Estonia, a small but highly innovative country in Northern Europe, has become an attractive destination for international students and researchers seeking high-quality education and research opportunities. The Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, in collaboration with the Education and Youth Board, offers a variety of scholarships to foreign nationals. These scholarships are provided under bilateral agreements between Estonia and other countries, and since 2016, they have been offered within the framework of the Estonian Scholarship Programme. The program supports international students, researchers, and academic staff who wish to pursue studies, research, or professional development in Estonia. The scholarships aim to strengthen international collaboration, promote Estonian higher education, and encourage cultural exchange. They are available for a wide range of academic activities, including degree programs, exchange studies, summer schools, and research projects at Estonian institutions. However, applicants from certain countries, such as Russia and Belarus, are not eligible for the 2025/2026 application round due to political considerations. 1. Scholarships for Degree and Exchange Studies One of the most popular opportunities is the Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Study in Estonia, which supports foreign students who want to pursue higher education at Estonian institutions during the 2025/2026 academic year. These scholarships are available for master’s and doctoral studies across all fields, while bachelor’s level scholarships are generally limited to programs related to Estonian language and culture. To apply, students must provide a confirmation letter of admission from an Estonian higher education institution for the relevant academic year. The scholarship application period opens on September 2, 2025, and closes on October 1, 2025, with results announced individually by December 1. Eligible applicants come from countries that have agreements with Estonia, including Canada, Germany, India, France, the United States, and many more. This scholarship covers tuition fees and provides financial support, making it easier for international students to focus entirely on their academic pursuits in Estonia. It is important to note that doctoral students with an active junior researcher employment contract at an Estonian university are not eligible for this specific scholarship. 2. Scholarships for Summer Schools Estonia also supports participation in summer school programs, which typically last one to four weeks. These scholarships are available for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students who have studied at their home universities for at least one year. They can cover courses related to Estonian language and culture, as well as programs in IT, media, international relations, and other fields taught in English. Summer school programs are offered at top Estonian institutions, including the University of Tartu, Tallinn University, Tallinn University of Technology, and the Estonian Business School. For example, students can explore topics such as synthetic biology, computational immunology, gamification, digital services for health behavior change, and secure e-governance. The application period for summer school scholarships in 2025 opens on March 17 and closes on April 16, and all applications should be sent via email to the Estonian Education and Youth Board. Successful applicants may receive financial support to cover participation fees, including some online courses. 3. Grants for Researchers and Academic Staff Estonia also provides grants for foreign researchers and academic staff who wish to engage in teaching, research, or collaboration at Estonian higher education institutions. To be eligible, applicants must hold an academic position at a recognized university abroad, such as professor, associate professor, lecturer, researcher, or assistant. These grants are designed to promote international academic collaboration and strengthen ties between Estonian institutions and universities worldwide. They can be used for conducting research, delivering lectures, mentoring students, or participating in collaborative projects with local colleagues. Postdoctoral research positions are not covered under this grant program, and applications are limited to individuals holding positions at foreign institutions. The application period for research grants also runs from March 17 to April 16, 2025, and all submissions must be sent in Word format via email to the Education and Youth Board. Applications are highly competitive, so candidates are encouraged to prepare detailed research or project proposals to maximize their chances of success. 4. Key Application Guidelines Applicants for any of the Estonian scholarships must adhere to the official requirements: Applications must be submitted in Word format and sent to the designated email address. The application forms cannot be altered or signed; only completed forms will be accepted. Supporting documents should include academic transcripts, confirmation of enrollment or admission, and a detailed study or research plan. Only students from countries listed as eligible by the Estonian Ministry of Education can apply. Because these scholarships are competitive—historically only about 10% of applicants receive funding—students and researchers are advised to explore additional funding options and not rely solely on the Estonian Scholarship Programme. 5. Why Study or Conduct Research in Estonia Estonia is known for its world-class education system, advanced digital infrastructure, and innovative research environment. Universities in Estonia emphasize international collaboration and provide excellent support for foreign students and researchers. The scholarship programs are designed to make Estonia accessible to talented individuals worldwide, while encouraging academic and cultural exchange. For students, Estonia offers opportunities to earn degrees in English, participate in summer schools, and engage with an international community. For researchers and academic staff, the grants provide a platform to collaborate with Estonian colleagues, develop new research skills, and expand professional networks. In summary, the Estonian Scholarship Programme provides a wealth of opportunities for international students, researchers, and academic staff. Whether you are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, attending a summer school, or conducting research in Estonia, these scholarships offer invaluable support to advance your academic and professional journey in one of Europe’s most innovative countries. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this scholar program. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.