If you wish to come to Estonia as a student, you must be admitted to a(n):
- basic school;
- gymnasium;
- vocational educational institution;
- university or institution of applied higher education;
- institution offering a pre-degree preparatory course; or
- international students’ organisation for the purpose of a training.
You should obtain a residence permit for study.
For shorter periods of time, you will not need a residence permit. However, you should apply for a visa at the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country of origin or residence, unless you are exempt from visa requirements.
Where to apply
| You can apply for a residence permit at the foreign mission of Estonia or in case you are legally staying in Estonia (e.g. with a visa) at the Police and Border Guard Board. | |
| Documents required |
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| Further requirements | You must register your place of residence in the Population Register within a month from the date of your arrival. |
| Duration of validity of permits | A residence permit for study may be granted until the end of the nominal study period but for no longer than the estimated duration of studies. The residence permit for study may be extended until the end of the nominal study period or, if the nominal study period has terminated, until the end of the estimated duration of studies. In case you have been issued a residence permit for study, you have the right to stay in Estonia for 270 days following the expiry date of the period of validity of the residence permit, if the period of validity of the residence permit of the person terminated on the date of expiry. |
| Appeals | Appeals against refusals can be brought to administrative courts within ten days from the date of notification of the decision. |
| Further information | More on residence permits for students |
Employment during studies
| If you have been issued a residence permit as a student, you can work in Estonia without a work permit, on the condition that your employment does not interfere with your studies. | |
| Long-term residence | As a student, you will not be able to apply for long-term residence. The period of the stay in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit for study is taken into account for half in the calculations of the period of stay required for the issuance of a residence permit for a long-term resident if you have been issued a residence permit on another basis later. |
If you have a permit/visa for studies in an EU country and are covered by an EU or multilateral programme or an agreement between universities, you may carry out part of your studies and work (in addition to your studies) in Estonia if you fulfil certain requirements. You may reside and study in Estonia for up to 360 days.
Procedure
Students, who have a valid residence permit or long-term visa for study according to Directive (EU) 2016/801, may study in Estonia for up to 360 days if the student is accepted by an Estonian higher educational institution. Once you are accepted into a university, it is not necessary to inform the Police and Border Guard about your studies in Estonia.
Documents required
You are advised to contact the educational institution in Estonia.
Applicable fee
No
Allowed number of working hours/days
Students, who study in Estonian higher educational institutions, may take employment without prior authorisation and without limit for working hours under the condition that such employment does not interfere with the studies.