
Estonian-taught programmes are free at public universities, and at the University of Tartu 16 of 25 English-taught master's programmes are free for EU citizens; students from outside the EU/EEA at TalTech pay €1,900–4,200 per semester (2026/27). Estonia has 18 higher education institutions and more than 150 programmes in English. Read on for application deadlines, typical living costs and the rules on working while you study.
Estonia follows the three-cycle Bologna system:
All doctoral programmes in Estonia are free of charge. The academic year starts at the end of August or the beginning of September – at the University of Tartu, bachelor's classes start on 31 August.
Estonia – bachelor's programmes
Estonia – integrated (single-cycle) programmes
Estonia – master's programmes
Sources: European Commission – Study in Europe (education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe), Eurostat, official national study and residence portals and authorities, Eurodesk, enic-naric.net, studentnews.eu. As of September 2026.