2025 - 2026 SAA Rankings for Best Value Universities In Estonia For International Students

15 Best Value Institutions in Estonia for International Students

Here are the 15 best-value institutions in Estonia for international students. Here, you’ll learn more about their rankings, international student population, and their background.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, formerly known as the Estonian National Defence Academy, was established by the Estonian Government to produce skilled public servants who are trained through a balanced combination of research, academic education and development activities to become part of the security system, that ensures a secure and stable environment across Estonia. Through these four colleges: police and border guard, taxation and customs, and rescue and correction, EASS continues to prepare its students to contribute meaningfully to the state’s security. 

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.

TTK University of Applied Sciences is Estonia’s largest applied science university. The school offers students professional higher education in various technological fields, combining traditional classroom training with distance learning to allow students a more flexible learning experience. Since 2019 TTK UAS has operated from two locations in Tallinn and Modriku in Laane-Viru.

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 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.

Institute of Theology of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church is responsible for the theological education of a large number of current clergies of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church. The private institute is considered one of the best and biggest Theology institutions, where several high-quality courses related to religion are taught in the most conducive learning environment.

Pallas University of Applied Sciences has existed since 1919 under different names, including Art School of the Pallas Arts Association and Tartu School for Fine Arts. Pallas UAS is the only higher education institution of applied arts in the country and has successfully created an environment where students can develop and broaden their creativity through the major areas guiding the school curriculum: conservation/restoration, arts, and design.

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.

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.