Estonia is one of the hidden jewels of higher education. The East-European country has top-ranked universities, affordable tuition fees, and one of the best air quality thanks to its beautiful forests, which are always 30 minutes away no matter where you live.
Estonia is also a start-up hub, perfect for young entrepreneurs with creative ideas; you can register a company online in 20 minutes. How does it sound?
And that’s only the beginning: you can vote online, pay your parking fee online, buy a cinema ticket online — you can do almost anything with a smartphone and an internet connection.
All this might sound awesome, but what about expenses? How much does it cost to live and study in Estonia?
Let’s find out!
1. University tuition fees in Estonia
Tuition fees at public universities
In Estonia, public universities charge tuition fees between 1,660 and 7,500 EUR per academic year for both Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. However, some universities have higher tuition for non-EU/EEA citizens — so that’s something to keep in mind.
Students can also find free study programmes, but these are more common at Master’s level. All PhD programmes are also free. The most expensive disciplines are:
Tuition fees at private universities
Since private universities are not supported by governmental funding, tuition fees are usually higher. They vary significantly based on the level of study, the length of the programme, and so on. As a friendly tip, remember that higher tuition doesn’t always equal better education.
Most affordable universities in Estonia
- T251869inn University of Technology – Bachelors and Masters start at 0 EUR/year
- Estonian Academy of Arts – Masters start at 0 EUR/year
- Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre – Bachelors and Masters start at 600 EUR/year
- T251869inn University – Bachelors start at 1,960 EUR/year; Masters start at 1,825 EUR/year
At some of the Estonian universities listed above, these low tuition costs only apply to EU/EEA students. Before enrolling, you should always check what tuition fee applies to you.
Universities we recommend in Estonia
Check out the best universities in Estonia according to global rankings.
2. Student living costs in Estonia
Although Estonia is technologically advanced and has a high living standard, it remains an affordable country. Monthly living costs for students usually add up to 300–550 EUR. Of course, the amount you end up spending will vary based on your lifestyle and habits.
Estonia is part of the European Union, so the national currency is the euro (EUR). If you come from another European country that has the same currency, you won’t have to bother converting your money or getting used to different coins and banknotes.
3. Student accommodation costs
These are the two most popular types of accommodation:
- Student dormitories (single, double, or triple rooms): only offered by some universities. They are usually in great condition, and the monthly cost of 80–150 EUR also includes the utilities.
- Private housing: rent costs between 200 and 550 EUR/month. You can pay less by sharing a larger apartment with other students. You also need to cover the monthly utilities (150–200 EUR) and the initial deposit (equivalent to 3 months’ rent).
If you choose to rent an apartment, you should seek help from the university or Estonian friends to avoid bad deals or inflated prices.
4. Food costs in Estonia
On average, students spend around 300 EUR per month on food and groceries. All universities have cafeterias with good food at reasonable prices, and you can also look for daily specialities or discounts in pubs or cafes.
These are some of the average prices for food products in Estonia:
- 1 loaf of bread: 0.81 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 0.72 EUR
- 12 eggs: 1.52 EUR
- 1 kg of local cheese: 7 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 1.32 EUR
- 1 kg of bananas: 1.09 EUR
- 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 8 EUR
Check out other living costs in Estonia.
5. Transportation costs
In Tallinn, public transport if free for all students. In other cities, like Tartu, a monthly transport pass with a student discount costs around 7–8 EUR. Other transport options are:
- taxi: 2.50 EUR at start, 0.65 EUR per km
- bike renting: 10 EUR for a weekly membership, 30 EUR for an annual membership
6. Extra costs in Estonia
- entertainment (cinema, concerts, theatre): 30–70 EUR/month
- temporary residence permit for study (visa) fee: 64 EUR; only needed by non-EU citizens
- private medical insurance: only needed by non-EU citizens; the costs vary based on the length of your stay and the included services
7. University scholarships and grants
As an international student, you can apply for various scholarships offered by the Estonian government and universities. These scholarships are available at all study levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD.
While you’re at it, apply for our Studyportals Scholarship: International Distinction Awards.