Kindergartens
All children aged 1.5–7 have the right to attend a childcare centre or preschool within the territory of their local municipality. Local governments guarantee a place in childcare for children aged 1.5–3 and a place in preschool for children aged 3–7. Parents who wish to enrol their child must contact their local government.
Child development review
To support the adjustment of a child who has recently moved to Estonia, a development review is carried out as soon as possible once the child begins attending a childcare group or preschool. The review involves the parent (or guardian) and the group teacher, and other specialists may be included if necessary.
The review covers:
- the child’s development and how best to support them, including the need for additional assistance (e.g. a psychologist, speech therapist, etc.)
- the child’s individual needs (e.g. diet, health, religious considerations)
- the family’s financial ability to pay the participation fee
Individual support and language learning
To ensure a smoother transition into an Estonian-language environment, preschools may prepare an individual development plan for the child if needed, supporting their development and interaction with peers through games, projects and shared activities.
In preschools where a large proportion of children have a mother tongue other than Estonian, Estonian-language support teachers help children acquire the language. Local governments receive state funding for this purpose and may provide additional support if they wish.
Participation fee
Preschool and childcare services are usually subject to a fee. Monthly parental fees vary between local municipalities, but the amount paid by parents for one child may not exceed 20 per cent of the minimum wage established by the government of the Republic. Preschools provide meals for children, and meals are usually paid for by parents. If needed, families can apply to the local government for reductions in participation fees and meal costs.
Basic education
Basic education is divided into three stages. Stage I covers years 1–3 (ages 7–10), Stage II covers years 4–6 (ages 10–13) and Stage III covers years 7–9 (ages 13–16). Basic education can be obtained in various types of schools: primary schools (years 1–6), basic schools (years 1–9) or upper secondary schools that offer basic school classes.
Upper secondary and vocational education
After completing basic school, young people may choose to continue their studies at an upper secondary school, where they acquire general upper secondary education, or at a vocational school, where they can obtain vocational upper secondary education or a vocational qualification.
School year
The school year begins generally on 1 September and usually ends in June. Studies are organised in semesters or trimesters. Throughout the year, schools hold a range of events, such as the Day of Knowledge, Christmas ceremonies and Mother Tongue Day. Each school also has its own traditions to make school life engaging.
School holidays
School holidays are determined by the Minister of Education and Research, and minor differences may occur each academic year. Autumn, winter and spring holidays usually last one week, while the Christmas holiday lasts two weeks. School administrators may set additional holidays.
Holiday dates can be found on each school’s website.
Curriculum and languages
All schools organise teaching on the basis of the national curriculum. A school may prepare an individual curriculum for a pupil who has recently moved to Estonia.
Most schools teach in Estonian, and some are in the process of transitioning to Estonian-medium instruction. Instruction in another language continues, for example, in schools that follow the IB curriculum.
Schools may apply for state funding if they provide at least two of the following support services for pupils who have recently arrived in Estonia: (1) an individual curriculum; (2) Estonian-as-a-second-language lessons; (3) additional Estonian language lessons.
Some schools offer an elective course that enables pupils whose mother tongue is not Estonian to study their native language and learn about their national culture.
Child development review
To support a child who has recently moved to Estonia at the start of their schooling, the school conducts a development review as soon as possible. The review involves the child, the parent (or guardian) and the class teacher, and other specialists may be included where necessary. Development reviews are held annually.
The review covers:
- the child’s developmental needs (including an overview of existing knowledge and skills) and the need for additional support (e.g. a psychologist, speech therapist, etc.)
- the child’s individual needs (e.g. diet, health, religious considerations).
Registering for a school place
- Children must start school in the year they turn seven, provided they reach that age by 1 October.
- Every child in Estonia is guaranteed a school place. A school is usually assigned based on the child’s place of residence, but it is also possible to apply for a place in a school farther away if there are available spots.
- To obtain a school place, parents must contact their local government. The local government coordinates education in the area and helps families find a suitable school.
- Parents must submit an application to the school. The school secretary or administration can help complete the form.
- Required documents:
- a document proving the child’s identity (e.g. birth certificate, passport, ID card)
- a health card (available from the family doctor or school nurse)
- where possible, the child’s previous study records or certificates (if the child has already attended school elsewhere)
- If a document is missing (for example, a certificate issued abroad is not yet available or is still being translated), this must not prevent admission to the school. The school and the local governments will help find a solution.
School education is free of charge
Most schools in Estonia are operated by the state or local governments, and education at these schools is free. There are also some private schools, where tuition fees may apply.
Schools operated by the state or local governments provide all pupils with free learning materials. School meals are organised in schools, and fees are set by the school operator. Some schools offer free meals.
More information
For detailed information, it is advisable to contact your local government or educational institution.
If you need advice or assistance regarding the education of a child who has recently moved to Estonia and you cannot find the relevant information on our website, the following may also be helpful:
Provides counselling for parents to support information sharing and the adaptation process in Tallinn (Estonian Language House, Rävala 5) and Narva (Estonian Language House, Linda 2). Counselling helps parents clarify their questions and directs them to the appropriate source or institution in Estonian, Russian or English. Advice is also available via the free helpline 659 9025 or by emailing [email protected]. The Integration Foundation also advises those who are interested in or planning to return to Estonia, as well as people who have already started a new life here.
- Ministry of the Interior’s The Settle in Estonia Programme
The Ministry of the Interior’s The Settle in Estonia Programme supports the integration of foreigners who have lived in Estonia for less than five years. Children can take part in the programme’s children and youth module.
- Additional information is available on the website of the Ministry of Education and Research: general education, vocational education.
Last updated: 11.03.2026
