The ‘Language learning’ section gives an overview of the numerous opportunities to learn Estonian – whether as a guided activity in a group or independently, in courses offered by the state, or in a language school tailored to individual needs. You can also find out more about Estonian language proficiency exams.
In Estonia, the state offers a wide range of opportunities to learn Estonian free of charge. It is also possible to learn Estonian in language schools at a suitable pace and volume.
Within the framework of the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme, A1, A2, and B1 level Estonian language courses are offered free of charge to newly arrived immigrants who have been living in Estonia for less than five years. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are required to complete at least the A1 level in the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme. Beneficiaries of international protection are required to complete levels A1, A2, and B1.
The Integration Foundation offers counselling on the different language learning opportunities and methods available to the learner. They also offer free Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, B1.1, and B1.2 for those who have lived in Estonia for more than five years. You can register for courses in the self-service environment of the Integration Foundation, where you can log in using your ID card, residence permit, Mobile-ID, or Smart-ID. Registration takes place twice a year: in January and August.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund assists people who are officially registered as unemployed and apply for labour market training in learning Estonian.
The Education and Youth Board also supports the partial reimbursement of language learning costs in connection with an application for citizenship or if the learner has been referred to the studies by the Language Board.
There are a number of materials and applications for independent language learning, which can also be used for practice and revision in addition to language courses.
There are Estonian Language Houses in Tallinn and Narva, which provide a good environment for learning and acquiring knowledge of Estonian. There are also language cafés, where you can practise speaking Estonian once you have reached a basic level of communication. Language cafés exist all over Estonia and information about them is also available on the website of the Integration Foundation.
In certain situations, you may need to determine your language level – for example, if you want to apply for or renew a residence permit, apply for Estonian citizenship, or work in a job that requires a certain level of language proficiency. In such cases, it is not sufficient to complete a language course – you must also pass an Estonian language proficiency examination. More information on the examinations, how to prepare for them, and when they take place can be found on the website of the Education and Youth Board.