Estonia is a Baltic country known for its forests, islands, and well-preserved cultural heritage. More than half of Estonia is forested, and the country has 2,317 islands. Estonia also has two UNESCO World Heritage properties: the Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn and the Struve Geodetic Arc. In 2025, Estonian accommodation establishments served about 3.7 million tourists.
In addition to its natural beauty, Estonia is known for its advanced digital society. Many public and private services are available online, including digital identity, e-government, e-health, e-parking, and other e-services. Tallinn residents can also use public transport free of charge with a personalized Public Transport Card.
Besides tourism and advanced technology, Estonia also offers a strong higher education system. The country welcomes thousands of international students every year, with nearly 4,000 international students enrolled in degree programs in a recent academic year. If you are a degree-seeking student aspiring to study in this vibrant country, take time to read the rest of the article, as we have listed some of the best universities in Estonia!
Top Universities in Estonia for International Students
1. University of Tartu
Located in Estonia’s second-largest city, the University of Tartu is Estonia’s highest-ranked university in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and a major center of teaching and research. The university has four faculties: Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Science and Technology. Most courses are taught in Estonian, but UT offers a growing selection of English-taught degrees; for 2026 admission, it lists 28 English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs. Medicine is offered in English as a six-year, 360-ECTS integrated bachelor’s and master’s program in Tartu. In 2025, UT was the only Estonian institution positively evaluated in all six national research fields.
The University of Tartu has around 15,000 students, including around 1,600 international students. It is also an active international partner, with dozens of partner universities and strong research cooperation worldwide.
2. Tallinn University
Tallinn University is one of Estonia’s largest public universities and is located in Tallinn, the capital city. Its roots go back to the Tallinn Teachers’ Seminar, established in 1919, while the current public university was founded on March 18, 2005, after several Tallinn universities and institutes were consolidated. Today, the university comprises six schools and one college: the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School; School of Digital Technologies; School of Educational Sciences; School of Humanities; School of Natural Sciences and Health; School of Governance, Law and Society; and Haapsalu College.
Internationalization remains an important part of Tallinn University’s development. The university offers English-taught study options and has been represented in world university rankings since 2019. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, Tallinn University is placed in the 901–950 band.
3. Tallinn University of Technology
Tallinn University of Technology, known as TalTech, is Estonia’s sole technological university and is based in Tallinn. It offers degrees in engineering, natural sciences, IT, business, law, and maritime studies, including 4 English-taught bachelor’s and 14 English-taught master’s programs for international applicants. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, TalTech is ranked 600th worldwide.
TalTech’s green Mustamäe campus brings together dormitories, sports facilities, technology companies, and student life. The campus also includes the Mektory Innovation and Business Center and Tehnopol Tallinn Science Park, where scientists, students, and entrepreneurs meet to develop practical solutions and new ideas.
4. Estonian University of Life Sciences
The Estonian University of Life Sciences is a major academic and research institution for environmental, rural, and life-science fields, including agriculture, rural economy, forestry, environmental sciences, veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, and engineering and technology. Its predecessor, the Estonian Agricultural Academy, was established in 1951, and the university took its current name in 2005. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, EMU ranked 43rd globally and 16th in Europe for agriculture and forestry. EMU also offers teaching and research in food science, veterinary medicine, rural life and economy, and environmentally friendly technologies.
Estonian University of Life Sciences is among the top 1% of the most cited research institutions globally in plant and animal sciences and in environmental and ecological research. International students interested in sustainability, food systems, veterinary medicine, and environmental protection can find a focused academic environment at EMU.
5. Estonia Academy of Arts
The Estonian Academy of Arts is a public university in Tallinn and the only public university in Estonia providing higher education in fine arts, design, architecture, media, visual studies, art history, and conservation. This top university in Estonia promotes creativity, research, and innovation in visual culture, as well as technical and practical skills. Programs at the Estonian Academy of Arts are interdisciplinary, allowing artists and designers to experiment boldly and take courses across specializations. Students can expect individualized study and personal mentorship from internationally recognized artists, architects, designers, historians, and scientists.
The Estonian Academy of Arts collaborates with more than 100 top art, design, and architecture universities worldwide and participates in Erasmus+, with more than 150 bilateral student exchange agreements.
FAQs: Studying in Estonia
Is Estonia a Good Place to Study for International Students?
Most Estonian universities admit international students, and many offer internationally recognized degree programs taught in English. Several academic disciplines offer full degree programs in English, particularly at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
As for academic expenses, tuition fees depend on a student’s specialization and institution. Bachelor’s and master’s programs generally range from €1,500 to €15,000 per year, with a few more expensive exceptions such as medicine, law, business administration, and social sciences. Doctoral studies in Estonia are tuition-free.
Can International Students Work in Estonia While Studying?
International students in Estonia are allowed to work while completing their degrees if the job does not interfere with their studies. It is common for both foreign and local students to work and study at the same time. Working hours for international students are not limited, and students with a residence permit for study can work without a separate work permit as long as employment does not interfere with their studies.
Can International Students Stay in Estonia After Graduation?
After graduation, international students can stay in Estonia under different conditions depending on their nationality and residence status. EU/EEA citizens can stay in the country without a visa, but if they remain for more than three months, they may need to register their residence with the relevant local authority.
Non-EU students who have held a residence permit for study may stay in Estonia for up to 270 days after the permit expires. This period allows graduates to look for a job in Estonia and, after finding suitable employment, apply for a temporary residence permit for work.
Numerous universities in Estonia provide excellent education. However, the schools mentioned above are especially visible in Estonia’s higher education landscape and are recognized in Europe and beyond. These universities provide many opportunities to their students. Try your luck and submit your application to one of these universities!
We hope that this article has given you valuable information about Estonian universities. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
