Study in Estonia Total cost in 2025‑26 is a key question for students looking for an affordable yet high-quality international education. In this blog, you’ll learn exactly how much it costs to study in Estonia including tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, and budgeting tips. Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, we’ll break down average numbers like €1,600–€7,500 annual tuition for public university programs, living costs of €300–€550 per month, and total yearly expenses ranging from about €10,000 to €14,000 depending on city and lifestyle.
Understanding the Study in Estonia Total cost is not just about numbers it’s about value. Estonia offers cutting‑edge digital infrastructure, free PhD programs, and a student‑friendly environment with tech innovation and startup culture. The true “total cost” includes tuition, rent, food, transport, visa, insurance, and extras and we’ve covered all those components in real terms. Stick with us to get a full breakdown of what you’ll need to budget, how to cut costs, and what opportunities exist to make your education in Estonia both affordable and enriching.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Study in Estonia Total Cost in 2025-26 | Latest
1. Cost to Study in Estonia Leading Universities
If you’re exploring the cost to study in Estonia at leading universities, you’re looking at one of Europe’s most affordable and tech-forward destinations. Public universities in Estonia offer international students a balance of a high-quality education and reasonable fees. Most English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs fall within the range of €1,600 to €7,500 per year. Professional degrees, such as medicine, can be more expensive sometimes reaching €10,000 to €12,000 annually. On the plus side, PhD programs are typically tuition-free, and many even come with stipends or paid positions.
2. Tuition Fees at Public Universities
When calculating the Study in Estonia Total cost, tuition fees at public universities are one of the most important components. Estonia’s public universities offer internationally recognized degrees at relatively low tuition rates compared to other European countries. The government heavily subsidizes higher education, which helps reduce costs, especially for EU/EEA students. However, even international (non-EU) students benefit from affordable pricing and high-quality education.
Program Type | Estimated Tuition (EUR/year) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Bachelor’s in Humanities | €1,600 – €3,000 | Lower cost fields |
Bachelor’s in Science/IT | €2,500 – €5,500 | Includes lab and tech-based subjects |
Bachelor’s in Medicine | €10,000 – €12,000 | One of the highest tuition categories |
Master’s in Humanities | €2,000 – €4,000 | Varies by university |
Master’s in Science/Engineering | €3,000 – €7,500 | Technical fields usually cost more |
PhD Programs | Tuition-Free | Often include monthly stipend or funding |
3. Tuition Fees at Private Universities
When calculating the Study in Estonia Total cost, it’s important to consider that tuition fees at private universities are usually higher than those at public institutions. Private universities in Estonia offer specialized programs, often in business, management, technology, arts, and design. These institutions provide modern facilities, smaller class sizes, and programs tailored to international standards.
Program Type | Estimated Tuition (EUR/year) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Bachelor’s in Business/Admin | €4,000 – €7,500 | Common in private business schools |
Bachelor’s in IT/Design | €5,000 – €9,000 | Includes digital media and tech programs |
Master’s in Management | €6,000 – €10,000 | Varies based on institution and program focus |
Master’s in International Law | €7,000 – €12,000 | Specialized fields tend to cost more |
MBA or Executive Programs | €10,000 – €15,000 | Premium programs with high-level networking |
4. Cost of Living in Estonia
While tuition fees are a major part of the Study in Estonia Total cost, living expenses play an equally important role in financial planning. Estonia is considered one of the more affordable countries in Northern Europe, especially for international students. Whether you live in the capital city Tallinn or a smaller student city like Tartu, you’ll find that living costs are manageable and reasonable for students on a budget.
Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (EUR) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Student Dormitory | €80 – €150 | Basic rooms with shared kitchen/bathroom |
Shared Apartment Rent | €200 – €400 | Costs depend on city and room type |
Food & Groceries | €200 – €300 | Includes cooking at home and occasional eating out |
Transportation | €5 – €30 | Public transport is often free in Tallinn |
Utilities & Internet | €50 – €100 | Higher in private rentals |
Mobile/Phone Plan | €5 – €10 | Low-cost student packages available |
Entertainment/Leisure | €30 – €70 | Movies, cafes, gyms, and social activities |
Health Insurance | €20 – €50 | Required for non-EU/EEA students |
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5. City-wise Living Expenses
When calculating the Study in Estonia Total cost, the city you choose to live in plays a major role in how much you’ll spend monthly. Estonia has several popular student cities, including Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, and Pärnu. While the cost of living is relatively affordable across the country, there are some noticeable differences in rent, transport, and lifestyle expenses depending on the location.
City | Accommodation (EUR) | Food (EUR) | Transport (EUR) | Other Expenses (EUR) | Total Monthly Cost (EUR) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tallinn | €250 – €450 | €250 | €0 – €15 | €80 – €120 | €580 – €835 |
Tartu | €180 – €350 | €220 | €5 – €15 | €70 – €100 | €475 – €685 |
Narva | €150 – €300 | €200 | €5 – €10 | €60 – €90 | €415 – €600 |
Pärnu | €160 – €320 | €210 | €5 – €10 | €60 – €90 | €435 – €630 |
6. Available Scholarships for Studying in Estonia
- Estonian Government Scholarships for International Students
- Erasmus+ Program Scholarships
- University of Tartu Scholarships
- Tallinn University Scholarships
- Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) Scholarships
- Estonian Business School (EBS) Scholarships
- Estonian Academy of Arts Scholarships
- Estonian International Doctoral Program Scholarships
7. Visa and Application Fees
When calculating the Study in Estonia Total cost, don’t forget to include visa and university application fees. These are one-time charges, but they are essential parts of your budget. Most international students from non-EU/EEA countries must apply for a long-term (D) visa or a temporary residence permit for study, depending on the duration of their program.
Fee Type | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Description |
---|---|---|
Long-term (D) Visa | €100 – €120 | Required for students staying up to 1 year |
Temporary Residence Permit for Study | €80 – €120 | For students in full degree programs (over 1 year) |
University Application Fee | €50 – €100 per application | Varies by university and number of programs applied |
8. Taxes for Cost of Studying in Estonia
When planning the Study in Estonia Total cost, it’s helpful to understand how taxes may affect your living and working expenses. The good news is that international students in Estonia do not pay any special taxes for studying. However, if you decide to take up part-time work while studying, Estonian tax rules will apply to your income.
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9. Why Study in Estonia?
Estonia is becoming one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international students, and it’s not just because of affordability. The Study in Estonia Total cost is lower than in most Western European countries, but the quality of education is equally impressive. Estonian universities offer world-class degree programs, especially in fields like IT, engineering, and business, all taught in English.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Study in Estonia Total cost for international students in 2025–26?
The Study in Estonia Total cost for international students in 2025–26 typically ranges between €10,000 and €14,000 per year. This includes tuition fees, accommodation, food, transport, visa, and personal expenses. Actual costs vary by program, university, and city.
Does the Study in Estonia Total cost include accommodation and living expenses?
Yes, the Study in Estonia Total cost includes not only tuition fees but also monthly living expenses like rent, groceries, transport, and health insurance. On average, living expenses in Estonia range from €300 to €550 per month.
Are PhD programs included in the Study in Estonia Total cost?
Yes, but many PhD programs in Estonia are tuition-free for international students. This makes the Study in Estonia Total cost for PhD students significantly lower. Students may only need to budget for living costs, which are generally affordable.
Does the Study in Estonia Total cost vary by city?
Yes, the Study in Estonia Total cost varies by city. For example, Tallinn and Tartu are the most popular student cities, but living in smaller towns may cost less. Rent and food expenses can differ by location, impacting the overall budget.
How can I reduce the Study in Estonia Total cost with scholarships?
You can reduce the Study in Estonia Total cost through various scholarships offered by Estonian universities, the government, and programs like Erasmus+. Some scholarships cover full tuition and provide monthly stipends for living expenses.
Is the Study in Estonia Total cost the same for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs?
No, the Study in Estonia Total cost differs between Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. Typically, Master’s degrees are slightly more expensive, with tuition fees ranging from €3,000 to €8,000 annually, depending on the university and course.