Reform of the obligation to learn

Extension of Compulsory Education

The obligation to attend school will be replaced by the obligation to learn, and the compulsory education age will be extended from 17 to 18 years. This means all basic school graduates must continue their education until at least age 18 or until they complete secondary or vocational education.

Addressing Early Dropout Rates

Currently, nearly 800 basic school graduates each year do not continue their education, with a similar number dropping out during the first year of post-basic studies. As a result, about 1 in 10 young people in Estonia are left with only basic education, limiting their chances in the labour market.

Need for a More Qualified Workforce

Basic education alone is not enough to succeed in today's job market. Estonia needs a more qualified workforce to support long-term economic growth. This requires raising the average education level among residents.

Goals of the Reform

The reform aims to ensure that all young people complete at least secondary or vocational education, preparing them to enter the labour market and become independent. It is expected that an additional 1,300 qualified young people will join the Estonian workforce each year as a result.

Key Targets

• 90% of 20–24-year-olds should complete upper secondary education.

• Less than 5% of 18–24-year-olds should be out of education or training and have a low level of education

Legislative Changes and Implementation

In cooperation with partners, the legal framework for extending compulsory education has been completed. The legislative amendment was adopted December 2024 in the Riigikogu. It will first affect students entering the 9th grade on 1 September 2025.

Role of Schools and Local Governments

• General and vocational schools must offer flexible learning options to support continued education after basic school.
• Schools must focus more on dropout prevention, providing timely support and individual solutions.
• Schools and local governments must collaborate closely, with local authorities responsible for monitoring and providing support as needed.

Preparatory studies

Students who do not meet the threshold in the assessment of basic school learning outcomes and are unsuccessful in applying to a vocational education institution or upper secondary school will be provided with additional support in finding a suitable study pathway through preparatory education.

Preparatory studies are primarily intended for young people who have completed basic education, are still of compulsory school age, and have not found a suitable opportunity for further study after graduating from basic school. The target group also includes young people whose Estonian language skills are insufficient for continuing their studies, as well as young people up to the age of 26 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).

The purpose of preparatory education is to prepare young people with basic education to continue their studies at the vocational or upper secondary level. It enables learners to develop the skills they need for further study according to their individual needs. During the programme, students are also provided with guidance and counselling to help them make future education and career choices.

Preparatory studies generally last one academic year, although the period of study may be shorter if the young person finds a suitable study pathway earlier. Study opportunities are available in every county, primarily in state vocational education institutions. Preparatory studies are regulated by the Vocational Education Institutions Act.

More information:

• Estonia: Extension of the compulsory education (Eurydice)