Young Australians with Estonian heritage have an exciting opportunity to attend a week-long Summer School in Estonia this August – with local expenses covered. Applications close 19 April 2026.
The Estonian Institute of Historical Memory is inviting high school and undergraduate students to apply for a five-day summer school in Estonia, running from 2–7 August 2026. The program combines history, cultural exploration and the chance to meet other young people from around the world who share Estonian ancestry.
Your invite to scenic hikes, study trips and summer nights
This isn’t just sitting in a classroom (promise). The program blends scenic hikes with lectures, workshops and group projects. There are real-world experiences waiting — the kind that stay with you long after the plane ride home.
You’ll visit places like the Estonian National Museum, the Memorial to the Victims of Communism and the Forest Brothers’ bunker — each offering a powerful window into Estonia’s past.
And yes, there are lighter moments too — guided walks through Tallinn’s Old Town, scenic outings, and the simple joy of being in Estonia in summer (which, frankly, deserves its own paragraph).
The tale of three cities — and you get to judge
The program begins and ends in Tallinn, with a two-day trip to Tartu and Viljandi — two cities some consider the academic and cultural capitals of Estonia.
There’s also the chance to meet representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia and step inside the historic Estonian Knighthood House — not your average week, in other words.
Travel costs covered within Estonia
One of the key advantages of the Summer School is that all local expenses — including accommodation, meals, transport and guided tours — are covered by the organisers. Students are responsible only for organising and funding their travel to and from Tallinn.
Let’s repeat the good parts: participation is free of charge — yes, really (we wouldn’t joke about something as important as this). The organisers cover:
- accommodation (5 nights, twin-share hotel rooms)
- meals (three per day — no instant noodles required)
- all program activities and entry fees
- transport within Estonia.
Who can apply?
If you’re a high school or undergraduate student with Estonian heritage — typically aged 16–24 — this is for you.
(Slightly outside that range? Still welcome to apply — Estonia is not overly strict about enthusiasm.)
Dates to circle
📅 Summer school program: 2–7 August 2026
📝 Applications close: 19 April 2026
📩 Results: within two weeks after the application deadline
Places are limited, so early applications are encouraged — this is your gentle nudge not to leave it until the night before.
Put this thought in your back pocket
Some journeys take you somewhere new. Others take you somewhere that was always, quietly, yours.
This one might do both.
Ready?
Apply now and read more here:
🔗 Estonian Institute of Historical Memory
For any questions, contact the organisers at konkurss[at]mnemosyne.ee
Acknowledgement
Thank you to Iti Connor and Barbara Howard Kalamäe for information!
