Estophilus Scholarship

The purpose of Estophilus scholarship is to support the Estonia-specific research of students enrolled in universities abroad and of international researchers interested in the Estonian language and culture (in Estonia), by thus contributing to the exchange of knowledge and making Estonia more visible. The activity results in increased number of studies related to Estonia and of the students interested in the Estonian language and culture.

Who can apply?

The Estophilus scholarship may be applied for by the foreign nationals final year BA students, master’s students, PhD students and post-doctorate researchers from universities abroad while staying in Estonia for conducting research or collecting material about Estonia for 1-5 months. The Estonian language proficiency is an advantage but not a requirement. The research plan has to focus on topics related to Estonia in specific.  

The scholarship programme is managed by the Education and Youth Board of Estonia. However, the primary contact of the grantee before and during the research mobility is the grantee’s academic supervisor at an Estonian university.

Applying for the Scholarship

Amount of Scholarship

The scholarship consists of the scholarship for living costs in the amount of 660 euros per month, and travel compensation as a set rate based on European Commission's web-based calculator 

Application and Deadlines

• An application round of the EKKAV program for the spring semester of the 2023/24 academic year is open. The grant application period is 21.02.2024–21.03.2024. The application period is ongoing from February 21th until March 21th (Estonian time).

• The application form must be signed digitally (with an ID card or Mobile ID) or in writing and then scanned and sent with additional documents to the e-mail address rvo.dokumendid@harno.ee, with the title of the e-mail being "Estophilus stipendium (EKKAV)".

Required application documents:

• formal application;
• research plan;
• curriculum vitae;
• proof that the applicant is a final year BA student, MA or PhD student or a document verifying the PhD degree;
• confirmation of the Estonian supervisor about the acceptance of the candidate and confirmation of his/her preparedness of supervising the candidate. The Estonian host/supervisor must briefly describe the research topic and justify the importance of the research for Estonia.

Basis of Selection

The grantees are selected by the EKKAV programme Council within 45 days after the application deadline (more information about evaluation and decision procedure can be found in the scholarship guidelines).

During evaluation of the applications, the following criteria is taken into account:

• quality of the application (clear objectives, work plan, expected results, etc.) and focus on Estonia-related topics;
• expertise of the applicant related to the proposed research plan;
• connection and importance of the learning mobility in regard to the applicant's scientific work;
• soundness for the chosen higher education institution or research institution in Estonia as well as arguments in the confirmation letter.