Õppelaen

Õppelaen is a state-backed student loan in Estonia designed to help students cover living costs and, where applicable, tuition fees during higher education. It is available to Estonian residents who are enrolled in approved degree programs at Estonian universities or institutions of applied higher education. The loan is issued by a government entity in cooperation with a public financial institution and is guaranteed by the state.

Terms of the loan, including the maximum amount, interest rate, and repayment schedule, are set by current law and may change over time; applicants should consult official sources for precise figures. Interest typically accrues during the study period, and the state may subsidize a portion of the interest while the borrower remains a student. After completing studies or ceasing enrollment, the borrower enters the repayment phase, usually with a grace period before repayments begin. Repayments are made in regular installments over a period defined by law.

Õppelaen is distinct from non-repayable study allowances (õppetoetus) and other forms of aid. The program aims to improve access to higher education and support students from different backgrounds, but it also creates debt that borrowers must manage after graduation. Public discussion often centers on balancing student support with long-term fiscal sustainability.

See also: Education in Estonia; Õppetoetus; Student financing.