ESTDEV’s Scholarship Programme Sets a Stronger Focus on Development Cooperation Goals

The Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) allocates 600,000 euros for the implementation of scholarship programmes in Estonian educational institutions. The purpose of the programme is to share knowledge and support Estonia’s partner countries to achieve their development goals. Scholarships finance participants from Armenia, Botswana, Georgia, Kenya, Moldova, Namibia, Uganda, and Ukraine in further education including master’s studies and micro-degree programs.

“The scholarship programme is a good development cooperation measure that has a positive impact in both Estonia and the partner country. We open doors to students and support them in developing necessary competencies in areas where our partner countries have a need but where we have a strong expertise to offer. Internationalisation of Estonia’s education system will certainly be an added benefit for Estonian students and educational institutions,” explains Kristel Rillo, Program Manager for Digital Education at ESTDEV.

The grant allocated to the Estonian School of Diplomacy enables 15 persons to participate in the post-university continuing education course, “International Relations and European Integration“. Scholarships are awarded to young diplomats and civil servants who will return to their home country after completing advanced training and continue working in government service.

With the funds allocated to the University of Tartu, up to 10 students from priority countries can acquire a master’s degree in one of six study programs: biotechnology, information technology law, innovation and technology management, international relations and regional studies, international law and human rights.

The Institute of Educational Sciences of the University of Tartu has developed an international micro-degree program: “Use of Technology in Contemporary Learning“. Within the framework of this program, 10 applicants will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills regarding developing trends, opportunities, and threats in new technologies. The purpose of the program is to contribute to the professional development of educators in target countries, so that they can take advantage of educational technologies in their daily work.

With the support allocated to Tallinn University, up to 10 students from the target countries can acquire a master’s degree in the field of educational innovation management. The focus areas of the curriculum are educational innovation, evidence-based change management, learning analytics, and 21st century educational leader competencies.

Estonian Business School is also developing a micro-degree program, “Management of Change in Building New Business Models”, which is based on the needs of Estonia’s priority countries. The purpose of the program is to provide an understanding of change management, and show how to implement changes in the development of digital and green business models. The grant allows up to 35 applicants to be admitted to the program.