General principles

For learners, basic and upper secondary education, and the first qualification in vocational and in higher education are free of charge. Financing of educational institutions depends on ownership − state, municipal or private. The central government funds state institutions directly, while local governments finance their institutions with earmarked support from the state. Overall public education expenditure as a share of GDP has remained broadly stable at around 6% over the past decade.

The share of private funding

Public funding is dominant at all levels. 

In early childhood education and care, private funding accounts for 10%. In general education (basic and upper secondary), private funding is about 4%, and in vocational education and training, funding is also mainly public; private funding accounting for 3% and international funding under 1%. In higher education, public funds make up 80%, international (mainly EU) sources 10%, and private funding 10% (2023).

Early childhood education and care (ECEC)

Most children attend municipal childcare institutions; core operating costs are covered by local governments. Parents pay the place fee and meal costs at the rates set by the local authority. The state supports teachers’ in-service training, project-based investments and Estonian language learning for non-Estonian-speaking children. A vast majority of children attend municipal preschools.

General education (basic and upper secondary)

Around 90% of students study in municipal schools; 6% study in private and 4% in state owned schools. Managing body (local authority, private owner or state) covers maintenance and welfare costs; the state funds teachers’ and schoolheads’  labour costs, in-service training, learning materials and school lunches in both municipal and private schools. The state also supports boarding facilities and special educational needs services.

Vocational education and training (VET)