To enter high school, basic education is required. Often, the results of basic school final exams are also considered. But for children who studied abroad, it is difficult because they do not have final exams. Therefore, they have to go to international schools.
The head of the Ministry of Education and Research, Ülle Matsin, says that every year, 200-300 high school-aged students want to come to Estonia. They have studied abroad. Matsin believes it is fair to admit them to schools without exams.
The school must assess the education received abroad. Students should not have to take double exams. The school must clearly write how they evaluate students coming from abroad. This must be fair and transparent.
The head of the Estonian School Leaders' Association, Urmo Uiboleht, says the change is important. Currently, families coming from abroad do not feel comfortable in Estonia. It is difficult for children to find a school. The new rules will make Estonia more inviting.
Uiboleht believes that the workload of schools will increase. Schools now have more responsibility. But Matsin says the workload will not increase. Every year, new students come to Estonia.
Schools can now adapt their teaching. For example, they can create different curricula. This will help those whose Estonian language is still weak.
Matsin says that schools will not be left alone. The ministry will help them. For example, there are many Estonian language learning materials available.
The changes will also help schools. They can now better check students' documents. This will make the admission process easier.