Need-based Study Allowance
The Estonian state supports students from less well-off families in covering additional costs associated with obtaining higher education.From August 1, 2022, the Need-based Study Allowance will no longer be given to students with a temporary residence permit coming to study from outside the European Union.
Students may receive the Need-based Study Allowance if:
- they are a citizen of Estonia or reside in Estonia on the basis of a permanent or temporary residence permit;
- they are not on academic leave;
- their period of study has not exceeded the standard period of the curriculum;
- they study full-time and have completed 75% of the curriculum’s requirements or are studying full-time in their first semester;
- their family’s monthly income per family member is below the minimum limit determined by the state.
Read more about study allowance on the webside of the Ministry of Education and Research
Special Need-based Study Allowance
The Special Need-based Study Allowance is intended for students who were refused the Need-based Study Allowance due to the fact that their previous income exceeded the established limit for receiving support, but whose income has recently decreased significantly.
A student can apply for Special Need-based Study Allowance if:
- they are an Estonian citizen or reside in Estonia on the basis of a long-term resident or temporary residence permit (from the 2022/23 academic year, it is no longer granted to students with a temporary residence permit granted for the purpose of study, i.e. students coming to study from outside the European Union);
- they are not on academic leave;
- they are studying full-time and have cumulatively completed at least 75 percent of the amount of courses to be completed in the previous semesters, or if they are studying full-time in their first semester,
- they have received a negative decision on an application for the Need-based Study Allowance on the grounds that their family's monthly income exceeded the established limit and if they meet one of the following conditions:
- their family's income in the three months preceding the submission of the application does not exceed the limit established for receiving support or
- if their economic situation has worsened due to a decrease in working capacity.
The educational institution has the right to ask applicants for additional documents if necessary.
To receive the Special Need-based Study Allowance, a free form application must be written to the rector of the BMTS including:
- the negative decision received from the Ministry of Science and Education;
- the net income of the family members in the three months preceding the submission of the application.
Applications for the Special Need-based Study Allowance are accepted between October 1-10 and between March 1-10.