Education in Estonia (Haridus)

Estonian education runs from preschool to university. Municipalities run kindergartens and basic schools, and the state and municipalities run upper secondary schools (gümnaasium). The Constitution makes general education compulsory and free in state and municipal schools. Since 1 September 2025 compulsory schooling has been replaced by a longer learning obligation (õppimiskohustus).

Preschool

Municipalities must offer a place in a childcare group (lastehoid) to children aged 1.5 to 3 and in a kindergarten (lasteaed) to children aged 3 to 7 who live there, if a parent applies. In a municipal kindergarten the parent fee may not exceed 20% of the minimum wage per child a month, plus meals (Preschool Education Act).

School and the learning obligation

• Who: every child living in Estonia, including foreign and stateless children, who has turned 7 before 1 October of the current year.
• How long: until the age of 18, or earlier if the young person has completed upper secondary or vocational education.
• Structure: basic school (põhikool) lasts nine years; it is followed by upper secondary school or vocational school.
• Costs: public schools are free. Schools must give pupils free use of the textbooks needed for the curriculum.
• Language: the language of instruction in basic and upper secondary schools is Estonian. Schools that taught in another language are moving to Estonian step by step; upper secondary schools must complete the move by the 2032/2033 school year. Schools organise mother-tongue and culture lessons if at least ten pupils with the same home language ask.

The municipality where the child lives assigns a school, taking distance from home into account. If there are free places, you can also choose another school.

Higher education

• Tuition: study is free in Estonian-taught programmes for full-time students who complete the required study load each semester. Universities may charge fees for programmes taught in other languages, for part-time study and for students who already studied free at the same level. Each university sets its fees at least four months before the academic year.
• Student aid: students can get a needs-based study allowance (vajaduspõhine õppetoetus) based on family income. Full-time students who are Estonian citizens or hold a residence permit (other than one issued for study) or right of residence can apply. A state-guaranteed study loan (õppelaen) is open to Estonian citizens and holders of a long-term residence permit or permanent right of residence.

Common pitfalls for newcomers

• Register your child's address in the population register; the school place depends on it.
• The learning obligation applies from 7 to 18: a teenager who stops school without upper secondary or vocational education is not meeting it.
• Public universities may charge fees for English-taught programmes; check before you apply.
• Kindergarten places must be requested from the municipality; apply early and name the start date.

Official guidance: Education Act (Estonian), Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act (Estonian), Higher Education Act (Estonian), Preschool Education Act (Estonian)