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🎓 Töötukassa

Studying with Töötukassa support

Töötukassa supports both the unemployed and workers who need new skills to stay in the labour market: free courses via the training card, a qualification allowance and the degree-study allowance for in-demand fields — 443.30 euros a month, paid monthly except July and August. The basis is an individual job-search or development plan and the counsellor's assessment.

Service passportUpdated: 29.07.2026.
Cost
Courses free; allowance 443.30 EUR/month
Duration
Courses from weeks to months
Deadline
See the counsellor before studying
Where
Töötukassa e-service
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Who this applies to

Registered unemployed persons and workers whose skills need updating (health prevents the old job, Estonian is insufficient, or the trade is disappearing). Training fields follow the labour-demand monitoring — sectors with the biggest shortages are prioritised. The study allowance is paid while you meet the curriculum; dropping out can trigger repayment.

Step by step

Meet the counsellor

Register with Töötukassa (as unemployed or a working client) and discuss with the counsellor which study fits your plan — it goes into your individual plan.

Pick the course or programme

With the training card choose among Töötukassa's partners; for degree study you apply to the school yourself and request the allowance in the e-service.

Study and receive the allowance

The 443.30-euro monthly allowance is paid while you meet the curriculum, every month except July and August. Courses are free for participants.

Common mistakes

Starting studies before agreeing with Töötukassa — the allowance may not be granted retroactively.
Choosing a field ignoring labour demand — shortage areas are supported first.
Dropping out rashly — Töötukassa can reclaim the paid allowance.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the study allowance?

443.30 euros a month, paid every month except July and August while you meet the curriculum.

Can an employed person get training?

Yes — for working clients the courses and allowances serve skill renewal when the current job is at risk or health demands a change.

Official sources

See also