Estonian rectors seek €19.7 million for new tuition-free study places in 2027
Estonia's Council of Rectors and university representatives are urging parliament to add funding to the 2027 state budget for more tuition-free study places. The draft budget raises higher education funding by only €3.67 million.
A debate is under way in Estonia over whether the 2027 state budget will provide enough university places for a larger generation of secondary school graduates. University of Tartu Rector Toomas Asser and other higher education representatives stress that new places need real additional funding rather than a redistribution of existing money. An opinion piece by Priit Reiska, published by ERR News, sets out the Council of Rectors' request ahead of the budget's second reading in parliament.
More graduates ahead
Forecasts by the Ministry of Education and Research show the number of secondary school graduates rising from about 10,100 in 2024 to 12,500 by 2028. The author argues this is a rare chance to raise the number of people with higher education, since falling birth rates will make it harder later. Education and Research Minister Kristina Kallas has warned that too few study places could increase the number of young people entering the labor market without professional qualifications.
On October 14, parliament adopted the statement "In Support of Higher Education" with 65 votes in favor. It calls on the government to provide at least 1,000 additional tuition-free study places a year over several years, starting with admissions in 2027, in fields important to Estonia's development.
The funding gap
In spring negotiations, the ministry and universities estimated that additional places would require €146 million over four years. Of this, €19.7 million is needed in 2027, including €13.3 million for first-cycle places. The draft budget raises higher education funding by only €3.67 million, and the difference is to be covered by redistributing universities' existing operating support.
The author warns this could mean larger study groups, fewer elective courses and less individual guidance. According to the Council of Rectors, operating support in the 2027 budget falls nearly €50 million short of the level agreed in 2023.
The Council asks parliament to add €19.7 million for 2027 so new places can be created without cutting funding for existing ones. Universities also need assurance that funding will last for the entire duration of students' studies.
