Estonia, September 2024 – International student enrollment rates in Estonia have seen a significant decline in recent years, with the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine and visa-related challenges playing a crucial role in this trend. Recent statistics reveal that out of 65 Pakistani applicants for student visas, only 43 were approved, resulting in a rejection rate of 34 percent. The situation is more severe for Nigerian students, with 75 percent of visa applications denied—only nine out of 37 applicants were granted visas.
This decline is also reflected at Estonia's largest educational institution, the University of Tartu. According to Aune Valk, the university's Vice-Rector, the number of international students has steadily decreased over the past three years. The post-pandemic era has brought about new challenges, including stricter visa regulations and economic difficulties, which have deterred many prospective students from pursuing education in Estonia.
Currently, the University of Tartu hosts approximately 1,700 international students, representing 11 percent of the total student body. This marks a significant drop from previous years, indicating a broader trend that could impact Estonia's academic and cultural landscape.