International Student Numbers in Estonia Drop Since 2019, Challenges Ahead

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Key Takeaways

• Estonia’s international student enrollment dropped from 5,528 in 2019/20 to 5,072 in 2021/22, reflecting a steady decline.
• Changes to Estonia’s visa policies, including restricted work hours and post-graduation stay limits, have deterred some non-EU students.
• As of 2024, Estonia offers a nine-month visa extension for graduates and simplified work permits to retain international talent.

The number of international students in Estonia 🇪🇪 has been decreasing steadily since 2019. This shift marks a notable change in the country’s higher education system, which had, prior to 2019, experienced years of consistent growth in attracting international students. The drop in student numbers has implications for Estonia’s efforts to bring more diversity into its higher education sector and to strengthen its reputation as an appealing study destination.

In the 2019/20 academic year, Estonia recorded its highest number of international students, with 5,528 individuals enrolled in various higher education programs. Over the preceding years, the country had seen unprecedented growth, as this figure represented a fivefold increase compared to just 901 foreign students in 2006. However, this period of growth came to an abrupt halt when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020. The pandemic introduced travel restrictions, health concerns, and disruptions that created numerous challenges for international students worldwide, including those considering Estonia.

International Student Numbers in Estonia Drop Since 2019, Challenges Ahead

By the 2020/21 academic year, the total number of international students in Estonia had dropped by 5.3%. Specifically, the number fell to 5,236, a loss of 292 students compared to the previous year. The decline persisted the following year, with only 5,072 international students enrolled in 2021/22, reflecting an additional 3.1% decrease. Though small in percentage terms, these drops are meaningful in a country like Estonia, where international students play a crucial role in preserving the global outlook of its higher education institutions.

Interestingly, some bright spots did surface amid these declines. Statistics from the 2021/22 academic year show that the number of new international students enrolling in Estonian universities increased by 20%, with 1,748 new students commencing their studies. This indicates that there is still a strong interest among students worldwide to study in Estonia, even as total enrollment numbers dropped.

In that same academic year, students from 124 different countries were represented among Estonia’s international student population, maintaining the diversity for which the country has become known. Finland 🇫🇮 and Russia 🇷🇺 continued to lead as the two largest sources of international students, making up 19% and 11% of enrollments, respectively. Other major contributors were Nigeria 🇳🇬, Ukraine 🇺🇦, and India 🇮🇳. This broad geographical representation underscores Estonia’s ability to attract students from both its regional neighbors and far-off countries.

The most popular study level for international students in Estonia remains master’s programs, with 2,122 students enrolled in these programs during the 2021/22 academic year. Bachelor’s degree programs followed, with 1,456 students, while doctoral programs accounted for 757 students. When examining fields of study, business, administration, and law led the way, enrolling 1,574 international students. Humanities and arts attracted 758 students, and information and communication technology (ICT) programs were chosen by 681 students. These fields reflect Estonia’s strengths in education and its appeal in areas like business and digital technologies.

Various factors have contributed to the decline in international student enrollment. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the primary drivers, as it temporarily slowed or halted students’ ability to travel internationally. However, the decrease cannot be entirely attributed to the pandemic. Immigration and visa policy changes have affected the choices of prospective students as well. For example, proposed amendments to Estonia’s Aliens Act and Study Allowances and Student Loans Act in 2020 introduced restrictions on work hours for non-EU students and limited their ability to stay in the country after graduating. Although it remains unclear whether these changes were fully implemented, such proposals could reasonably deter international students from selecting Estonia.

Despite these challenges, the Estonian government and universities have been working to attract and retain international students more effectively. As of 2024, Estonia offers favorable work and business opportunities for non-EU graduates of its educational institutions. These graduates benefit from simplified procedures to obtain work permits, lower wage requirements, and unhindered access to the job market. Additionally, all international students receive a nine-month visa extension upon graduation, giving them ample time to find work in Estonia. These policies aim to keep talented international graduates in the country, boosting both the local labor market and the broader economy.

The living and study environment in Estonia is another factor that continues to attract students from across the globe. According to the 2019 International Student Barometer, an impressive 91% of international students expressed satisfaction with their Estonian higher education experience. More notably, 95% said they chose Estonia because they believed their education there would improve their future career prospects. Estonia is known for its digital services and technological advancements, including being the first nation to launch e-Residency. These features make Estonia particularly appealing to students interested in fields like ICT and entrepreneurship.

Another indicator of the positive economic contributions of international students comes from their on-campus and off-campus workforce participation. As of the 2022/23 academic year, 56% of international students in the country worked while studying, though this was lower than the 86% work participation rate of local students. Among international students, those in ICT, business, and engineering fields were the most likely to juggle study and work, with 70% of ICT students taking up a job alongside their studies. The labor taxes collected from international student workers amounted to 16.6 million euros during the 2022/23 academic year. This significant figure underscores their financial contribution to Estonia, even as the number of international students has declined.

Looking to the future, Estonia faces both opportunities and challenges in growing its international student numbers. To achieve further success, several improvements could be made:

Improved job options after graduation: While current rules allow nine months for international graduates to seek employment, extending or enhancing these opportunities could give Estonia an edge over competing destinations.
Simpler visa processes: Making the visa application process quicker and easier for international students may attract more students.
Scholarship availability: Increasing financial aid opportunities could allow students from a wider range of economic backgrounds to pursue higher education in Estonia.
More programs in English: Expanding the range of English-taught courses could attract students who may not be fluent in Estonian but are interested in studying there.
Promoting Estonia’s unique strengths: Estonia’s image as a forward-thinking digital nation should be emphasized further in campaigns targeting prospective students.

While the setbacks since 2019 certainly paint a sobering picture, Estonia remains a promising destination for international students. Its commitment to digital innovation, combined with a strong education system and new immigration policies designed to attract and retain skilled graduates, provides a solid foundation for future growth. However, to regain and surpass the levels of international student enrollment seen in 2019, continued collaboration between the Estonian government and higher education sectors is essential.

For further details on Estonia’s immigration and visa policies for students, visit the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board: Estonian Immigration Office. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the country is working hard to maintain its appeal in an increasingly competitive market for international students. Through thoughtful adjustments and ongoing marketing of its unique advantages, Estonia can re-establish itself as a top-tier choice for students around the world.

Learn Today

International student → A student who travels to another country to pursue higher education, typically on a temporary visa.
Aliens Act → Estonian legislation regulating the entry, stay, and rights of foreign nationals, including international students, in the country.
e-Residency → Estonia’s digital identity program allowing non-residents to access online services, start businesses, and sign documents electronically.
ICT (Information and Communication Technology) → A field of study covering digital technologies, communication systems, and computer-based tools and applications.
Visa extension → An additional period granted to stay in a country beyond the original visa timeframe, often for work or study purposes.

This Article in a Nutshell

Estonia, a digital trailblazer, saw international student numbers peak in 2019, but pandemic disruptions and visa hurdles triggered declines. Despite challenges, interest persists, with diverse enrollments and strong appeal in ICT and business fields. New immigration incentives aim to retain talent, ensuring Estonia remains a vibrant, global education hub poised for renewal.
— By VisaVerge.com