The Chancellor of Justice says that Tallinn University of Technology is not acting correctly. The university does not allow Russian and Belarusian students to study there if they do not have a residence permit for the entire study period.
One person turned to the Chancellor of Justice. They said that the university did not accept them because they did not have a residence permit. The university stated that students from Russia and Belarus cannot apply if they do not have permission to live in Estonia for the entire study period.
Olari Koppel, an employee of the Chancellor of Justice, says this is wrong. He says everyone should be treated equally. The university must not differentiate based on citizenship.
The student in question is from Russia. They have been living in Estonia for four years. They graduated from school here and passed the Estonian language exam.
The police did not grant them a residence permit. They had to leave Estonia. Now they have filed a complaint with the court regarding the police's decision. The court has not yet made a decision.
The Chancellor of Justice states that everyone has the right to education. This applies to everyone living in Estonia. The right to education can only be restricted by law. All people are equal before the law.
The university says they do not differentiate based on citizenship. However, Koppel says this is not true. The university checks whether the student has the right to reside in Estonia for the entire study period.
This rule only applies to students from Russia and Belarus. Students from other countries can attend the university even if they do not have a residence permit for the entire period.
The university says their rule is correct. They fear that the student may not complete their studies if they do not have permission to stay in Estonia. However, Koppel says any student may drop out of their studies.
Other countries have not made such rules. Only students from Russia and Belarus are subject to this restriction. This is contrary to the law.
The Estonian government has set rules against Russia and Belarus. Their citizens cannot obtain work or study visas. However, this does not apply to the right to education. The university must not make such rules on its own.
Tiit Land, the rector of the university, says this is the first time such a situation has occurred. The university follows the government's rules. They are waiting for the court's decision. If the court rules in favor of the student, they will review the rules.