Residence permit for study

For educational institutions

Who needs it?

Educational institutions that wish to admit a student who:

  • is not a citizen of a European Union Member State, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland,
  • intends to study in Estonia for more than 1 year, and
  • requires a residence permit for study in Estonia.

In which types of schools may a foreign national study?

A foreign national may study in Estonia:

  • at a basic school
  • at an upper secondary school
  • at a vocational school
  • at an applied higher education institution
  • at a university
  • at an educational institution established under an international agreement

What is the main requirement when admitting a foreign student?

As a representative of a university or an applied higher education institution, you must ensure that:

  • the foreign student’s language proficiency meets the requirements of the language of instruction (unless the student will be studying Estonian intensively),
  • the foreign student has the necessary qualifications to be admitted at the relevant level of study,
  • the foreign student is enrolled full-time.

For which preparatory courses may a foreign national apply for a residence permit for study?

A residence permit for study may be applied for in order to participate in preparatory courses at a vocational school, an applied higher education institution or a university.

For which internships may a foreign national apply for a residence permit for study?

A residence permit for study may be applied for in order to participate in an internship at a basic school, an upper secondary school, a vocational school, an applied higher education institution or a university.

What are the conditions for organising the internship of a vocational student or university student?

To apply for a residence permit for participation in an internship at a vocational school, an applied higher education institution or a university:

  • the internship must be related to the education acquired by the foreign national,
  • it may not be remunerated, and
  • it must be based on an internship agreement between the foreign national and the educational institution.

What conditions apply to a foreign national applying for a residence permit for participation in voluntary service?

Voluntary service takes place as part of a youth project or programme recognised by the Ministry of Education and Research.

A foreign national who participates in voluntary service:

  • is not remunerated for the voluntary service,
  • has living costs covered by the youth association where they serve,
  • is covered by a health insurance contract concluded by the youth association, and
  • is bound by an agreement with the youth association, which sets out the foreign national’s tasks, working hours, pocket money, travel and living costs as a volunteer, and the conditions of supervision.

How to invite a foreign national?

If the foreign national has met your educational institution’s admission and language proficiency requirements, please submit a completed invitation containing the foreign national’s details to the Police and Border Guard Board by email at ....

Invitation form.

What obligations does an educational institution have in relation to the admission of a foreign national?

The inviting party is required to:

  • verify that the foreign national invited to Estonia has a legal basis for staying in Estonia,
  • receive the foreign national in Estonia,
  • ensure accommodation for the foreign national, if necessary,
  • cover the costs of the foreign national’s stay in Estonia and departure from Estonia, if necessary.

The educational institution also has a notification obligation when receiving a foreign national.

What is the educational institution’s notification obligation in relation to the admission of a foreign national?

As a representative of an educational institution, student organisation, or youth association that has submitted an invitation for the purpose of granting a residence permit to a foreign national, you must notify the Police and Border Guard Board within 2 weeks if the foreign national who has been granted a residence permit:

  • does not commence studies on time,
  • does not complete the curriculum in full,
  • has discontinued studies,
  • has been expelled from the educational institution, or
  • has graduated.

A migration consultant is available to help you every step of the way. Seek advice from a migration consultant