Last year, 3954 international students studied at Estonian universities. 1251 new international students arrived.
International students can apply through Dream Apply. This is an international system where one can apply to multiple universities.
International students are most interested in business, administration, law, humanities, arts, and IT.
Last year, the most international students studied at the University of Tartu (1461). Second was Tallinn University of Technology (797), and third was Tallinn University (658).
The majority of international students came from Finland (651), Ukraine (456), India (185), Russia (182), and Azerbaijan (173).
Ülle Tensing, an advisor at the University of Tartu, said that most foreign-language programs are at the master's level. The most students come from Azerbaijan, Ukraine, China, India, Georgia, Latvia, and the USA.
The number of international students who stay in Estonia to work is increasing. Tuition fees range from 4000 to 13,200 euros per year. The best students are also offered free education.
IT programs are the most popular. This autumn, slightly more international students are expected than last year, but no significant growth is anticipated.
International students rarely bring family members to Estonia. Mostly, doctoral students do this.
Tallinn University of Technology received 552 applications this year. The most applications came from Azerbaijan (134). Last year, there were 79. Most Azerbaijani students study IT and economics.
Ukraine is in second place. Applications also came from Georgia, Bangladesh, and the USA.
International students often have a connection to Estonia. Estonia is known as a digital nation and a business-friendly country.
Tuition fees depend on the program. For example, international business costs 3000 euros per semester. There are no free spots for international students.
The most international students are in the Faculty of Economics. There are also IT and engineering faculties.
The Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre will welcome 77 new international students. Currently, about 160 international students study there. Most come from Latvia, Ukraine, Spain, Turkey, and China.
Chinese students want to study classical music. The admission of international students began 20 years ago. Every year, there are six or seven Chinese students.
Tuition fees for EU and Ukrainian students are 1600 euros. For other countries, it is 7500 euros per year.