Estonia 2016/17 - student fees and grants

National student fee

All full-time students who achieve 30 ECTS per semester and 60 ECTS per year in the Estonian language curriculum can study without paying any fees. Higher education institutions (HEIs) have the right to charge study fees on 1st or 2nd cycle students who obtain fewer credits – on any ECTS missing from a 100 % study load. The maximum cost of one ECTS is EUR 50. Higher fees are made in arts, medicine, veterinary, dentistry (EUR 100) and in aircraft piloting (EUR 120). Exceptions are made for certain groups of students including disabled students, students who are parents or guardians of a child under the age of 7, and parents of a disabled child.

There is no short cycle programme in higher education institutions in Estonia.

HEIs have the right to demand compensation of study costs from part-time students or students studying in other languages than Estonian. 93 % of part time students pay fees.

The same fees apply to international students (non-EU/EEA) as to national students.

Student grants

In general, full-time students are eligible for support. The grant system includes need- and merit-based support. Need-based grants vary from EUR 75 to 220 per month for 10 months per year depending on students and family income. Approximately, 12 % of students receive a need-based. From 2014/15, full-time and part-time students with disabilities and students growing up in care institutions may apply for a higher education scholarship. In the case of disabled students, the scholarship ranges from EUR 60-510 per month.

Students may apply for a merit-based grant of EUR 100 per month based on excellent study results. This is available for 2 % of the student population. A further merit-based grant of EUR 160 per month (1 600 per year) is available to approximately 50 % of full-time students in smart specialisation areas. For computing and information technology curricula, the amount of the grant is EUR 160-300 per month (EUR 1 600-3 000 per year). Part-time students in teacher training programmes can also apply for a speciality grant. Approximately 5 % of all students receive the speciality grant.

Loans

Estonian citizens or persons with a permanent residence permit, studying full-time for nine months or more have the right to obtain a state-guaranteed study loan. The maximum amount is EUR 1 920/academic year, and 8 % of students took such a loan in 2015/16. The interest rate is 5 %. Repayment must start within a year after graduation (except if the student continues studies), and must be completed in double the nominal period of studies, if studies are finished without a qualification, repayment must be done in 1-1.5 the period of studies.

Tax benefit for student's parents

Tax benefits for parents can be obtained for students below 26 and resident in Estonia.

Family allowances

There are no family allowances.