2026

Maximum student loan amount increased and broader reform under preparation

From 2025/2026, the maximum state‑guaranteed student loan rises from 3,000 to 6,000 Euros per borrower, following the government’s decision to double the annual loan ceiling. The change aims to help students better cover study‑related living costs and focus on their studies rather than working alongside them.  

In addition to raising the loan amount, a more comprehensive reform of the student loan system is in pipeline. Planned changes include extending the repayment period, lowering interest rates and removing the requirement for a private guarantor or real estate collateral. The reform package is intended to make borrowing more flexible and attractive, with changes scheduled to enter into force on 1 September 2026.

Higher education institutions may charge higher compensation for uncompleted credits

From 2025/2026, the maximum compensation that higher education institutions may charge full‑time students for uncompleted credit points has doubled from 50 Euros to 100 Euros per credit. The change applies to students enrolled in Estonian‑language programmes who do not complete the minimum required amount of coursework (at least 75% of the curriculum), while full‑time students who meet progress requirements continue to study free of charge.

The increase reflects the rising cost of delivering higher education, as the previous ceiling had been unchanged since 2013. Institutions may start applying the new upper limit to students who begin their studies in the 2026/2027 academic year. Each higher education institution determines its own rules for study cost compensation, and the statutory cap applies only to public universities and applied higher education institutions, not to private higher education institutions.

In all other cases, such as part‑time study or study in a foreign‑language programme higher education institutions remain free to set their own compensation rates without the state‑imposed ceiling.

2025

Changes in the principles of tuition‑free higher education and study cost reimbursement

From the 2024/2025 academic year, stricter rules have been introduced regarding repeated free enrolment at the same level of higher education. Full‑time higher education programmes in Estonian language remain tuition‑free for first‑time entrants under the updated Higher Education Act.  

Key changes:

• Graduates of a particular higher‑education level may access another tuition‑free programme at the same level only after ten years since previous completion.
• Students who interrupt their studies may re‑enroll tuition‑free only once on the same level if they previously studied for less than one year (365 calendar days).
• From 1 September 2025, students may study tuition‑free only in one higher‑education programme at a time, and simultaneous tuition‑free study in both vocational and higher education will be restricted. 

The changes are intended to safeguard the sustainability of tuition‑free education, encourage responsible study transitions and effective use of public resources, and ensure fairness in access to higher education.

Planned amendments to the Higher Education Act to expand private funding and master’s study opportunities

Amendments are being drafted to the Higher Education Act to update the structure and financing of higher education in Estonia in line with societal and labour‑market requirements.

Under the proposed changes, higher education institutions will obtain greater flexibility to raise private funding. This includes the right to charge tuition or require cost compensation for one‑year master’s degree programmes designed for working adults with prior bachelor’s degrees of at least four years, a master’s degree or relevant professional experience. The traditional two‑year free master’s programme remains available for first‑time entrants who study full-time.

In addition, the draft allows institutions to receive private funding in doctoral education, specifically enabling cost compensation for doctoral candidates from non‑EU countries. Third‑country nationals currently account for nearly three‑quarters of all newly admitted international doctoral students. The amendments also plan to adapt pharmacy education into a 3 + 2 bachelor‑master model to align with changing labour‑market needs, and to strengthen oversight mechanisms by clarifying the fole of the Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA).

2024

New Standards for Higher Education Curricula and Quality

The Estonian government has approved amendments to the Standard of Higher Education, updating requirements for higher education curricula and the quality of teaching and learning outcomes. The aim is to better align higher education programmes with job market demands, ensuring graduates have the skills needed for successful careers.

Changes include revised learning outcomes at all higher education levels, integrating professional and generic competences. Added skills include digital and technological proficiency, as well as self-management and adaptability to change.

Higher education institutions must develop programmes based on a contemporary approach to learning and teaching. Teaching methods should support the development of general skills in addition to professional skills.

Implementation of the new requirements will begin in the 2024/2025 academic year, with full compliance expected by 2026. 

Rates of needs-based study allowance doubled

The state supports students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to cover the costs of higher education. Students can apply for means-tested study grants, means-tested special assistance and student loans. 

From the academic year 2024/25, the needs-based study allowance rates increase. The new rates are 150, 270 and 440 Euros per student per month, depending on the average income of the student and his/her family.