Scholarship for degree and exchange study in Estonia

Scholarship for degree and exchange study in Estonia

You will receive a monthly living allowance to support your studies at a university in Estonia: 350 EUR per month for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and 660 EUR per month for a PhD. The money is intended to cover your living costs; other expenses will not be reimbursed. If you are studying full-time, the grant runs for 12 months per academic year and is reduced to 10 months in the final year. If you are taking part in a short-term exchange, you will receive a grant for the time you actually spend studying in Estonia, ranging from 30 days to 10 months. The grant is awarded by the Estonian Education and Youth Board (Harno) as part of the national grant programme for international students.

Who can apply

• Level: Master’s and PhD programmes are open to students in all departments. A Bachelor’s degree entitles students to study only subjects related to the Estonian language and culture.
• Where you go: You are studying at a university in Estonia, either as a full-time student or as an exchange student.
• Admission: You already have a letter of admission from an Estonian higher education institution for the academic year in question.
• Nationality: You must be a national of one of the eligible countries. The list includes Germany, France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Greece, Turkey, Latvia, Lithuania, China, the USA, the UK, India, Italy, Spain, Ukraine and many other countries. Nationals of Russia and Belarus are not eligible to apply for the 2026/2027 round.
• PhD exception: You are not eligible for the PhD scholarship if you have an employment contract as a junior researcher at an Estonian higher education institution.
• Progress (degree students): To retain your funding, you must complete 75% of your study plan by the end of each year.

How to apply

Applications are submitted once a year by email to the Education and Youth Office. You should send the English application form, a letter of motivation, a copy of your passport or identity card, and your confirmation of enrolment. A selection panel will assess your application, and you will receive the result by email by 1 December.

How realistic are your chances?

Only students from eligible countries who have already been admitted to an Estonian higher education institution may apply; the pool of applicants is therefore limited. The selection committee will assess your personal statement and your application as a whole, with bonus points awarded for applicants from certain countries of origin. A clear, well-reasoned personal statement is crucial. If you meet the criteria and submit a compelling application, your chances are good.