Eligibility for allowance

You are eligible for the degree study allowance if you are unemployed or employed and meet at least one of the following requirements:

• you do not have professional or vocational education and you:
  - obtained basic or general secondary education or dropped out of school at least five years ago
  or
  - obtained basic education in a non-stationary study form (in a so-called upper secondary school for adults)
  or
  - obtained general secondary education in a non-stationary study form (in a so-called upper secondary school for adults) and at least eight years has passed since you obtained basic education; 
  In the implementation of these conditions, the most recent highest education obtained/interrupted by the applicant will be taken into account;
• at least 15 years have passed since you obtained your profession or higher education;
• you cannot continue in your current position due to your health (this must be proven by a decision of the occupational health physician, for example).

If you are employed, you must be between the age of 16 and retirement age, work on the basis of an employment contract or contract under the law of obligations or in public service.

You can apply for the allowance before commencing studies at a vocational education or higher education institution, or within 30 calendar days of commencing studies (i.e., the date of commencement of studies specified in the Estonian Education Information System). If you are already studying at a vocational education or higher education institution, and more than 30 calendar days have passed since you commenced studies, or you have cancelled studies within the past year and wish to start studying again, the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund will be unable to pay you the allowance.