Estonian Government Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Study

Education and Youth Board (Harno), Estonia

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Master's and PhD students in all fields (bachelor's only in Estonian language and culture) who are citizens of countries on Harno's published list (many non-EU countries, for example India, China, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the USA and the UK). Applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens are not accepted in the 2026/27 round.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

A government stipend for foreign students in degree or exchange studies at Estonian universities. It supports living costs and works well together with a tuition waiver from a university.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Master's and PhD students in all fields (bachelor's only in Estonian language and culture) who are citizens of countries on Harno's published list (many non-EU countries, for example India, China, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the USA and the UK). Applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens are not accepted in the 2026/27 round.
2. Note the deadline. Oct 1 – Oct 31 (annual; the current call runs 1 – 31 Oct 2026 until 23:59 Estonian time - about 15 scholarships are given and roughly 10% of applicants succeed) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Application form; Motivation letter; Passport or ID copy; Admission or confirmation letter from an Estonian university.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Evaluated by a scholarship commission; results announced by December

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Estonian Government Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Study?

Master's and PhD students in all fields (bachelor's only in Estonian language and culture) who are citizens of countries on Harno's published list (many non-EU countries, for example India, China, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the USA and the UK). Applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens are not accepted in the 2026/27 round.

What does Estonian Government Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Study cover?

EUR 350 a month for bachelor's and master's students and EUR 660 a month for doctoral students; no other costs are covered

When is the deadline for Estonian Government Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Study?

Oct 1 – Oct 31 (annual; the current call runs 1 – 31 Oct 2026 until 23:59 Estonian time - about 15 scholarships are given and roughly 10% of applicants succeed) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Estonian Government Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Study?

Host countries: Estonia.

What documents do I need for Estonian Government Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Study?

Application form; Motivation letter; Passport or ID copy; Admission or confirmation letter from an Estonian university.

How are applicants selected for Estonian Government Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Study?

Evaluated by a scholarship commission; results announced by December

How much work is the Estonian Government Scholarship for Degree and Exchange Study application?

Medium: online application + admission letter