What will a year really cost?

From the country guide: tuition, living costs and the visa fee, plus the money you must show. The part you lose if the visa is refused is marked.

In short: a first year in Estonia costs about USD 5,900 to 23,700: tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee. The visa also asks you to show USD 11,800 before it is decided.

Last checked: 24 September 2026, against the official sources linked below.

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A year in Estonia

	In EUR as published	In USD
Tuition, one year	EUR 1,500 to 15,000	USD 1,670 to 16,750 Public university, international student
Living costs, twelve months	EUR 3,600 to 6,000	USD 4,020 to 6,700
Visa or permit feeNot refunded if the visa is refused	EUR 225	USD 251
First year, all in		USD 5,940 to 23,690
Money you must show for the visa	EUR 10,560	USD 11,790 Held in your account before you apply; most of it then pays your living costs

Work while you study

No weekly figure published

Stay after you graduate

9 months, Stay to look for work after graduation

If the exchange rate moves. Today 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (rate of 8 November 2026). A 10% move either way changes this first year by about USD 1,480, and a whole three to four-year degree by roughly USD 4,450 to USD 5,930. Plan with a margin, and pay large sums when the rate suits you.

Worth knowing. The EUR 880 a month proof of funds is far above the official EUR 300-500 living-cost estimate, and Tartu ended tuition waivers for new non-EU students.

The full Estonia guide, with every source →

Estonia: what a year costs next to

Tuition, living costs and the visa fee side by side, in your currency.

Finland vs Estonia

Leaves out flights, deposits and insurance unless the guide includes them. Currency: Rates by Exchange Rate API, 8 November 2026.

Questions

How much does it cost to study in Estonia for a year?

a first year in Estonia costs about USD 5,900 to 23,700: tuition, twelve months of living costs and the visa fee. The visa also asks you to show USD 11,800 before it is decided.

How much money do I need to show for a student visa in Estonia?

EUR 10,560 a year (about USD 11,800), from the official source in the Estonia guide.