, biology, neuromarketing, robotics, sustainability, and more.
- Researchers/Academic Staff: Research, teaching, and collaboration at Estonian higher education institutions.
- Degree & Exchange Studies:
- Master’s & PhD: All fields.
- Bachelor’s: Only fields related to Estonian language and culture.
Type:
- International Scholarships | Summer Schools | Research Grants | Degree & Exchange Study
Who can Apply?
- Summer Schools: BA, MA, PhD students enrolled at least one year in a foreign university.
- Researchers/Academic Staff: Must hold an academic position (professor, lecturer, research fellow, etc.) at a foreign institution.
- Degree & Exchange Studies: Foreign students admitted to Estonian HEIs.
- BA: Estonian language/culture fields only.
- MA/PhD: All fields.
- PhD students with active junior researcher contracts in Estonia are not eligible.
- Note: Citizens of Russia and Belarus are not eligible for 2026/27.
How are Candidates Selected?
- Based on academic merit, programme relevance, and compliance with eligibility criteria.
- Highly competitive: historically only ~10% of applicants succeed for degree/exchange scholarships.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Summer Schools & Research Grants: Global eligibility (except Russia & Belarus).
- Degree & Exchange Studies: Applicants from listed countries including Armenia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Philippines, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, etc.
Where will the Scholarship be Taken?
- Estonian universities and institutions of higher education.
How Many Awards?
- Not specified; depends on available funding and applicant pool.
What is the Benefit of the Scholarship?
- Summer Schools: Covers participation fees (including online courses), accommodation, and living costs.
- Researchers/Academic Staff: Covers research, teaching, collaboration costs at Estonian HEIs.
- Degree & Exchange Studies: Tuition fee coverage and living support (depending on programme).
How Long Will the Scholarship Last?
- Summer Schools: 1–4 weeks (short courses).
- Researchers/Academic Staff: Duration of research/teaching activity (flexible).
- Degree & Exchange Studies: Full academic year (renewable depending on programme).
Required Documents:
- Completed application form (Word format, unsigned).
- Academic transcripts/certificates.
- Proof of enrolment/admission.
- Passport/ID.
- Additional documents depending on programme (birth certificate, testimonials, etc.).
How to Apply:
- Summer Schools & Researchers/Academic Staff:
- Download and complete the relevant application form (Appendix 1 or 2).
- Submit via email to [email protected] by 1 May 2026.
- Degree & Exchange Studies:
- Submit application with admission confirmation to [email protected] between 2 September – 1 October 2026.
- Title email: “Scholarship for degree and exchange study in Estonia”.
Contact:
- Liis Uulman, Senior Specialist, Scholarships and Grants Office
- Tel: +372 5917 2251
- Email: [email protected]
