Study in Estonia
Mentoring and Consulting for Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi students aiming to study in Estonia in 2024
Each year, I carefully select just seven students and provide them with dedicated assistance to pursue their educational dreams in Estonia, personally guiding them through the entire process, ensuring that they gain admission into the program of their choice while learning lifelong skills. No other consultant offers what I do!
Registrations closed 25th October 2023.
Book a free weekly QnA Session instead.
Why study in Estonia?
There’s something intriguing happening in the Northern European nation of Estonia. It’s not just about the medieval architecture, green landscapes, and beautiful summers. Estonia, often hailed as ‘the most advanced digital society in the world’ by publications like Wired, is rapidly emerging as a global education and technology powerhouse.
Educational Excellence
Over the last two decades, Estonia has revolutionized its education system, successfully melding its rich history and traditions with a forward-thinking approach to technology and innovation. The results speak for themselves. Estonian 15-year-olds rank first in reading, science, and mathematics among all European nations. Globally, they’re not far behind – ranking fifth in reading, eighth in mathematics, and fourth in sciences. These rankings stand testament to the quality, effectiveness, and competitiveness of Estonian education on the international stage.
Digital Transformation
Estonia is pioneering the concept of an ‘e-society’ – a digital nation where 99% of governmental services are available online 24/7, making life significantly easier for both residents and visitors. This digital transformation has led to an efficient, secure, and transparent ecosystem that extends from everyday services, like tax filing and digital prescriptions, to innovative initiatives like e-Residency. Estonia is the world’s first country to offer digital residency, allowing global citizens to start and manage businesses online from anywhere in the world.
A Hub of Innovation and Technology
Estonia is a hotbed for technological innovation and start-ups. It’s home to globally-renowned companies like TransferWise (now Wise), GrabCAD, Fortumo, Pipedrive, Starship Technologies, and perhaps most famously, Skype. These Estonian-born enterprises highlight the country’s strengths in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As a student in Estonia, you’ll be at the heart of this dynamic environment, providing an unparalleled opportunity to learn, intern, and possibly even start your own venture.
Career Prospects
Studying in Estonia opens doors to attractive career opportunities, particularly for software professionals. The country’s tech-centric economy means that there’s high demand for skilled professionals in the field. Salaries reflect this demand, with software professionals earning competitive salaries that often exceed the European average. This potential for career growth and financial stability makes Estonia an ideal choice for students planning to build a future in technology and digital innovation.
In a world where the fusion of education, technology, and innovation is increasingly important, Estonia stands as a unique and compelling study destination. Here, you’ll not only gain an excellent education but also get a head-start in the digital world, all while experiencing the charm and hospitality of a beautiful European nation. Welcome to your future, welcome to Estonia!
My Story
Hello, I’m Umair Alee – nice to meet you, if we haven’t already.
I began my academic journey as an engineering student in 2013 at UET Lahore. However, the idea of turning mathematical equations into bricks and mortar didn’t resonate with me. Instead, I felt drawn to the idea of building human potential, of shaping minds. This pull led me away from engineering and towards the field of education.
In my quest for a place to further my education, I stumbled upon Estonia – a small country making huge strides in the educational sphere. This revelation intrigued me and pushed me to dive deeper, researching and exploring the academic opportunities available.
After an intense evaluation of various universities, I found my match in Tallinn University. Its Master’s in Educational Innovation and Leadership felt like the perfect fit. But getting there was not a straightforward path. The application process was arduous, to say the least, and I had to travel to Egypt for my visa, a journey that presented its own unique set of challenges.
Nevertheless, I made it to Estonia, and I’m proud to say that I was and still am the only Pakistani recipient of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarship which meant I studied without paying a single penny. I received a stipend of 400 Euros each month. Along the way, I was fortunate to secure five other scholarships, amounting to almost 80 lac Pakistani Rupees.
In 2018, I made a video detailing my experiences and was overwhelmed by the response – 50,000 views and hundreds of comments. This reaction made me realize that countless students in the subcontinent were grappling with the same challenges I faced in my journey to Estonia.
Feeling the need to ease their struggle, I started offering weekly sessions, and over the past three years, I’ve assisted approximately 500 students with their study abroad inquiries.
From these interactions, I gathered a deep understanding of the issues faced by students, leading me to design a tailored mentoring plan. But it’s more than just a study abroad plan; it’s a career development program.
Through this process, you will acquire a wealth of knowledge and skills that will serve you throughout your career. I’m not just an agent; I am a mentor. The program I’ve designed will equip you with the tools you need to thrive in your chosen career. Gaining admission to a university abroad will merely be one of the many outcomes of this enriching journey.
Consider this a Career Prep Fellowship, designed to empower you for the next ten years of your career. Your academic and professional success is my mission. Welcome to a mentorship experience like no other.
Oh, and you might know me from my month cycle tour around Europe – something that was made possible only because my schengen Estonian student Visa.
I currently works as a Mentor at Coventry University, helping tens of students and professionals daily
The secret formula of cracking admission in Estonia.
Many students aspire to study abroad, lured by the promise of high-quality education, diverse cultural experiences, and potentially a springboard for an international career. However, the journey to successfully securing an admission offer can often seem complex and intimidating. Fortunately, I’ve distilled my years of experience into a simple approach that can significantly increase your chances of securing admission in a foreign university. It’s just the following 7 steps.
1. Understanding Your Goals:
The first and foremost step in this journey is self-exploration. You need to clearly define what you aim to achieve from your studies abroad. Do you want to go abroad just for the sake of going abroad and want to use your study visa as a gate way (that’s also possible, but not recommeded). Are you seeking a particular course or specialty? Are you drawn to the reputation of certain universities? Do you desire the cultural experiences of a specific country? Your goals will inform every subsequent step of your journey, so invest time in identifying them. A lot of students don’t know what they want to do. When I was an engineering student, I was one of those students.
2. Research
Once you have a clear vision, the next step is comprehensive research. Delve into information about universities, courses, admission requirements, tuition fees, living expenses, and scholarships. Understanding these elements will not only help you make an informed decision but also streamline your application process.
When applying to Estonia, you should know if you want to go to one of the three main universities. (Tallinn University, Taltech University, or Tartu University) or you want to target smaller institutes. you should know the application process and deadlines for all of them.
3. Preparation
With a great deal of competition to study in Estonia in recent years, you need to make sure your application stands out. A strong academic record is crucial, but universities also look for well-rounded individuals. Engage in extracurricular activities, pursue internships or part-time jobs related to your field, and develop a range of soft skills. These elements will make your application stand out. If you start your application early, you can make your profiel stronger within a few months.
4. Application Crafting
This stage involves presenting your qualifications, skills, and experiences in a compelling manner.
For Estonian Universities most of the application process is online with a central platform for Alhumdullilahl universities, which makes it very easy to apply. You have to phyically send your documents only after the interview.
A well-articulated personal statement, impactful letters of recommendation, and a polished CV can make a significant difference. Remember, every part of your application should weave a consistent narrative about who you are, your achievements, and your ambitions.
5. Test Preparation
Although Estonian Universities don’t require standardized tests like SAT, GMAT, etc (except GRE for Taltech), they still conduct their own test depending on the program you’re applying for. Preparing well in those tests is the key to cracking admission in Estonia.
IELTS is mandatory for all universities in Estonia and GRE is required by Taltech University only.
6. Interview Preparation
Some universities may require an interview as part of the admission process. Practice common interview questions, learn to articulate your responses confidently, and always be ready to showcase your passion for your chosen field.
If you don’t want to appear in the interview for any reason, Tartu University should be your target.
7. Don’t Give Up
Last but certainly not least, resilience is key. You may face rejections or hurdles along the way, but do not be disheartened. I know people who were rejected by Estonian Universities but they learnt so much in the process that within a year, they were in countries like Germany, Finland, UK etc. Every setback is a learning opportunity. Maintain your determination, refine your approach, and keep striving towards your goal.
But you probably already knew that.
All of this stuff is easy in theory, but difficult in execution. Why?
Why do so many study applications to study in Estonia fail?
The truth is, preparing for admission in Estonia involves a multitude of tasks, each demanding substantial effort, focus, and meticulousness. The process is more than just collecting a set of documents. It requires understanding university admission processes, tailoring your application to highlight your strengths, and effectively communicating your passion and ambition.
A large number of study applications fail not due to a lack of potential in the students, but often due to missteps in the application process. Let’s explore some reasons why this might occur:
- Inadequate Research: Many applicants fail to thoroughly research their chosen universities, courses, and the specifics of the admission process. All universities in Estonia have slightly different admission process and approach to handling applications. Not having enough information results in poorly informed decisions or applications that do not meet the university’s specific requirements.
- Unconvincing Applications: Crafting a compelling application is a skill in itself. Some students struggle to effectively communicate their skills, experiences, and ambitions, resulting in an application that fails to resonate with the admissions committee. They fail at writing a good cover letter or a personal statement.
- Underprepared for Entrance Tests: In Estonia, each test is based on the course program you apply for. These tests are designed to measure various skills, and without proper preparation, it’s easy to underperform. Poor scores can negatively impact your application, despite your other accomplishments.
- Poor Time Management: The application process is time-consuming and has multiple deadlines especially for Estonia as you have to go to another country to get Estonian Visa. Missing any of these or rushing to complete the application can lead to mistakes or a weak application.
- Insufficient Evidence of Soft Skills and Extra-curricular Activities: Universities appreciate students who can contribute to the campus community. Applicants often overlook showcasing their extra-curricular activities, leadership roles, volunteering, or other experiences that highlight their soft skills.
- Inability to Handle Setbacks: Rejections and setbacks are common, but some students become disheartened and give up too soon. Persistence is crucial in this journey.
Achieving success in securing a university admission in Estonia is indeed challenging. But it’s not impossible. What’s needed is a well-devised strategy, a thorough understanding of the process, timely preparation, and persistent efforts. As your mentor, I can provide you with detailed guidance, personalized advice, and continuous support to help you overcome these hurdles and enhance your chances of success. Together, we can make your dream of studying abroad a reality.
So how do you crack admission and be successful in your journey?
I’ll be honest: do you need my mentoring to secure an admission? Absolutely no.
But will it save you lot of headache, time, money and resources while equipping you with lifelong skills? Hell yes.
What I Offer
As an independent educational mentor, I am here to provide comprehensive guidance to students from India and Pakistan aspiring to study in Europe. Having walked this path myself, I understand the unique challenges you may encounter and how to navigate them. Here are some of the specific services I offer:
Preparation and Planning
- Personalized guidance on choosing the right course and university based on your academic background, interests, and career aspirations. Insight from my personal experience in Estonia as an active student.
- Assistance in creating a robust plan to meet application timelines, including preparation for IELTS tests, gathering necessary documents, and fulfilling specific university requirements.
Application Assistance
- Guidance on crafting compelling applications, including assistance in writing powerful personal statements, effective CVs, and preparing for interviews.
- Support in obtaining credible and impactful letters of recommendation if needed. For Estonian Universities, you don’t need letter of recommendations
- Review and feedback on your application to ensure it is free from errors and presents your best self to the admissions committee.
Financial Aid and Scholarships Support
- Support in exploring and applying for scholarships and financial aid options available for students from India and Pakistan aiming to study in Europe.
- Assistance in understanding the cost of living, planning your budget, and managing your finances while studying abroad.
- Helping you get the required documents ready if you’re planning to use someone else’s bank statement. For Estonia, you can use anyone’s (relative, employer, friend etc) bank statement as long as you’re able to justify the fund transfers.
Visa Guidance
Estonia has embassies in India, Egypt, Turkey and UAE. Most Asian students (excluding Indians) go to Egypt or Turkey for the visa application. i don’t recommend going to UAE due to their poor record of visa refusals for appearntly no reasons.
- Assistance with understanding the visa application process for different European countries.
- Guidance on preparing for visa interviews and compiling necessary documentation to support your visa application.
Pre-departure Support
- Finding you an accommodation
- Guidance on preparing for your journey, including understanding the cultural nuances of Estonia, managing travel arrangements, and making lodging plans.
- Providing resources to assist with integration into your new environment, such as understanding the local transportation system, healthcare facilities, and key contact points for any assistance you may need.
Ongoing Support
- Regular check-ins during your study journey to address any concerns, provide necessary guidance, and celebrate your milestones.
- Offering advice on internship opportunities, networking events, and potential career paths in Estonia and Europe.
- Assistant in applying for part-time and full time jobs.
Remember, the journey to studying abroad is not a straight path; it’s a journey with twists and turns, ups and downs. My aim is to help you navigate this journey, minimize the hurdles, and make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Together, we will work towards fulfilling your dreams of studying in Estonia — a beautiful Schengen country giving you access to 26 other European states
Okay, that’s a lot of stuff. But do people actually make it to Estonia with this mentoring program?
Testimonials
Getting admission in a foreign country is always very hectic but it wasn’t that much headache for me because Umair helped me throughout the process. He helped with usual admission ambiguities and also with the fee payment process. From writing my motivation letter, filling up my admission form, interview questions to submitting my admission fee, he was always available to sort out the problems. 200% recommended!
Umair was great help in giving me clarity about what course to choose and how to complete my admission. He helped me throughout the admission and the Visa process Even helped me sorting Visa appointments and visa appointments and buying airline tickets. I fully recommend this mentorship program to everyone. You will not regret it.
Who the mentoring isn’t for?
This program isn’t a good fit for you if
- You are just looking to “pay someone” to get an admission letter. I don’t offer admission letters. I prepare you in a way that you absolutely leave no space for rejection for admission for this admission and further applications in your career.
- You’re looking for a magic carpet that will transport you from your country to Estonia.
- You cannot spare your weekends for mentoring calls and paperwork preparation.
- You’re not open to constructive feedback and self-improvement: This journey requires regular self-assessment, learning, and growth.
- You don’t have funds to finance your study in Estonia.
How much does mentoring program cost ?
Let’s put this into perspective. If you see your international education as a stepping stone to a fulfilling career and enriched life, then this program is for you. However, if you’re treating this journey as just another checkbox, then perhaps this program might not align with your objectives.
In Estonia, the average salary for a software professional, for instance, is around 5000 Euros/ month. Considering that, the cost of this mentoring program is relatively insignificant compared to the earnings you stand to make post your education in Europe. Additionally, the impact this journey can have on your life – personally, academically, and professionally – is priceless.
But the value I offer is not about tallying up hours and services; it’s about providing you with a comprehensive, tailored journey towards your educational and career aspirations. In essence, it’s about quality, not quantity, and I aim to provide you with the most valuable, well-rounded support system possible.
With that said, let’s move onto the pricing options for this unique and bespoke mentoring program…
Essential Package
The Essential package is designed to provide you with comprehensive guidance throughout your journey.- Personalized Mentoring: Tailored one-on-one guidance to navigate your academic journey to study in Estonia from the first step until you have appeared in the interview.
- Course and University Selection: Assistance in choosing the best course and university based on your career plans and previous degrees. This is especially helpful if you’re switching your career like I did.
- Application Support: Guidance to help you craft compelling applications.
- Personal Statement Assistance: Support in writing a powerful personal statement that helps you stand out without using ChatGPT (It’s important)
- CV Review and Feedback: Detailed feedback and support to help you improve your CV. You will be able to use this CV for the next 5 years of your study and job applications even if you don’t have any work experience.
- Standardized Test Guidance: Assistance in understanding and preparing for required tests which include IELTS, University admission test, and interview preparations.
- Scholarship Assistance: Guidance to help you identify and apply for scholarships and secure other means of funding.
- Visa Application Guidance: You need to travel to Turkey, Egypt, or Dubai to get Estonian Visa. I provide Comprehensive support throughout the visa application process including preparing bank statements, sponsorship letters, filling out visa forms, and everything in between.
- Visa Interview Preparation: Tips and mock interviews to prepare you for your visa interview.
- Accommodation Assistance: Support in finding suitable accommodation using my Estonian connections.
- Budget Planning: It’s important to have a clear understanding of how much you will need to survive in Estonia. I assist in planning your financials for the study duration.
- Travel Assistance: Guidance on managing travel arrangements, finding the best tickets, and ensuring a smooth experience.
- Local Transportation Information: Provide you with necessary local transport information for Tallinn and Tartu so you don’t spend money on Uber when you get there.
- Essential Contact Points: A list of key local contacts for assistance during your stay.
- Regular Check-Ins: Regular weekly virtual meetings to address any concerns.
Executive Package
The Executive package includes all the features of the Essential package, plus a range of additional services designed to provide you with an extra level of support.- All features of the Essential Package.
- Admission in other European Countries: If your admission to the Estonian university is not successful, I will help you get admission in other European countries.
- Priority Access: Get priority access to my personal phone number for quicker responses and urgent assistance instead of weekly sessions
- Advanced Networking Guidance: Detailed strategy to leverage professional networking opportunities.
- Post-Study Work Permit Guidance: Guidance on obtaining a post-study work permit.
- Job Hunt Strategy and Support: A detailed strategy and active assistance in job searching post-graduation. it includes preparing a CV, Cover Letter, and Linkedin for full-time job search and applications.
- Cultural Understanding: Insights into the cultural nuances of Estonia and how to build your social life (relationships, dating, and other advice).
Free Bonuses
To enhance your journey, I’ve bundled some complimentary bonuses into both packages. These can also be availed separately, should you desire.
Free Bonus #1: E-stonia E-ssentials
An E-book with over 100 questions and all the information you need to apply for Estonia (Priced at €29.99)
I’ve crafted an eBook packed with over 100 commonly asked questions about studying in Estonia. It addresses every possible query you might have and is regularly updated with the latest information and regulations. Here’s a sneak peek of some questions it tackles:
– Can I apply if I have a study gap?
– Can I bring my kids with me to Estonia?
– Can my spouse accompany me, and do they have the right to work in Estonia?
– How extensive does my bank statement need to be?
– Can I work in other European countries with my Estonian visa?
– How can I present my proof of income?
– Can I work full-time in Estonia?
– Is there any racism in Estonia?
– What’s the dating culture like in Estonia?
…and many more.
If you wish, you can also purchase this comprehensive guide separately.
.
Free Bonus #2: Job Winning CV
A Custom editable CV to be used for job hunt (Starting from €95)
I specialize in providing job-winning CVs. My diverse clientele, from ambitious students to accomplished CEOs, CFOs, and technical leads, have successfully secured positions at top-notch companies such as Tesla, Amazon, Facebook, Wise, HSBC, and more. This success stems from my unique, personalized approach to CV and resume writing, where I create career narratives that captivate and resonate with hiring managers. As part of the mentoring process, you get this service for free. You can buy it separately as well.
My 100% Satisfaction Guarantee & Money-Back Promise
I understand that embarking on this journey is a significant investment, not only in terms of finances but also in terms of the time and effort you’re willing to put in. In the spirit of making this decision a little easier for you, I’m offering a risk-free guarantee:
Here’s how it works:
Satisfaction Guarantee: I’m so confident in the value of this program that if, after 30 days of being a part of the program, attending the meeting, and actively participating, you don’t feel that you are receiving the value I promised, I will offer you a full refund – no question asked. The only condition is that you show evidence of having made an honest effort, attended the sessions, and engaged with the tasks and activities. Any transaction charges or currency conversion fluctuations will be settled from the total amount.
Progression Promise: If you’ve fulfilled all the requirements, engaged in all the activities, and still did not receive a single acceptance letter from any of the universities we applied to, I will continue to provide my support at no extra cost for the next academic year or a different European Country. I’m committed to seeing you succeed.
Remember, this isn’t just about getting an acceptance letter; it’s about building a future you’re proud of. I’m here to support you on this journey. I firmly believe that if you commit to this process, you’ll not just succeed in getting an acceptance but also excel in your studies abroad and beyond.
Not ready? book a Free consultation
Session anyway!
Frequently asked Questions
What is your personal story and how did you get into this field of education consultancy?
After my engineering studies in Lahore, I found my true calling in education. This led me to pursue a Masters in Educational Innovation and Leadership at Tallinn University, Estonia. During my studies, I experienced first-hand the challenges of navigating the application and visa processes as an Asian student. This, along with the realisation of Estonia’s potential as a global education hub, motivated me to guide other students through their journey. I have since helped an estimated 500 students with their study abroad inquiries and created the ‘Estonian Education Empowerment’ program, which is much more than just a study abroad plan.
What is your personal story and how did you get into this field of education consultancy?
After my engineering studies in Lahore, I found my true calling in education. This led me to pursue a Masters in Educational Innovation and Leadership at Tallinn University, Estonia. During my studies, I experienced first-hand the challenges of navigating the application and visa processes as an Asian student. This, along with the realisation of Estonia’s potential as a global education hub, motivated me to guide other students through their journey. I have since helped an estimated 500 students with their study abroad inquiries and created the ‘Estonian Education Empowerment’ program, which is much more than just a study abroad plan.
Why do you only take on seven students per year?
What skills can I expect to gain from your mentoring program, apart from the admission guidance?
You mentioned scholarships in the 'Executive' package. Can you elaborate?
What's unique about your mentoring program?
Unlike traditional consulting, my ‘program offers a holistic, one-on-one guidance system for aspiring students. I handpick seven students each year, guide them through every step of the process, from understanding Estonia’s educational landscape to securing admission and visa. But it doesn’t stop there; I aim to equip you with skills and knowledge that will serve you for a lifetime.
What's the guarantee of success with your program?
While I can’t promise that every single participant will secure their dream admission (as the ultimate outcome depends on various factors), I do assure you that if you’re committed and make full use of the mentoring, you’ll land in a European country to study within no time. Furthermore, you will acquire a wealth of knowledge and skills that will be invaluable in your future career.