Known for its lush forests, rich history, and medieval architecture, Estonia is one of the least populated European countries. Yet, it is miles ahead in its economy — making it a developed country with much to offer.
The country’s well-developed advanced education system features more than 20 public and private educational institutions dedicated to higher education.
Cheap universities in Estonia aren’t too hard to find, making this Northern European country a great study destination for international students. Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree at any Estonian public university costs between 1,660 and 7,500 euros (US$1,845 and US$8,339) per year.
The best part? All education is free at the PhD level in Estonia.
Not to mention, Estonia boasts free healthcare and a highly developed science and IT industry — perfect for international students wishing to forge their futures on these shores. They also benefit from the unique opportunities offered by the hundreds of startups that have chosen Estonia as their headquarters.
11 cheap universities in Estonia
1. Tallinn University
Founded in 1919,Tallinn University is one of Estonia’s oldest universities and is named after the country’s capital.
There are six schools specialising in many interdisciplinary fields. These include humanities, education, science and health, governance, law and society, digital technology, film, media, arts, and communication. As a full research university, it has no less than four research institutes. It focuses on areas of educational innovation, digital media, culture, health and lifestyle.
The university supports international students by offering classes in English. As a result, it has a higher number of international students than many other large institutions in the region. International students from over 40 countries are enrolled at Tallinn University.
- Bachelor’s: €3,800–€5,400/year (US$4,327.12 to US$6,150.17)
- Master’s: €3,800–€5,000/year (US$4,327.12 to US$5,694.60)
- PhD: Free
2. Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences
Located in Ülemiste City Business Park in Tallinn, Estonia, theEstonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (EUAS) is the country’s largest private university and one of the most affordable.
EUAS offers four undergraduate programmes and one master’s programme: a BA in Creativity and Business Innovation, a BSc in Software Development and Entrepreneurship, a BA in Game Design and Development, and an MBA in International Business and Administration.
The average tuition fees vary depending on the course, with some programmes starting as low as 6,560 euros (US$7,652.29) per year and reaching as high as 8,540 euros (US$9,961.97) per year, making it affordable and one of the cheapest universities in Estonia.
- BSc Software Development & Entrepreneurship: €6,560/year
- BA Creativity & Business Innovation: €6,560/year
- BA Game Design & Development: €6,560/year
- MBA International Business & Administration: €8,540/year
Tartu Applied Health Sciences University is a leading institution in Estonia specializing in healthcare education and applied research. Source: Tartu Applied Health Sciences University
3. Tartu Applied Health Sciences University
Tartu Applied Health Sciences University is a higher education institution in Tartu, Estonia, specialising in healthcare education and applied research.
However, the university only offers two master’s programmes in English: a Master’s in Physiotherapy and a Master’s in Radiography. Another master’s programme that’s offered is a Master’s in Health Sciences; however, it’s taught in Estonian.
Those interested in the Master’s in Physiotherapy programme can participate in supervised research experiences that will allow them to pursue a PhD. You’ll also work closely with the University of Latvia, the University of Tartu, North-Estonian Regional Hospital, Tartu University Hospital, as well as with experts from several European countries and Canada.
Tuition (source):
- Master’s in Physiotherapy: €4,500/year
- Master’s in Radiography: €4,500/year
4. Pallas University of Applied Sciences
Also known as Kõrgem Kunstikool Pallas, the Pallas University of Applied Sciences (Pallas UAS) is an educational institute that offers art education.
The university offers programmes in photography, conservation and restoration, painting, media and advertising design, interior product design, leather product design and technology, sculpture, and textiles.
It’s essential to note that to be accepted into Pallas UAS, you’ll be required to take an entrance exam.
Education at Pallas UAS is free for full-time studies and taught in English; however, students are required to attend classes daily and complete 75 to 100% of the curriculum within an academic year. If they don’t, the university is entitled to claim a tuition fee based on the established rate.
5. University of Tartu
When it comes to cheap universities in Estonia, theUniversity of Tartu cannot be left out. In fact, it is Estonia’s national university. Founded in 1632 by King Adolf Gustavus of Sweden, it is located in the city of Tartu, Estonia’s second-largest city.
The university’s four faculties — humanities, social sciences, medicine and science and technology — offer a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. Most programmes are offered in the Estonian language, and these are free of charge.
However, there are English-taught programmes available, such as business administration and science and technology.
- Bachelor’s: approx. €3,800–€6,000/year
- Master’s: approx. €4,000–€6,000/year
- PhD: Free
- Estonian-taught programmes: Free for full-time students
6. Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)
Tallinn University of Technology — better known as TalTech — is at a scenic location in Mustamäe. TalTech was founded in 1918 and is the only technical university in Estonia, focusing on engineering and technology, business, information technology, economics, science, public administration and maritime affairs.
Here, students forge the future. TalTech creates real things from scratch on the spot, like Iseauto, the first self-driving car in Estonia, smart road covers, or smart elevators. This attracts people from all over the world to its halls, and TalTech boasts the highest number of foreign students (16%) and lecturers (17%) compared to Estonian universities.
The university has five schools: the School of Engineering, the School of Information Technologies, the School of Science, the School of Business and Governance, and the Estonian Maritime Academy.
- €2,300–€6,000/year depending on the programme and school
- All degree programmes offer limited tuition-fee waiver scholarships for the best-ranked applicants
Estonian Business School is a private, higher-education university situated in Tallinn, Estonia. Source: Estonian Business School
7. Estonian Business School (EBS)
Established in 1988, theEstonian Business School is the oldest private business university in the Baltics. The aim of the school is to provide aspiring business students with the academic knowledge, skills and values to make them successful. Here, over 40% of EBS’s student body are international students.
As with most business schools around the world, accreditation is important. In 2020, EBS underwent institutional accreditation and upon achieving great results, was awarded the Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA) Quality Label for seven years.
Aside, in 2016, EBS’s English-language bachelor’s level International Business Administration study programme became the first in Estonia to receive the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Accreditation, which is among the highest level recognition business schools can receive.
- Bachelor’s (International Business Administration): approx. €7,200/year
- Master’s/MBA: approx. €8,400–€9,000/year
- Note: Non-EU students for the full 3-year BBA pay approximately €11,500 total; the 2-year MA/MBA approximately €10,250 total — among the most affordable private business school rates in Northern Europe
8. Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA)
The Estonian Academy of Arts is a public university based in Tallinn that was founded in 1914. It is known as the only Estonian institution for higher education in regard to design, media, art, architecture and history. EKA is dedicated to raising the bar of education through its efforts to spread awareness and foster creativity.
Their bachelor’s programmes include accessory design, animation, architecture and urban design, art history and visual culture. As for master’s programmes, they offer ceramics, heritage and conservation, fashion design, and glass art.
All of the school’s bachelor’s degree programmes are taught in the Estonian language and require at least a B2 in order to be eligible to apply. However, there are master’s programmes that are delivered in English.
9. Estonian University of Life Sciences
The only university in Estonia whose priorities in academic and research activities provide the sustainable development of natural resources and the preservation of heritage and habitat. The Estonian University of Life Sciences ranks #93 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for agriculture and forestry.
The university has three institutions: the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and the Institute of Forestry and Engineering. All of them offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Estonian and English.
- Landscape Architecture (MSc): €4,000/year
- Environmental Governance & Adaptation to Climate Change (MSc): €5,600/year
- Veterinary Medicine (integrated BA+MA, 6 years): €9,800/year
- Targeted (full-tuition) scholarships available for top-ranked applicants
10. Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre
If you’ve ever dreamed of following your passion for the arts but at an affordable price, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre is the perfect place for you.
As one of the most affordable universities in Estonia for international students, it offers the opportunity to study music, drama, and performance without the high costs. As a non-EU student studying a full-time BA or MA programme in English, you’d pay around 7,500 euros per academic year.
You’ll be surrounded by a close-knit artistic community with practice rooms and performance halls. Aside from the low tuition, Tallinn itself offers a vibrant cultural scene, so you’re learning in and outside the classroom.
- Non-EU students (full-time BA or MA in English): approx. €7,500/year
Tallinn is renowned for its UNESCO-listed Old Town—one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved medieval city centers. Source: Alex Does Pictures via Pexels
11. Tallinn Health Care College
Tallinn Health Care College (TTK) is a state-recognised professional higher education institution specialising in health and wellbeing training. Founded in 1940 and reorganised as an applied higher
education institution in 2005, TTK today trains nurses, midwives, dental technicians, optometrists, assistant pharmacists, occupational therapists, radiography technicians, and health promotion specialists.
For international students, the main English-taught programme is the BSc in Assistant Pharmacist (professional higher education level). TTK has been open to English-speaking international candidates since 2020 and also participates in Erasmus+ exchange, offering English-language modules to exchange students across its healthcare curriculum.
TTK is a strong choice for students who want healthcare training in English at a lower cost than a full medical degree, with a practical, skills-first curriculum backed by clinical facilities and simulation labs.
Tuition:
- BSc in Assistant Pharmacist: approx. €5,400/year
- Application fee: €50
Comparing cheap universities in Estonia: Tuition fees & best-for subjects
| University | Annual Tuition (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tallinn University (TLU) | €3,800–€6,000 (BA); €3,800–€5,000 (MA) | Humanities, Media, Education, Digital Tech, Law |
| University of Tartu | €3,800–€6,000 (BA); €4,000–€6,000 (MA) | Medicine, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, IT |
| TalTech | €2,300–€6,000 (non-EU) | Engineering, IT, Cybersecurity, Business, Maritime |
| Estonian University of Life Sciences | €4,000–€9,800 | Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Science |
| Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) | €1,900–€4,000 (EU); €2,100–€8,000 (non-EU) | Design, Architecture, Art History, Fashion |
| Estonian Business School (EBS) | €7,200–€9,000 | Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, MBA |
| Estonian Entrepreneurship Univ. of Applied Sciences (EUAS) | €6,560–€8,540 | Software Dev, Game Design, International Business |
| Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre | ~€7,500 (non-EU) | Music Performance, Drama, Theatre |
| Tartu Applied Health Sciences University | €4,500 | Physiotherapy, Radiography, Health Sciences |
| Pallas University of Applied Sciences | Free (full-time) | Fine Arts, Photography, Interior Design, Sculpture |
| Tallinn Health Care College | ~€5,400 | Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Optometry |
Frequently asked questions about cheap universities in Estonia
Is IELTS required to study in Estonia?
Most universities accept IELTS (typically 6.0–6.5), TOEFL iBT (typically 72–90+), or equivalent scores. Requirements vary by programme level — master’s programmes tend to require slightly higher scores. Some universities conduct their own English assessment during admissions.
Does Estonia provide permanent residency?
Yes, Estonia provides a Long-Term Resident’s residence permit, commonly known as permanent residency (PR). It is available to non-EU citizens who have lived in Estonia on a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for at least five years and meet strict integration requirements. Specifically, there are the following requirements:
- Residency Duration: Have resided in Estonia for at least 5 years immediately prior to submitting your application on a valid temporary residence permit. (Time spent in Estonia for studies does not fully count toward this period).
- Language Proficiency: Pass an Estonian language exam to demonstrate at least B1-level proficiency.
- Financial Stability & Health: Have a stable legal income, a registered place of residence in the Population Register, and valid health insurance.
- Compliance: Your activities on your temporary residence permit must have complied with the terms under which it was granted.
What are the living costs for students in Estonia?
Monthly living costs in Estonia typically range from 300 to 550 euros (US$341.77 to US$626.57) for students, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Tallinn is generally slightly more expensive than Tartu, but public transport is free for students in Tallinn.
Can you speak English in Estonia?
Estonia’s official language is Estonian, but you can certainly speak English in Estonia, for the most part.
While Russian is considered the most common minority language in Estonia, English is the most widely known foreign language in the country. The vast majority of the population—especially younger generations and urban residents—speak it fluently.
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on June 29, 2026
