Homeschooling in Estonia
Estonia permits homeschooling via two regulated pathways with different age limits, funding models, and oversight structures.
Homeschooling (koduõpe) is legal in Estonia under the Education Act (Riigi Teataja RT 1992, 12, 192) and regulated by the Ministry of Education and Research ordinance Procedures for Home Schooling (83, RTL 2008, 3, 27) and Koduõppe ja haiglaõppe tingimused ja kord (2010). Two distinct pathways exist: medical necessity homeschooling (permitted throughout compulsory education, ages 7-17, state-funded and school-managed) and parental-choice homeschooling (permitted until age 12, parent-managed and parent-financed). Both require annual application to the child's registered school and compliance with the national curriculum.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Compulsory education (learning obligation) spans ages 7 to 18, with extension to age 18 effective September 1, 2025.
- Two homeschooling pathways: medical-necessity (school-managed, publicly funded) and parental-choice (parent-managed, parent-financed).
- Medical-necessity homeschooling permitted throughout compulsory education; parental-choice homeschooling also permitted at all school levels including gymnasium.
- Annual application to registered school required for both pathways; no requirement for reasons to be substantial or evidence-backed in parental-choice cases.
- National curriculum mandatory; school assessments at least twice yearly (or at least once per semester for medical-necessity cases).
- School provides curriculum materials for parental-choice homeschooling; parent responsible for quality and results.
- School's teachers' council can terminate homeschooling if significant deficiencies in curriculum progress identified during assessments.
- Five educational routes available post-basic school: supplementary studies, general upper secondary school, vocational upper secondary education, vocational training, or preparatory studies (from autumn 2026).
Legal Framework
The primary governing statute is the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act (Põhikooli- ja gümnaasiumiseadus), specifically § 23 on home education. Operational procedures are established by the regulation Koduõppe ja haiglaõppe tingimused ja kord (adopted and enforced in 2010). The Ministry of Education and Research (Haridus- ja Teadusministeerium) is the responsible authority. An ordinance issued by the Ministry of Education, Procedures for home schooling (83, RTL 2008, 3, 27), also stipulates requirements for homeschooling.
Filing Requirements
What to file
Application to school
When
Before start of school year
Where
Child's registered school
How to submit
In writing to school
What to include
- • Relevant medical reasons and counseling committee recommendation
Decision made by school head
How to Get Started
- 1
Consult doctor and school counseling committee
- 2
Apply annually to registered school
- 3
Receive individual work plan
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Fully funded
- ✓Professional oversight
Cons
- •Medical basis needed
Questions about homeschooling in Estonia
What is the process to start parental choice homeschooling?
Apply annually in writing to the child's registered school, stating reasons and naming the teaching person. No evidence for reasons required; school provides materials.
How often are assessments required?
At least twice yearly for parental choice; at least once per semester for medical necessity. School conducts to check national curriculum progress.
Can homeschooling continue through high school (gymnasium)?
Yes, both pathways permitted at all levels including gymnasium, with school assessments and state exams for diploma.
Who pays for materials in parental choice homeschooling?
School provides books and curriculum materials; parents finance other costs and manage teaching.
What happens if assessments show deficiencies?
School's teachers' council can terminate homeschooling, requiring return to regular classes.
Is the child still enrolled in school during homeschooling?
Yes, remains registered at the school for oversight, assessments, and materials.
Does compulsory education go to age 18 now?
Yes, learning obligation to age 18 effective September 1, 2025, unless upper secondary or vocational completed earlier.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · EE homeschool law guide