You might have never heard of the term ‘e-society’, and probably not much about Estonia before, well Estonia is a small European country located near Baltic Sea and known as an e-society. Estonia is digitalized and modernized nation which is taking the best outcome from technological advancements of 21^st century through introducing e-residency, e-tax payments, e-health, e-parking and 99% of Estonia’s baking is done through online sources. Estonia is home to Skype inventors, it is home to largest number of start- up companies in Europe and it is ranked at 1^st position for best quality of air in 2013 by World Health Organization. Excellent innovation and research facilities in higher education institutions, an established IT sector and plenty of business start-ups opportunities and has also been declared as the Best Performing Economy in Europe, Estonia is though small in area but definitely not in opportunities. Located near Latvia and Russia, Estonia does not have dense population which makes it easier for natives and foreigners to get hold of opportunities. Here are our reasons to why study abroad in Estonia:

Excellent Performance of Higher Education Institutions:

World Ranking of Estonia’s Education System 2020

As per the Programme for International Student Assessment survey in 2010, the performance levels of Estonia’s higher education institutions are one of the highest among other European countries. Estonia was ranked at 13^th position for best education quality in the world by OECD. Moreover, almost 1.3% of Estonia’s GDP is being spent on research and development which is helping the education system advance in high pace. Estonia’s education sector has caught global attention recently for its high quality in fact it is newest discovery in Europe for study abroad aspirants from all over the world.

Overview of Estonia’s Education System

The Estonian nation is very keen about the quality of education and almost 89% of its populations own a high school degree. The first university of Estonia, the University of Tartu was established in 1632. Estonia has made incredible advancement in IT and Science fields and there are many institutes that have expertise in applied sciences. Estonia is European Union member and a Schengen state; the degrees offered by Estonia’s institutes are recognized at global scale and regarded with prestige.

Education Structure in Estonia

The higher education structure of Estonia include research based activities, classroom interactions, lectures, workshops, surveys, group studies, training sessions and individual skill grooming focus. Since Estonia is not densely populated, each student is given due ad required attention in the classes and by teachers.

Post Graduation Opportunities in Estonia for Pakistani Students 2020:

It is obvious for foreign students to consider staying in a country where they have spent a few years for studies. Estonia offers 6 months visa extension to foreign students in case they want to find an employment there. It is evidently one of the biggest attractions for foreign students and recently the average of international student enrollments in Estonia has risen to 20%. The international student’s population is diverse; students from India, UK, Germany, Russia, Pakistan, Sweden and Latvia are studying in Estonia. An annual job fair is organized in Estonia specifically for foreign students in an effort to bring recruiters, companies and fresh graduates together in one platform and assist students in attaining job in a convenient way. Estonia is not mainly an English speaking country but English is widely spoken and for finding a job language barrier is not hurdle for foreigners.

An Innovative and Intelligent Community:

Estonia is the first country in the world to introduce online voting nationwide. Among all other European countries, Estonia is certainly ahead of time and facilitating its citizens with modern technology based services. Everything in Estonia from grocery to registering a company is just done in two minutes. There are more numbers of start ups in Estonia per person than anywhere in the world and stemming from this fact, the universities in Estonia have introduced unique structure of study programme that is based on innovation and nourishing creative abilities of students.

A Baltic Tiger:

Estonia is referred as Baltic Tiger because of high income economy and rapid growth in various economical sectors. With high GDP per capita and non-existent public debt, Estonia is a well heeled country and offers high standards of living to its citizens. The minimum monthly salary in Estonia is €1221. The well functioning economy of Estonia welcomes foreign investments and encourages start up businesses which is huge opportunity for fresh graduates who have an innovative idea for their own business.

Student Life in Estonia:

Culture:

The modern day Estonia is blend of many ethnicities including Baltic, German, Slavic and Finnish. Majority of population is catholic Christian and the society is liberal and welcoming to different outlooks and religions. It is one of the safest country of the world with low crime rate and lesser known incidents of racism. There are many festivals annually held in Estonia and to know about the history there are museums, galleries to be visited in leisure time. Tartu and Tallinn are urban cities whereas the 50% of Estonia’s areas is covered with forest result in its clean air and healthy climate.  

Cost of Living:

Despite being a modern and digitalized country like Japan and Singapore, Estonia’s has very affordable cost of living. An amount of 450 to 500 Euros are estimated to be required to afford living expenses of one person in Estonia. University dorm room costs about 100 Euros a month. The tuition fee of public universities for under graduate and post graduate courses range from 1600 to 2000 Euros per academic year.

Part Time Job Permission

As per the ritual and rules of European countries, students are allowed to work part time. Similar is the case with Estonia, the international students enrolled in a full time study programme are allowed to work part time during their studies but their attendance and grades should not be affected. For part time work no particular work permit is required, students have this permission through student visa of Estonia automatically.

Universities in Estonia.......

Estonia is an authentic paradigm of modern day society that is digitally advanced and economically flourished. It has very less population and very small area but Estonia has managed to stand tall in all fields of life. Estonia is newly found treasure for foreign students, it fits perfect to the demands of study abroad aspirants offering them high standards of living in considerably low cost, exceptional quality of education with modern-day teaching structure and globally accepted certificates and degrees, post graduation settlement opportunities, being a Schengen state it opens window to other European countries, offering chance for business startups and one of the safest and clean European country, it definitely is a hidden gem in Baltic countries. Those currently wondering about the admission requirements and procedure of studying abroad in Estonia can gain information from the following section.

• Choosing a University in Estonia

• Choosing a Study Programme

• Academic Requirements

• Language Requirements

• Method of Application

• Required Documents

• Admission Deadlines

• Acceptance of Admission

Estonia’s universities have developed a curriculum structure and teaching method that is focused on building cognitive skills of students and elevating their individual capabilities. The study pattern involves class room interactions, lectures, discussion, seminars, research projects, problem solving activities, presentations, group studies and organizing of different academic events related to courses. After Singapore and Japan, Estonia has utilized maximum benefit of technology, so you shall be learning from tech friendly and highly qualified faculty. The degrees offered by Estonia’s universities have prestigious regard and acclaim in Europe and beyond. Almost all of the universities in Estonia offer English taught courses but if you manage to learn Estonian language you will get remarkable fee concession. To select the most appropriate university in Estonia ensure availability of following characteristics:

• If the university offers internship programme as part of their study programme curriculum

• Post graduation job search assistance

• Affordable tuition fee structure and fee concessions

• Locality of university

• On campus residence

• Scholarships based on academic excellence

• Its global ranking

Before finalizing a university to study abroad in Estonia, it is better to do extensive searching and match different factors and then select the best option.

There are almost 250 study programmes that are offered in English language in Estonia. Definitely out of so many options in all educational streams and academic levels you can find a study programme you inspire to study in English language in Estonia. Selection of study programme is peculiar and specific for each student’s professional and career aspirations. While making a study programme choice for higher education is choosing your career which should be done with self contemplation, you must be sure of your own capabilities, your academic commitment and your previous set of skills. You must be interested and passionate about the subjects you are committing to study, explore the potential of career success of your chosen study programme and evaluate the difficulty level. Check entry requirements of different study programmes which will be specific for each and finalize the one whose eligibility criteria you meet.

The entry requirements are generally study programme specific and differently set by every institution. Some universities in Estonia take entry tests and some assess academic capabilities through written essays and portfolios. For language requirements some universities require international students to sit in university’s language examination and some prefer IELTS and TOEFL scores. It is best to ascertain the exact entry requirements of your chosen university in Estonia, the general requirements of admission in most of the Estonian Universities are as follows:

For Admissions in Under Graduate Study Programmes:

Higher Secondary School Diploma or Equivalent Degree in good grades attained from a recognized institution of your home country. Skype Interview and entry test. Minimum grades and subject wise merit depends on study programme you chose, for example for BBA the student must have attained 70% marks in mathematics. Motivation letter written in English language with mastery and detail will put a good image and level up your admission chances.

For Admission in Post Graduate (Masters) Study Programmes:

Bachelor’s level degree or equivalent with at least 180 ECTS with good grades from a recognized institution of your country. Entry test is not a requirement for post graduate level. Skype interview and motivation letter will be required to assess academic capabilities of students.

For Admission in Post Graduate (PhD) Study Programmes:

Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree from a recognized institute of your country passed in good grades. Skype interview, Research Proposal, CV, Research Proposal are additional entry requirements.

The students belonging from non-English speaking countries need to prove their proficiency language through standards English language Tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge. If not IETS and TOEFL, many universities in Estonia offer students to sit in university’s English language test to assess student’s command over English language. Minimum scores required in IELTS and TOEFL test for admission in Estonian Universities are as: (Get Details about Upcoming IELTS, TOEFL Test Dates from Here).

• IELTS minimum bands required: 5.5

• TOEFL iBT minimum  scores required: 75

• TOEFL paper based test minimum score required: 530

• Cambridge English: B2 First minimum scores required: Grade C or 160 Scores (B2 LEVEL).

• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) minimum grades required: 59

The English Language Test taken by universities for admission will be taken through online means by university before granting admission. The students have to inform their chosen university if they want to take university’s English assessment test.

The method of application in universities of Estonia is directly through university’s website. After submitting application online the students would be required to send verified photocopies of their academic transcripts and degrees to their chosen university via postal mail. The students must note that they don’t have to send original documents, just photocopies. The documents must be translated in either English language or Estonian Language. The documents must be verified by granting authorities.

The required documents for admission in universities of Estonia for international students are coincided with visa documents I-e identity documents such as passport or identity card of applicant. The documents required for admission application in Estonian universities are as follows:

• Photocopies of previous academic transcripts (certificates, degrees, diplomas etc). The documents must be translated either in English, Russian or Estonian language and must be notarized by granting authorities.

• Photocopy of passport or identity card of applicant (The front page of passport containing name, address and identity details of applicant is required)

• Recently taken photographs

• Entry test result (the candidate must have attained C Grade at least) It is mostly a compulsion for under graduate programmes.

• Language proficiency test certificate

• Updated CV (for post graduate PhD admissions) with details or designation, job type, company details

• Portfolio (If required)

• Research proposal (for post graduate research programmes)

• Letter of motivation (for both under graduate and post graduate admissions)It must be confining of 4500 letters at least and the applicant must explain his/her professional goals and reason behind taking admission in certain study programme. The acceptance of admission depends on letter of motivation because it is required in place of entry test by most of universities in Estonia. So make sure it is well written.

•  Recommendation letters (for post graduate admissions) from two of applicant’s professors

• Admission application fee (50 Euros) not refundable

The admission deadlines in universities of Estonia might differ from university to university and according to the academic level you are applying for admission. To be ascertain about the exact admission application submission date of your chosen university in Estonia get details from its website. In general the admissions application intakes of most of the universities of Estonia are as:

Winter Session:  Till 15, October

Spring Session: Till 1^st, February

Summer Session: Till 1^st March

The students prepare the required documents and clear language tests before admission deadlines to avoid delay and if they unfortunately miss the chance to apply in one session, they can apply for admission in another upcoming session.

The students who meet the admission requirements will receive acceptance letter from Estonian university. After receiving admission acceptance from university the students can proceed with student visa requirements and pay their tuition fee and registration fee. All international students belonging from non European states are required to attain temporary resident permit of Estonia (TRP) for purpose of studying. Along with acceptance letter, the university granting you admission in Estonia will send other documents such as invitation letter. The students will visit nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate in their home country and acquire visa details and further procedure.

Estonia is famously known as the Silicon Valley of Europe with most of number of start up businesses per person, technologically connected society, availability of free Wi-Fi in all around the country and almost everything in Estonia is done through mobile phone apps from registering a company or buying groceries. This minimally populated country is economically developed and one of the safest territory of Europe. Estonian universities are acclaimed worldwide and regarded with prestige for their high quality of research and education.

 Although, Estonia is a new discovery for study abroad aspirants yet it is extremely beneficial because of low cost of living and post graduation visa extension. Estonia permits foreign students to work part time 20 hours a week without needing any external permission or restrictions on job type and salary package. Certainly, Estonia is one of the best study abroad destinations in Europe with plenty of opportunities and top quality education. If you are planning to study abroad in Estonia, the following guide is written to give you an overview of student visa requirements for Estonia as a foreign student.

The foreign students who are native of Non-EU countries are required to attain temporary resident permit of Estonia for purpose of study in Estonia. The students can get either C Type visa or D Type visa depending on the duration of their study programme. The C Type visa is for study programmes which will be completed in 90 days duration and D Type visa is for study programmes which will be completed in more than 90 days duration. The Temporary Resident Permit is granted to both C type and D Type visa applicants. The procedure of TRP starts after you receive acceptance letter from Estonian university. The students will visit the Estonian Embassy or Consulate located in their country and attain the details of visa requirements and documents list to be submitted along with visa application. The required documents required for visa application might be different for each country which will be informed to you by Estonian Embassy. The following list of documents is generally required by all nationalities applying for TRP of Estonia:

·         Completed and signed visa application form

·         Health insurance coverage (The insurance coverage must be worth 30000 Euros at least and it must be purchased for your entire duration of intended stay in Estonia)

·         Two recently taken photographs

·         Valid passport of applicant ( it must have validity of at least 12 months, empty pages for visa stamps, previous expired passports must be attached if any)

·         Attested photocopies of CNIC card of applicant

·         Original admission confirmation letter

·         Statement of Purpose(written in detail explaining study course curriculum, duration of study programme you have taken admission in and student must explain his/her purpose of study and professional aspirations)

·         Airplane ticket booking confirmation

·         Proof of accommodation in Estonia (it can be in form of rental contract, residential address and if you have booked an on campus residence, your university will provide you accommodation confirmation letter)

·         Birth certificate of applicant (it must be an attested copy of your original birth certificate from ministry of foreign affairs of your country and must be translated in English language).

·         Marriage certificate translated in English Language( if the applicant is married, the certificate must be attested by ministry of foreign affairs and if divorced the attested divorce certificate must be attached)

·         Family Certificate, Form B (it must be attested by ministry of foreign affairs and translated in English Language)

·         English Language Proficiency Test Certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge)

·         Proof of Finances (Bank statement, credit card statement evidencing the applicants have enough finances in their bank account that can cover their study and living expenses while their stay in Estonia till completion of study programme. A student has to prove he can spend 38 Eros per day for stay in Estonia through his bank statement)

·         No Objection Letter (NOC) from applicant’s previous school, college or university

·         Transcripts of academic records (Degrees, Certificates, Diplomas)must be attested by granting authorities and ministry of foreign affairs

·         Proof of tuition fee payment

·         Visa application fee (it will be around 80 Euros and it not refundable)

·         The visa application (C type or D Type) and TRP application is submitted at the same time so te students are required to fill both the forms.

The Estonian Embassy shall take maximum 30 days for visa application process and in some cases it can be granted within 10 working days. The students are advised to apply for TRP at least two months before their study programme commence in Estonia. The TRP is granted for entire duration of your study programme that is: For under graduate courses the temporary resident permit is granted for 3 years and for post graduate courses such as master 2 years.

After arriving in Estonia the students are required to register their residence address at local police station or local government authority in Estonia within one month of their arrival in the country. The students have granted right to work part time Estonia without any further permission. The TRP can be extended depending on valid reason; the application of TRP extension must be submitted at least two months before the previous TRP expires.

The study abroad consultants have experience in immigration process and are updated about newest visa policies. The majority of students planning to study in abroad have to go through various detailing, documents arrangements and step to step procedure that can be quite intimidating and without any guarantee of success. By taking services of professional and registered study abroad consultants, the student can of visa application success but save themselves from wasting money and time. In fact, study abroad consultants can take considerable load off the shoulders of students and make them go through this complex visa procedure with higher chances of success. . The registered study abroad consultants in providing their services in various cities of Pakistan are enlisted in this section.

Studying in abroad is academically and personally enriching experience which opens multidimensional career paths for students. Estonia aka Silicon Valley of Europe is land of opportunities and well heeled country which is a European Union member and a Schengen State. Estonia has high standards of living, world’s best air quality, affordable living cost, safe and sound environment and digitally advanced society. An average amount of 350 to 500 Euros is required for a student for his/her monthly expenses including residence, food and travel costs. Estonia’s higher education institutes hold well esteemed reputation in Europe and countries beyond; the admission requirements of Estonian Universities are not much competitive either. Affordable cost of living merging with permission to work part time without needing any further permit besides student visa, studying abroad in Estonia is definitely an adequate decision. The students who are currently estimating the cost of study and living in Estonia can take information from this section:

The tuition fee for each study programme and academic level is different at Estonian Universities. The medicine, veterinary, law and business administration courses are most expensive courses whereas the arts related courses are least expensive. The courses offered in Estonian language are low cost whereas English taught courses are high cost. Doctoral studies in Estonia are totally free of charge in fact the PhD students are granted monthly stipend and other benefits for their duration of study programme in Estonia. The tuition fee is also different for EU natives and Non-EU natives. The average tuition fees in Estonian Universities at various academic levels are as follows:

Under Graduate Study Programmes Fee in Estonia:

• Business Administration Study Programme: 1700 Euros per semester

• Innovation and Technology Management: 1700 Euros per semester

• Quantitative Economics : 1870 Euros per semester

• Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: 1500 Euros per semester

• Film and Media: 1900 Euros per semester

• Law: 2176 Euros per semester

• Liberal Arts and Humanities: 1500 Euros per semester

• Medicine: 5500 Euro per semester

Post Graduate (Masters) Study Programmes Fee in Estonia:

• Anthropology: 830 Euros per semester

• Software Engineering: 6000 Euros per year

• Literature, visual culture and film studies: 830 Euros per semester

• Computer Science: 3000 Euros per semester

• International Relations: 1480 Euros per semester

• Law: 1750 Euros per semester

Post Graduate (PhD) Study Programmes Fee in Estonia:

PhD courses are totally free of cost in Estonia regardless of student’s nationality. A monthly amount of around 380 Euros is granted to PhD students in Estonia.

Estonia is beautiful country that has vibrant cities and modern day living culture. It has population of around 1.3 million one third of which are habituated in its capital city Tallinn. The monthly amount required to be shown in bank statement as proof of finances for a foreign student taking admission in Estonia is 380 Euros per month. An amount of 380 to 450 Euros per month is required by one person to stay in Estonia including residence, food, entertainment, and other necessities and travelling. Estonia which is the northern most country among Baltic States has purest and cleanest air quality in the world and has plenty of adventure destinations for students to visit during weekends and seasonal holidays. Moreover, due to affordable cost of living and part time working permission, students can save a substantial amount of money for their tuition fee payment and travel tourist and adventure spots at the same time. The minimum monthly wage in Estonia is 580 Euros per month so by this average it is an inexpensive country for foreign students.

Accommodation:

Majority of international students studying abroad in Estonia reside in university provided accommodation which is near central cities, university campus and public transport and the most affordable option. Private accommodation options have different monthly cots based on location and facilities. The average accommodation cost in Estonia is estimated as:

• University Dormitories: 120 – 250 EUR per month

• Two rooms apartment near central city: 300 to 400 Euros per month

• Two rooms apartment outside city center: 300 Euros per month

• Three bedrooms apartment outside city center: 520 Euros per month

• Three bedrooms apartment near central city: 800 Euros per month

Food:

• Basic menu meal for one person in an expensive restaurant: 7.25 Euros

• Basic menu meal for two persons at mid-range restaurant: 40 Euros

• Combo meal for one person at fast food restaurants as McDonalds and McMeal: 6 Euros

• Half liter water bottle: 1.13 Euros

• 1 liter milk bottle: 0.73 Euros

• Loaf of fresh white bread: 0.71 Euros

• 1 Kg White Rice: 1.18 Euros

• Dozen eggs: 1.37 Euros

• 1 Kg Local Cheese: 6.88 Euros

• 1 Kg Boneless Chicken Breast: 5.29 Euros

• 1 Kg Beef Meat: 7.34 Euros

• 1 Kg Apples: 0.93 Euros

• 1 Kg Bananas: 1.75 Euros

• 1 Kg Oranges: 1.34 Euros

• 1 Kg Tomatoes: 1.79 Euros

• 1 Kg Potatoes: 0.40 Euros

• 1 Kg Onions: 0.44 Euros

• 1 Kg Flour: 0.6 Euros

Transportation:

• One way ticket of public transport: 1.50 Euros

• Monthly travel pass of local public transport: 23 Euros

• Taxi Tariff of 1 km travel: 0.60 Euros

• Taxi 1 hour waiting tariff: 11 Euros

Other Expenses:

• Utility bills (Electricity, gas, water, heating): 172 Euros

• Internet 60Mbps speed connection: 21.94 Euros

• 1 min call tariff of prepaid card: 0.4 Euros

• Cinema ticket for one person: 7 Euros

• Fitness club membership for one person monthly cost: 42.96 Euros

Health Insurance Coverage:

A student intending to study in Estonia for a full time study programme has to purchase health insurance coverage before arriving to Estonia. The health insurance coverage can be purchased from your hosting university’s sources or through private agencies. The health insurance coverage must be valid till your entire duration of stay in Estonia. For Temporary Resident Permit of Estonia for Study Purpose a student has to provide a proof of at least 30,000 Euros worth health insurance purchased package.

Estonia’s remarkable advancements in technology and education field have earned it high prestige and popularity among international students. Being one of the best performing economies in Europe, Estonia has high standards of living with well managed medical facilities and accessibility to employment opportunities. The local culture and lifestyle of Estonia is modern and vibrant, has clean and pure environment and worldwide acclaimed education standards. The students have to go through a less rigorous procedure to attain student visa of Estonia than other European countries, the admission requirements of Estonian Universities are not demanding and above all the students are allowed to stay for 9 months more in Estonia after completion of their degrees for job search. Considering such multitude of benefiting attributes and fluid visa policies of Estonia makes it a highly recommendable study abroad destination among European States.

Searching for an accommodation to live in abroad for your study abroad years is definitely a tough decision and requires consideration of various factors. Almost all international students travel to a foreign land that they have never visited before and whose culture is completely unknown to them. Estonia’s culture and living standards are one the best in European countries, it is safe and racism free country, the people are welcoming and pleasant. But it is highly recommended to stay in university provided accommodations for at least 1^st semester of your study programme in Estonian University and in this period get familiar with urbanity of Estonia.

On Campus Dormitories:

The universities generally reserve rooms of their dormitories for international students before booking it for local students. As international students are more in need of university dormitories because of their obliviousness from surrounding of their newly habituated country. The university dormitories usually contain maximum facilities required by students on day to day basis and are least costly. Estonia hosts a large number of international from various countries so the university accommodation is modernly designed keeping consideration of demands and needs of students belonging from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Cost:

On average, a single room in university dormitory will cost 100 Euros per month.

Facilities:

• The students have options of renting single room and apartment type accommodation consisting of two rooms.

• Private kitchen (equipped with refrigerator, microwave, stove and basic furniture) and bathroom

• Heating, water and electricity is included in rent

• Desk, Chair, Book Shelves, Bed with Mattress

• Laundry room in each floor of dormitory

• 24/7 Security Cameras

• Guards on duty

• Digitally secured entrances of dormitories

• Free Wi-Fi

• Proximity to university campus and public transport

The Temporary Resident Permit of Estonia for Study Purpose application includes proof of arranged accommodation therefore the students are required to book a private apartment or book university dormitory before filing TRP application. Moreover, due to large number of admissions each year the students have to book a room in university dormitory before there are no rooms left or else they can have option of private accommodation.

Off Campus Dormitory and Hostels

The students can arrange off campus accommodation by taking assistance of their hosting university’s international relation and student office. There are academic hostels and dormitories in Estonia that are affiliated with universities but are managed by local owners. The facilities and environment of private hostels and dormitories are similar to on campus accommodation and are equally secure.

Cost:

The average cost of single room in private dormitory might vary from 120 Euros to 240 Euros per month. The utility bills are usually included in per month rent but students can ascertain the complete charges before signing the rental contract.

Facilities:

• Free Wi-Fi

• Bed, Book Shelves, Desk, Chair

• Private Bathroom

• Private Kitchen (equipped with microwave, refrigerator and stove)

• Laundry Room in Each Floor of Dormitory

• 24/7 Security Cameras

Private Renting

There are all types of private renting options for international students such as studio apartments, private flats, flat shares and home stays. Each has different monthly or per week rent depending on the location and facilities. The capital city of Estonia, Tallinn is most populated and home to top ranked universities, the majority of foreign students live in Tallinn. There are furnished and unfurnished private renting accommodations that can be booked through real estate agents, property websites, face book groups and newspaper adds. If you are not interested to live in university dormitories, you can rent a hotel for few days and do searching of permanent accommodation for long term stay in person after arriving in Estonia. The accommodation in Estonia rented out to students is modernly architecture and renovated according to demands of recent day living standards. Like all other European countries, the accommodation quality of Estonia is remarkable and exquisite but quiet affordable. An important fact to be kept in mind if you are going for private renting accommodation is that your security is your own responsibility. Although Estonia is one of the safest country so that will not be an issue but still visit the area and know about your room mates first. Estonia is a small country; the students will have no trouble in finding an apartment of their preference, the private renting options in Estonia with details of facilities and costs is explained in guide below:

Studio Apartments:

The studio apartments are luxurious and most modernized accommodation type for students. It has privacy and enough space for one person’s living and occasional group study sessions and weekend sleep over for your friends. The cost might vary from location to location and also will be different based on furnished and non furnished facility.

Cost:

The monthly rent of studio apartment will be around 450 Euros per month. The utility bills including heating, electricity and water are not included in the rent.

Facilities:

• Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry Space

• One Bedroom with Closet

• Living Area

• Furnished Facility Includes (Fridge, LED, Bed, Mattress, Kitchen Equipment, Washing Machine

Flat Shares:

It is most common accommodation type for foreign students in countries abroad to live in a flat of two or three rooms by sharing facilities and space. It becomes cost effective affordable options because of diving bills and monthly rent. A group of friends or university fellows can rent a flat and enjoy privacy and affordable accommodation in any located of Estonian cities. Adds for flat share can be easily found on websites, newspapers and university’s notice boards.

Cost:

The rent of flat will be different in central city areas and quite low cost in outside central cities. On average a private room in flat share will monthly cost 240 to 300 Euros including utility bills.

Facilities:

• Private Kitchen (equipped with fridge, microwave, basic utensils and stove)

• Attached bathroom with each room

• Living area with LED TV

• Laundry space

Home Stays:

The local residents of Estonia offer international students a private room to stay in their house and pay monthly rent. The home stay accommodation is similar to flat share except for the fact that it is offered by local family. Some home stay families offer meals and room cleaning services, the cost of which is included in the rent. To find home stay options in Estonia, the best way is to contact the families through online platforms such as websites and face book groups. The real estate agents have contacts of home stay families as well if any student wishes to live in such accommodation. The cost of home stay varies according to accommodation size and facilities. The facilities in home stays that are generally offered include:

Facilities:

• Furnished bedroom

• Private bathroom

• Free Wi-Fi

• Parking Space

• Private kitchen

• Laundry room with washing machine

• Accessibility to Balcony and Garden

Cost:

In areas that are outside the city, the monthly rent will be considerably low and in areas located in main cities the rents will be pricier. On average the rent of home stay will be around 800 Euro per month.

Few Facts to be Considered While Booking Accommodation in Abroad

• Make sure the room or flat has all the said facilities offered to you before signing rental contract and paying amount.

• It is better to visit the accommodation in person and meet your room mates and owners and discuss the terms and conditions of rental contract if you are booking an accommodation privately through online means.

• The real estate agents work as mediators between tenants and owners, it is better to attain services of professionals to avoid any scam. But real estate agents take their commission and by contacting land lords privately you can save this amount.

Studying in abroad is challenging and metamorphic experience which molds the students and prepares them for future endeavors. Working part time during academic years is first step towards achieving professional goals and attaining required experience of job market. After completion of degrees successfully, those students who have gained work experience of their course related occupation can enter into their professional career at once and evidently preferred by recruiters because of their preparedness. Estonia allows foreign students enrolled in its universities to work part time 20 hours a week without requiring any additional work permit other than Estonian Student Visa (TRP). Universities in Estonia have career centers that assist students in finding internships and traineeship positions in companies related to courses students are studying. The students are allowed to find jobs personally by sending CVs to firms and companies in Estonia according to their qualification and skills without any restriction. Students have permission to do part time or full time job as long as their work does not negatively affect their academic grades and university attendance. The minimum fulltime work salary in Estonia is 1,221 Euros per month and minimum per hour salary is 7.40 Euros as per 2017. Besides internships the most common part time work professions in Estonia adopted by students include:

• Language tutoring

• Baby sitting

• Interpretation

• Language Translators

• Data processing

• Administration

• IT Programming and Developing

• Clerical jobs

• Managerial Jobs

• Waitressing

• Shop Work

Working Permission in Estonia after Completion of Studies for Foreign Students

In Temporary Resident Permit of Estonia for Studies Purpose (TRP), the foreign students have permission by default in their TRP to stay 270 days (9 months) more in Estonia after graduation for job search. In this duration the students are not restricted to get any further permission stamp or visa and they are allowed to search for job anywhere in Estonia. After finding an appropriate employment according to qualification and skills the students can apply for relevant work permit and temporary resident permit to stay permanently in Estonia for working purpose. The work permit visas take one month processing time so the students must make sure they find job before the 9 months duration end or else they will have to exit the country and reenter in Estonia on work permit. But if they find employment contract and apply for work permit within 9 months duration after graduation from Estonian Universities then they will not have to exit Estonia. Moreover, Estonia is a Schengen State, the students who have TRP can visit other Schengen States for job hunt and get employment contract from anywhere in such countries and process work permit requirements. Since 2013, the employers hiring Bachelors, Masters and PhD Degrees holders are not obligated to seek permission from Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund for employing a foreign resident. The work permit types after graduation from Estonia applicable for foreign students based on professions, average gross salary and skills include:

• European Union Blue Card

• Employment as a Top Specialist

• Employed as a Temporary Agency Worker

• Working at a Start Up

• Working for Scientific Research

• Working as an Employee Transferred Within an Undertaking

It is natural for students to get habituated with culture and lifestyle of a foreign country where they have lived for a study abroad programme. Majority of students prefer to settle down in their study abroad destinations and strive to find best possible employment opportunity after getting graduated. Estonia is one such European State that allows foreign students to stay in the country for more 270 days regardless of their nationality. In this duration the students can find employment or start their own business if they have any idea or plan. For after graduation stay, the students are not required to apply for any visa extension application, it is granted to them automatically in Temporary Resident Permit for Study Purpose Card (TRP) of Estonia according to Estonian Law. The foreign nationals can apply for following work permits after finding an employment in Estonia according to their qualification and set of skills:

European Union Blue Card:

Highly professional individuals and specialists in their respective fields are granted EU Blue Card based on their qualification and experience of work which should be at least 5 years. The candidate must have attained a 1 year employment contract from Estonia based company and the salary they have been offered must be higher than annual average gross monthly salary set by Estonia’s Government. The duration of contract can be extended every year and the Blue Card holder can change jobs and can remain unemployed for 3 months duration while searching for new job.

Employment as a Top Specialist:

The foreign nationals can work as top specialists in Estonia if they have required skills, professional training or experience of work in certain sphere and employment contract with validity of 1 year duration. The salary they have been offered must be equivalent to average gross monthly salary set by Estonia’s Government.  The individual working as a top specialist will be granted a resident permit which will be valid till the duration of their employment contract and can be extended every year based on their employment status. The individual is also allowed to change job and remain unemployed for three months in this course of time for new employment search. The company employing the foreign national as a top specialist must have been functioning for at least past 12 months and its annual turnover has to be around 10 million dollars.

Employed as a Temporary Agency Worker:

Foreign nationals can be employed as temporary worker at local agencies or companies of the employer deposits an amount in form of fund which constitutes at least ten percent of the payroll. The employee will be granted a temporary resident permit with 1 year validity and can be extended each year.

Working at a Start Up:

For employing a foreign national at a startup company, the company must have been evaluated by expert committee at the Ministry of the Interior, has potential of business growth, it must be innovative and productive and it must have potential to make great financial contribution to Estonia’s economy. If the startup company fits this criterion of eligibility it can employ foreign nationals under 1 year job contract with salary that is equivalent to average gross monthly salary set of Estonia’s Government.

Working for Scientific Research:

Estonia grants temporary resident permit to foreign nationals for the purpose of scientific research if:

• If the research and development activities of the inviting research and development institution in Estonia is being recognized by the Ministry of Education and Research. The research activities conducted by the said institute must be positively reviewed by the ministry or at least one of the fields of research of the institute has gained positive review.

• If the research activity is going to be conducted at an educational institute of Estonia then the institute must be accredited by Government of Estonia.

• The research activity must be state registered

• The foreign national must have signed a contract with hosting research and development institute.

• The hosting institution must pay the employee a regular monthly income that must be equivalent to average annual salary set by Estonia’s Government.

• The employed researchers must have health insurance for their medical treatment of any sort during the period of temporary residence.

Working as an Employee Transferred Within an Undertaking:

A foreign national can get a temporary resident permit if he/she has been transferred to a company’s branch or office in Estonia from another country. The job position can be internship or other permanent designation, the resident permit will be granted for 1 year duration initially and can be extended based on employment contract status. The job position can be of a specialists, managerial position or traineeship; the duration of temporary resident permit for each post can be different from the other.

Documents Required for Applying for Work Permits of Estonia 2020 for Pakistani Students:

• Health insurance coverage or contract (It can be individually bought or under employment contract)

• Proof Adequate legal income

• Application for temporary resident permit

• Recent photographs

• Original employment contract

• Identity document

• Invitation by employer (if the individual is currently resided outside Estonia)

By attaining any of above mentioned employment permits, the foreign nationals can work in Estonia on temporary resident permit. Most of the employment contracts are granted for 1 year duration initially and each year the contract and temporary resident permit can be extended. After residing in Estonia for 5 years duration on temporary residence the foreign nationals are allowed to apply for permanent residence of Estonia. The procedure to attain permanent residence of Estonia is as:

Any foreign national who has completed 5 years of legal stay in Estonia on employment basis or others and held a temporary resident card all along this duration can directly submit an application for long term permanent resident permit of Estonia at immigration office. For the students who have studied in Estonia the years they spent for education purpose will also be included in this 5 years PR permit condition. But the years students spend in Estonia for educational purpose will be divided by 0.5 meaning if you have stayed in Estonia for a study programme of 4 years duration, it will be counted 2 years for permanent residence 5 years condition. Along with 5 years stay condition, the applicant must fulfill the following criteria to attain a permanent resident permit as well:

• You have temporary resident permit

• You have a residence in Estonia for your stay

• You have legal source of income and adequate monthly salary

• You have health insurance coverage

• You have required command over Estonian language

Your application for permanent residence of Estonia will be submitted at a Police and Border Guard Board service office. The application can be submitted through online means if your fingerprints documents have been registered recently.  The following documents will be submitted along with PR application:

• Completed and signed application form (the application form can be filled online ad then downloaded for printing)

• Identity documents (your national valid passport)

• Color photographs which must be recently taken

• Proof of legal income (the salary receipts or business turn over documents received in last 6 months duration)

• Proof of paid state fee (the fee can be different according to age of applicant)

• For PR of family members and children of applicant additional documents will be required

• The applicant and family members residing in Estonia along with them will receive a PR card within 30 days if the application is approved.

• The PR application can take 2 months for processing and verification.

After living in Estonia for eight years, the foreign nationals can apply for citizenship of Estonia through neutralization. Other means of attaining citizenship of Estonia are by marriage, by birth and by descent.

Attaining Citizenship of Estonia by Marriage:

If a person is married to an Estonian national can apply for citizenship of Estonia after being married for three years.

Attaining Citizenship of Estonia by Descent:

If any of candidate’s parents are Estonian citizen, the candidate will be granted citizenship of Estonia by descent automatically.

Attaining Citizenship of Estonia by Birth:

The children born in Estonia are eligible for Estonian citizenship if any one of their parents are Estonian Citizen at the time of their birth.

Attaining Citizenship of Estonia by Neutralization:

To attain citizenship of Estonia by neutralization the candidate must meet following criterion:

• The applicant’s age must be over 15

• The applicant must provide legal proof that they have stayed in Estonia for last 8 years and the last 5 years of their stay must be on permanent resident card.

• They must have knowledge of Estonian language. The candidate will take an exam to prove their command over Estonian language. Those who have completed a higher education degree or graduated from Estonian speaking high school are exempted from this exam.

• The candidates will also be required to take an exam to prove their knowledge about Estonian constitution.

• They must have an adequate source of income

• The candidates will also be required to take a oath of loyalty

• The citizens of Estonia can work and start a business anywhere in Estonia and EU countries without requiring a resident permit.

• The candidates will give up their previous nationality

• Proof of permanent accommodation must be provided as well