10 Free and Cheap Universities in Estonia for International Students

In Estonia, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Estonia without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Estonia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 15 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Estonia, make sure to read more!

How do I get admission to affordable universities in Estonia?

Applying to cheap universities in Estonia requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Estonia for a more comprehensive guide!

What can I study at Best affordable universities in Estonia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Estonia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Estonia is the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, which offers Traditional and Folk Music, Music Studies and Management, and Drama to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Estonian Academy of Arts offers Art History and Visual Culture, Contemporary Art, and Craft Studies.

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Estonia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Estonia ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Tartu 0 Euros - 6,600 Euros 100%
Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre 0 Euros - 6,900 Euros 100%
Tallinn University 4,170 Euros - 5,040 Euros -15%
Tallinn University of Technology 4,200 Euros - 6,000 Euros -15%
Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences 5,180 Euros - 6,380 Euros -43%
Estonian Business School 5,797 Euros - 6,077 Euros -60%
Estonian Aviation Academy 6,000 Euros - 30,900 Euros -65%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 3,622 Euros for universities in Estonia.

1. University of Tartu

The University of Tartu is one of the finest universities in the Baltic region. To help promote and keep the country’s cultural heritage, this national university offers Estonian-language programs to a broad selection of academic courses from undergraduate to graduate studies. Aside from cutting-edge programs, the university is also well-known for its research contributions, referred to by numerous international academic communities as one of the best in Europe.

2. Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre

The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre is one of the most prestigious and practical music education institutes. Its professionalism, quality of research, cultural institution, attractive educational approach, and diversity makes it one of the best music institutes in Estonia. The school is dedicated to promoting culture through theatre studies, creative activities, and music.  EAMT recently opened a new 482-seater concert hall at its 6000 square meter performance and concert facility.

3. Tallinn University

Tallinn University (TLU) is one of Estonia’s most prominent institutions and is recognized as one of the best modern research universities. TLU has received international recognition for promoting education through research and lectures, enabling its students to make meaningful impacts worldwide. The school also continues to promote excellent and intelligent conversations through research, education, and projects that have significantly improved society.

4. Tallinn University of Technology

Tallinn University of Technology, or TalTech, is an outstanding institution specializing in information technology, engineering, maritime, and business administration. Taltech, currently the only technological university in the country, is Estonia’s chief provider of human resources in science and technology. With its reputation, the university reassures that its unmatched curricula can adapt its teaching to the current market needs.

5. Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences

Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences is the largest private university in the country. The prestigious institute has dedicated years to developing and maintaining a reputation for excellent academic standards directed toward prominent research and the development of facilities that promote critical thinking and innovation. EUAS is also actively involved in applied higher education and entrepreneurship education. The school also has another campus in Tartu.

6. Estonian Business School

As one of the oldest private business universities in the country, Estonian Business Schools gained fame for its successful implementation of business knowledge, values, and skills. EBS’s academic excellence and top-notch learning environment make it one of the best business schools in the world, which is why it has been awarded 4 Palmes by the Central and East Europe Management Development Association (CEEMAN), regarding it as a Top business school with notable international influence.

7. Estonian Aviation Academy

Estonian Aviation Academy, also known as Eesti Lennuakadeemia, is located near the Tartu Airport and was established by the state to train and educate personnel for Estonian aviation enterprises. The academy’s goal is to ensure that trained aviation personnel meet international standards, develop national aviation culture, and contribute to the development and growth of the country’s aviation activities. The academy’s academic instructions meet the standards set by the Estonian Ministry of Education & Research and international agencies like EUROCONTROL, ICAO, EASA, and JAA.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Estonia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Estonia ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
University of Tartu 0 Euros - 6,600 Euros 100%
Estonian University of Life Sciences 0 Euros - 4,000 Euros 100%
Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre 0 Euros - 13,000 Euros 100%
Tallinn Health Care College 0 Euros 100%
Estonian Academy of Arts 1,700 Euros - 3,900 Euros 30%
Tallinn University 2,870 Euros - 6,000 Euros -19%
Tallinn University of Technology 3,100 Euros - 6,000 Euros -28%
Tartu Health Care College 3,300 Euros -37%
Estonian Business School 6,380 Euros - 8,000 Euros -165%
Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences 6,680 Euros -177%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 2,404 Euros for universities in estonia.

1. University of Tartu

The University of Tartu is one of the finest universities in the Baltic region. To help promote and keep the country’s cultural heritage, this national university offers Estonian-language programs to a broad selection of academic courses from undergraduate to graduate studies. Aside from cutting-edge programs, the university is also well-known for its research contributions, referred to by numerous international academic communities as one of the best in Europe.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, University of Tartu should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 Euros to 6,600 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Estonian University of Life Sciences

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Estonian University of Life Sciences. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Estonian University of Life Sciences is 0 Euros to 4,000 Euros.

Originating in 1632, the Estonian University of Life Sciences, or Eesti Maaülikool (EMÜ) in Estonian, was initially established to provide educational programs emphasizing the fields of forestry, agriculture, and veterinary sciences. Since its inception, EMU has undergone several redevelopments. It has restructured its educational system, added faculties, and developed study programs that are all interrelated to studying life sciences. Today, as a reformed higher education institute, its teaching and research are highly recognized in Estonia and its neighboring European countries.

3. Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre

The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre is one of the most prestigious and practical music education institutes. Its professionalism, quality of research, cultural institution, attractive educational approach, and diversity makes it one of the best music institutes in Estonia. The school is dedicated to promoting culture through theatre studies, creative activities, and music.  EAMT recently opened a new 482-seater concert hall at its 6000 square meter performance and concert facility.

The tuition fee at Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre for incoming international master’s students is 0 Euros to 13,000 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Tallinn Health Care College

Another affordable university to consider in Estonia is Tallinn Health Care College.

Tallinn Health Care College, also known as Tallinna Tervishoiu Kõrgkool (TTK), offers academic and practical training in the various fields of health and well-being. The non-profit public institution is internationally recognized for its professionalism and state-of-the-art training, and for over 83 years, the school has provided students with academic and non-academic facilities, including scholarships and other administrative services needed for them to thrive.

The tuition fee in Tallinn Health Care College for master’s program for foreign students starts from 0 Euros.

5. Estonian Academy of Arts

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Estonian Academy of Arts has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 1,700 Euros yearly.

Estonian Academy of Arts (Eesti Kunstiakadeemia (EKA)) is an exceptionally unique school structured to provide specializations in arts, design, media, architecture, and conservation. The institute, founded in 1914, has been a major contributor to shaping the arts and design culture in Estonia. It is the country’s top producer of architects, artists, and designers and is currently listed as one of the world’s leading architecture and design universities.

6. Tallinn University

Tallinn University (TLU) is one of Estonia’s most prominent institutions and is recognized as one of the best modern research universities. TLU has received international recognition for promoting education through research and lectures, enabling its students to make meaningful impacts worldwide. The school also continues to promote excellent and intelligent conversations through research, education, and projects that have significantly improved society.

7. Tallinn University of Technology

Tallinn University of Technology, or TalTech, is an outstanding institution specializing in information technology, engineering, maritime, and business administration. Taltech, currently the only technological university in the country, is Estonia’s chief provider of human resources in science and technology. With its reputation, the university reassures that its unmatched curricula can adapt its teaching to the current market needs.

8. Tartu Health Care College

The college started as a school of midwives and has merged with different health schools to become one of the most prominent healthcare colleges in the country. The now prestigious school provides excellent instruction at several levels of study and areas of specialisation. Tartu Health Care College is internationally recognised for producing some of the best hands in health care.

9. Estonian Business School

As one of the oldest private business universities in the country, Estonian Business Schools gained fame for its successful implementation of business knowledge, values, and skills. EBS’s academic excellence and top-notch learning environment make it one of the best business schools in the world, which is why it has been awarded 4 Palmes by the Central and East Europe Management Development Association (CEEMAN), regarding it as a Top business school with notable international influence.

10. Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences

Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences is the largest private university in the country. The prestigious institute has dedicated years to developing and maintaining a reputation for excellent academic standards directed toward prominent research and the development of facilities that promote critical thinking and innovation. EUAS is also actively involved in applied higher education and entrepreneurship education. The school also has another campus in Tartu.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Estonia, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Estonia as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Estonia for international students was helpful!