9. Working during and after studies Working while studying is very common in Estonia. Students from European Union countries (foreign students with the right of residence) are allowed to work during studies, just like Estonian students. Students from
third countries (foreign students living in Estonia with a residence permit granted for studying) are also allowed to work, as long as this does not hinder their studies.
9.1 Working during studies Foreign students from third countries are granted a residence permit for full time study. This means that if a foreign student, who lives in Estonia with a residence permit granted for studying, wishes to work, he or she must ensure that the job will not hinder his or her studies. If the student is unable to meet the full-time study requirements, his or her residence permit given for studying shall be revoked, whereupon the student must leave the country. Employed students are eligible for a study leave. For this, the student has to provide the employer with the university’s confirmation about his or
Students from third countries have 6 months to find a job after the completion of studies
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her student status. Study leaves can be taken for up to 30 calendar days in a calendar year. During this period, the employee will be paid the average salary for 20 calendar days, and the remaining 10 calendar days count as unpaid leave. It is possible to take a further 15 days of study leave once to complete your studies. During this period, the employee will be paid minimum wage. If the completion is unsuccessful, the student will no longer be entitled to an additional study leave next year to complete the studies. The student retains the right to an annual study leave of 30 calendar days.
