Education and Learning
Applying for a kindergarten place in your local authority
All children living in Estonia have the right to quality early childhood education and local authorities have an obligation to ensure that all children aged 1.5 to 7 living in their area have access to nursery, day care or kindergarten. Attendance at nursery school is not compulsory. To apply for a nursery place, you must submit an application to your local authority. Whether you can get a place in a nursery school for the current school year or have to wait until the next school year depends on the individual nursery school.
Local authorities consider parental preference when allocating kindergarten places. The municipality first accepts a child who lives in the area served by the kindergarten, giving preference where possible to children whose other children in the same family attend the same kindergarten.
More information on applying for a kindergarten place, kindergarten fees, early childhood education, etc. can be found on the subpage of the state portal eesti.ee.
This page is a summary of useful information for parents whose child goes to kindergarten in Tallinn.
Access to education
Rajaleidja Center
Rajaleidja Center is a nationwide network providing free educational counselling for adults – parents, teachers, support professionals and others - who support children in their education.
Educational guidance helps to identify learning or behavioural difficulties that may be holding back a child's educational progress. It then advises the adults around the child on how to support the child's development and coping, how to organise teaching and education, and what support services the child needs on a permanent basis.
If during the course of the educational counselling it becomes clear that a formal decision or administrative act is needed to organise a suitable educational path for the child (e.g. to assign a child to a special group or a special group in kindergarten, to postpone school attendance, to implement simplified learning at school), such a decision is made by an out-of-school counselling team of three support specialists from the Regional Support Service on the basis of the parent's request..
If an accident occurs in a school or nursery school that prevents normal learning activities from continuing, the Rajaleidja crisis teams provide crisis assistance to educational institutions. They advise all parties involved, guide teachers and prepare them to talk to pupils about difficult issues, report sad news.
The social worker supports the child and the adults around the child in case of social problems - for example, coping with special needs or health problems, bullying or behavioural problems, if the child does not want to go to school, etc. The social worker can also provide crisis support.
The special needs teacher identifies the level of development and learning skills of the child who is experiencing learning difficulties and advises on the choice of learning methods, materials and environment that are appropriate for the child.
The speech and language therapist assesses the child's speech and communication skills and makes recommendations for developing the child's speech and creating a suitable communication environment. The speech and language therapist also assesses the child's school readiness.
The psychologist assesses the child's mental capacity and development and the factors affecting mental health, for example if the child has anxiety, fears, mood problems, relationship problems, and advises the adults around the child on appropriate solutions and interventions. The psychologist also provides crisis support.
To register for counselling, parents need to provide their child's details and their contact information. To book an appointment, use the e-booking system or call (+372) 735 0700.
Minukarjäär.ee
On the Unemployment Insurance Fund's career website minukarjäär.ee, you can find out which educational path suits you best and what educational choices to make if you want to build your career on it later.
Primary and basic school
Education in Estonia is compulsory for school-age children with a foreign nationality or who are stateless. The school age starts at the age of seven and lasts until the completion of basic education or the age of 17. The compulsory school age can be postponed for reasons of health and can also be fulfilled by studying at home.
If you are arriving in Estonia with a school-age child, you must submit a written application to the local authority to get a school place. Together with the parents, the most suitable study option for the child will be found as soon as possible and a study plan will be prepared.
No pupil is excluded from compulsory schooling on the grounds of disability or lack of abilities. Primary education can also be provided on the basis of a simplified curriculum, depending on special needs and abilities.
High school
After basic education, you can choose to study at a gymnasium for general secondary education, or you can choose to study a profession for secondary vocational training. Secondary education is also available at an adult upper secondary school.
Secondary education in Estonia is not compulsory. In both upper secondary education and vocational education, the duration of studies is generally three years. The main aim of upper secondary education is to prepare students for higher education, while vocational upper secondary education prepares young people for the labour market.
In order to graduate from upper secondary school, you need to pass five final examinations, at least three of which are state examinations, plus practical work or research. At the end of their studies, graduates of vocational education and training institutions must pass a professional vocational examination.
Read more about secondary education in Estonia here.
The Ministry of Education and Research has an Education Advice Service, which provides information on study opportunities in vocational schools and the Vabaduse School. For information, call (+372) 735 0575 or write to noustamine@hm.ee. An online consultation is also available by arrangement.
Estonian Refugee Council organises comprehensive training on the Estonian education system. Find out more here.
In Estonia, the entry requirement for higher education is secondary education. Universities may impose additional conditions for enrolment (e.g. entrance examinations, results of state examinations or interview).
If you have secondary education in a foreign country, the Estonian ENIC/NARIC Centre can help you assess your access to higher education. They should also be contacted if, for whatever reason, you do not have documents proving your previous education.
Once you have started your higher education studies in Ukraine, it is possible to look for a similar curriculum in an Estonian higher education institution to enable you to transfer and continue your studies.
Information on short- and long-term study opportunities offered by Estonian higher education institutions, including language courses for students from Ukraine, is provided by the institutions themselves.
You can find an overview of the Estonian higher education system and contact details for all Estonian higher education institutions on the website of the Ministry of Education and Research.
If you have completed secondary education and wish to continue your studies in vocational schools, you can choose between different specialisations lasting from half a year to two and a half years. Vocational education can be obtained both in vocational educational institutions and professional higher education institutions. You can read more about the Estonian vocational education system here.
You can find the contact details of all vocational education institutions in Estonia on the Education Portal.
Further education opportunities for young Ukrainian refugees
Learning opportunities in Estonian vocational education and training institutions (PDF)
Language Requirements
The requirements for the proficiency and use of Estonian for officials, employees, and sole proprietors are defined by government regulation. For further details, refer to the regulation published in Riigiteataja.
Estonian Language Proficiency Exams
Estonian language proficiency exams assess the knowledge of Estonian as the official language. These exams are aimed at non-Estonians and immigrants who need to prove their language skills for their job or wish to apply for a residence permit or citizenship. More information on dates can be found here.
Language Proficiency Levels
According to Appendix 1 of the Language Act, language proficiency levels in Estonia are assessed as follows:
A1
Understands and uses everyday expressions and simple phrases to meet basic needs. Can introduce themselves and others, ask about living conditions and people, and respond to similar inquiries. Can communicate in simple language if the conversation partner speaks slowly and clearly.
A2
Understands sentences and commonly used expressions related to important areas like personal information, shopping, home, and work. Can handle everyday situations requiring direct and simple communication on familiar topics. Can describe their family, other people, and living conditions, and express their needs using simple phrases and sentences.
B1
Understands essential information on familiar topics such as work, school, and leisure. Can mostly manage in a foreign country where the language is spoken. Can write simple texts on familiar or interesting topics. Can describe experiences, events, dreams, and goals, and briefly justify and explain their opinions and plans.
B2
Understands the core of complex texts on abstract or concrete topics and professional discussions. Can converse spontaneously and fluently with native speakers. Can produce clear, detailed text on many subjects and explain their viewpoint, considering the strengths and weaknesses of different opinions.
C1
Understands long and complex texts, grasping implicit meanings. Can express themselves spontaneously and fluently without much searching for expressions. Can use the language flexibly and effectively in public, academic, and work contexts. Can produce clear, logical, and detailed text on complex subjects using cohesive devices.
C2
Understands effortlessly everything heard and read. Can summarise information from various oral and written sources and articulate the arguments presented. Can express themselves spontaneously, fluently, and accurately, distinguishing nuances in more complex situations.
Settle In Estonia
Ukrainians
Free Estonian language courses at A1 level are available for adult recipients of temporary protection. Continuation courses at A2 and B1 levels are also offered for those who have successfully completed the previous level. Settle in Estonia invites all Ukrainian international protection recipients to participate in one-day adaptation training. Most training takes place online, with some sessions held in larger cities (Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, etc.). You can register for groups on the Settle in Estonia website and view personalized courses by logging into your account. For questions, contact the Integration Foundation advisors at info@settleinestonia.ee.
International Protection Recipients
Settle in Estonia offers free Estonian language courses at A1, A2, and B1 levels for individuals who have received international protection. Additionally, it provides four-day adaptation training sessions.
Most language instruction and training are conducted online, with some options available in larger cities like Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu. Keep an eye out for courses on their Facebook page.
Recipients can register for groups on the Settle in Estonia website and view their personalised courses by logging into their accounts.
For inquiries, they can contact Integration Foundation advisors at info@settleinestonia.ee.
Integration Foundation
Free A1-C1 Estonian language courses for adults, open for registration twice a year - in January and August. Places are offered on a priority basis to those who are continuing their studies and those who have completed counselling. The language learning needs of the individual are analysed by a counsellor, who will then propose a suitable solution. You can register for a free counselling session by e-mail info@integratsiooniinfo.ee or by calling toll-free (+372) 800 9999. Find out more here.
Free language courses up to B1 level are organised for people aged 15 or over who have lived in Estonia for at least five years and wish to acquire Estonian citizenship. Courses are designed for those who are just starting to learn Estonian as well as for those who already have a basic level of Estonian. Applications can be submitted to the Integration Foundation online as well as at the Estonian Language Houses in Tallinn and Narva. Read more here.
Adults, who have already completed some Estonian language courses, can participate in Estonian language and culture clubs. Read more about language clubs here.
The language buddy programme provides an essential part of language learning - the opportunity to talk. The Estonian language learner and a volunteer mentor with good Estonian language skills get together to have a conversation in Estonian. To find a language buddy, email keelesober@integratsioon.ee and read more about it here.
Estonian Language Proficiency Exams
The Estonian language proficiency exams assess the ability to use Estonian as the state language. These exams are designed for non-Estonians and immigrants who need to demonstrate their proficiency level for their workplace or who wish to apply for a residence permit or citizenship.
For more information about the dates, please visit: Estonian Language Proficiency Exams.
Education and Youth Board
There is a possibility of refunding the cost of learning Estonian after passing the language test from level A2. All adults, young people aged 15-17 who are not in education and young people aged 17 without basic education can apply for up to €320. Read more here.
In order to apply for reimbursement of the cost of language training, the teacher must be licensed by the Language Board - a list of such trainers can be found here.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund
Estonian language courses at A1-C1 level from the age of 16 up to retirement age are available for both unemployed and employed people. The Unemployment Insurance Fund pays the unemployed person's training costs of up to 2,500 euros for two years and, in the case of the employed, for three years.
People who are working (including beneficiaries of international protection and temporary protection) do not need to make an appointment with the Unemployment Fund for language courses. Send an email to eestikeel@tootukassa.ee (with your name, personal identification number and telephone number) and you will be contacted within two working days. Read more here.
The unemployed, pensioners and recipients of unemployment benefits who are registered with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Unemployment Fund) can attend the courses by agreement with a counsellor. Find out more here.
Tallinn Central Library
Tallinn Central Library runs an Estonian-language café, where participants can practise speaking Estonian. You can find out more about the online language café schedule here.
Pelguranna Language Club
At the Pelguranna Library, the language club offers enthusiasts the opportunity to practice Estonian in an informal setting every Saturday at 3:00 PM (Kangru 13, Tallinn).
For more information and registration, you can contact: 683 0931 or pelguranna@tln.lib.ee.
Radio 4's audio course "Linguist"
A great Estonian audio course "Language Talk" based on the Russian language, which can be listened to anywhere, anytime through headphones. Listen to the language lessons here.
e-learning courses
“Keeleklikk” and “Keeletee” are very entertaining animated Estonian language e-courses for beginners and advanced learners based on Russian and English. Start here.
Printable materials for the e-book
Printable language learning materials specially designed for Ukrainians by language teachers in Tartu and Mariupol. Find out more at this website.
Leisure education takes place in a leisure school and is curriculum-based. This means learning a musical instrument or a sport, an art or a dance technique, or learning about nature, technology or something else. You'll also get a certificate of completion for your participation in an activity.
Recreational education supports the sustainability of Estonia's cultural and sporting traditions, technological development and the environment, and the development of local traditions.
Find out more about leisure schools here.
For information on leisure education for young people in Ukraine, click here.
Adults
Tallinn People's University courses: https://kultuur.ee/
The Unemployment Insurance Fund supports individuals in obtaining qualifications or skills certification. It covers the costs of qualification-confirming documents like vocational or competence certificates, or documents proving the right to drive a motor vehicle if you are a registered job seeker, a laid-off employee, or a pensioner.
Together with a consultant, it is determined whether and what qualification-confirming document is needed for employment. If receiving the service is agreed upon in the action plan, the fund will cover fees for consultations, exams, and requested certificates, including state fees.
Read more about it here.
Estonian ENIC/NARIC Centre
The Estonian ENIC/NARIC Centre deals with the recognition of qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates, etc.) obtained abroad in Estonia. It also provides information to foreign countries so that qualifications obtained in Estonia can be duly recognised elsewhere in the world.
Read more here: https://harno.ee/en/enicnaric.
For more information, write to enic-naric@harno.ee or visit Tõnismägi 11, Tallinn (Mon and Wed 9.00-12.00, Tue and Wed 14.00-17.00).
Books:
- TERE! Estonian for Beginners 0-A1 by Inga Mangus and Merge Simmul
- Tere Jälle! Estonian Textbook A1-A2(B1) by Inga Mangus and Merge Simmul
- Tere Taas! Estonian Textbook A2-B1(B2) by Inga Mangus and Merge Simmul
- Estonian Language Textbook for Russian-Speaking Preschoolers by Inga Mangus and Merge Simmul
- E nagu Eesti: Estonian Textbook for Beginners by Mall Pesti and Helve Ahi
Dictionaries:
- Ukrainian-Estonian Phrasebook by Anu Nurk
- English-Estonian Phrasebook 2017 by Mart Aru and Maila Saar
Language Learning Apps:
- Learn Estonian For Beginners
- Learn Estonian Language Easily
- Learn Estonian Travel Offline
- Learn Estonian Phrases Words
- Drops: Language Learning Games
- ESTBuddy and ESTBuddy2
- Opiq Eesti
- ALPA Educational Games for Kids
- Targu Kids Eesti
- TG – Preschool Child
- Õhtujutt