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
Track Estonia compliance with Starpath
Free portfolio and compliance tracker tailored to Estonia's requirements. Log learning, track hours, and generate reports, all in one place.
Last updated: 2026-04-26 · EE homeschool law guide