Study International Relations in Estonia

If you want to study international relations in Estonia, you will usually find bachelor’s and master’s options, often in English. Admission is based on your school or university results, English level, and the programme’s own rules. Tuition and living costs vary by university, so always check the official programme page and the university admissions site.

What you can study

International relations can be part of a degree in political science, diplomacy, European studies, or social sciences. In Estonia, you should look for these levels:

Bachelor’s degree - for applicants with upper secondary education or an equivalent school-leaving certificate.
Master’s degree - for applicants who already have a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Shorter exchange or summer study - sometimes available, but this is not the same as a full degree.

Some programmes focus more on politics and policy. Others include economics, law, security, or regional studies. Read the course description carefully, because the name of the degree does not always tell you the full content.

Typical entry requirements

Each university sets its own rules, but international applicants are usually asked for the following:

Diploma or degree certificate and your grade transcript.
Proof of English, often through IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or another accepted test. Some universities may accept previous education in English.
Motivation letter or statement of purpose.
CV for many master’s programmes.
Passport copy.
Sometimes an interview or entrance test.

For bachelor’s studies, universities normally want proof that your secondary school education gives access to higher education in your country. For master’s studies, they usually want a relevant bachelor’s degree. If your documents are not in English, you may need certified translations.

Check the university admissions page for the exact document list, file format, and whether they want originals, scans, or notarised copies.

English-taught options and language level

Many international relations programmes in Estonia are taught fully in English. This is one reason many students choose Estonia. Still, you should not assume every programme is in English just because the university is international.

Universities often ask for a language level around B2 or higher, but the exact score depends on the school. Common examples are:

IELTS
TOEFL iBT
Cambridge English

Some programmes accept a previous degree taught in English instead of a test. Others do not. If your English proof is close to the minimum, make sure the score is accepted before you apply.

Also check whether the programme expects any knowledge of politics, history, or social science. Some master’s degrees prefer applicants with a related background, while others accept students from wider fields.

Tuition and living costs

Tuition in Estonia depends on the university, the degree level, and whether you are an EU or non-EU student. Do not rely on old forum posts or copied numbers. Check the programme page for the current fee.

As a general guide, many English-taught degrees in Estonia fall into these broad ranges:

Bachelor’s - often around a few thousand euros per year, but some programmes can be higher.
Master’s - often in a similar range, and some specialised programmes may cost more.
EU and non-EU rules - some universities charge the same fee for everyone, while others have different rules or scholarships.

Living costs are also important. Estonia is usually cheaper than many Western European countries, but the exact amount depends on the city and your lifestyle. You should budget for:

Rent or dormitory place
Food
Local transport
Health insurance, if needed
Books, phone, and personal costs

For a basic student budget, many students should plan for several hundred euros per month at least, and more if they rent a private apartment. Tallinn is usually more expensive than smaller cities. The university may publish an estimate for student living costs, so check that too.

Application timeline

Deadlines change from year to year, and each university can set its own dates. A safe plan is to start early and work backwards from the deadline.

9 to 12 months before study - shortlist programmes and check entry rules.
6 to 9 months before study - prepare documents, language tests, and translations.
2 to 5 months before study - submit the application, if the university’s deadline is in that period.
After admission - arrange housing, insurance, and, if needed, a student visa or residence permit.

If you need a visa or residence permit, check the Estonian national immigration authority or the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country. Rules can change, and the process may take time.

How universities choose candidates

Admissions offices usually compare applicants using a mix of academic results and profile fit. For international relations, they may look for:

Good school or university grades
A clear interest in politics, diplomacy, or global affairs
Strong English
A well-written motivation letter
Relevant coursework, volunteer work, internships, or debate experience

For master’s programmes, they may also look at your previous major, research interest, and career goals. A strong application is not only about marks. It should show why this programme fits you.

Some universities use rolling review, while others wait until the deadline and then rank all applicants. Read the admissions page carefully so you know how your file will be assessed.

Common questions

Do I need to speak Estonian?

Not always. Many international relations programmes are in English. But if you want local internships, student jobs, or daily life outside campus, some Estonian can help. Check the programme language before you apply.

Can I apply without a final diploma yet?

Sometimes yes, if the university allows conditional admission and you can show that your diploma will be issued soon. This is university-specific, so check the admissions instructions and upload status.

How do I know if my degree is eligible?

Read the university’s entry requirements and, if needed, contact admissions. For visa or residence questions, use the national immigration authority or the embassy. For tuition, use the programme page, not social media or old posts.

How Eduuro helps

Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.

Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.