Research programmes in Estonia

Estonia is a country that offers many opportunities to continue your research career. Below is a summary of these opportunities, divided by research stage and purpose of funding.

Opportunities for researchers

PhD studies in Estonia

The are 4 main institutions where to carry your doctoral research in Estonia. The information is detailed in the links we provide below. Usually the positions are funded by the state or the research groups, but it is important to understand the conditions before applying.

Incoming postdoctoral grants

The postdoctoral scheme in Estonia has changed in the recent years. At the moment, the only call for doing a postdoc in Estonia is called “Incoming Postdoctoral Grant”. It is aimed at researchers who have received at least 70 points in the Marie Skłodowska Curie (MSCA) postdoctoral individual grant application round but have not received funding. The finance conditions are very competitive, since they are similar to the MSCA fellowship. For more information check the Estonian Research Council website.

Towards stabilization

For more established researchers there are two programs:

  • Starting grant (5 years): aimed at supporting the researchers with initial research experience to launch their independent research career at an Estonian research institution, to set up their research group, and to contribute to educating the next generation of researchers. 
  • Team grant (5 years): aimed at supporting researchers in continuing their research career at an Estonian research institution, ensuring high-quality research, leading a strong research group, and educating the next generation of researchers.

The application period for both is around the month of March each year. For more details see the Estonian Research Council.