Estonia to fund Estonian courses for about 200 conscripts a year

Estonia will provide state-funded Estonian-language courses to about 200 people liable for military service each year under a new government regulation, ERR reported. The programme is expected to cost 400,000 euros annually.

From January 1, a legal change will require people liable for military service to have at least B1-level Estonian. The regulation sets out a common procedure for checking their language skills and arranging courses, with the aim of ensuring they can take part safely and effectively in military training conducted in Estonian.

The Defense Resources Agency will first check records in the Estonian Education Information System and the test database. If those records do not establish a person’s level, the agency will refer them to a state B1-level Estonian exam run by the Education and Youth Board. Where necessary, the Integration Foundation will arrange a separate test to assess their actual level before they are assigned to a course.

The state will provide free language instruction once to those who do not meet the requirement. Courses will range from 100 to 250 academic hours, depending on the participant’s starting level, and may combine classroom and online learning.

Participants may also receive reimbursement for travel and food expenses. Those attending classroom lessons will receive 15 euros for each lesson completed, up to 150 euros for the full course; people travelling from abroad will receive a higher amount.

After completing the state-organised course, participants will take a level exam to check whether they have reached the required standard. If a valid reason prevented someone from completing the course, the agency may decide to extend their training. Those who do not complete the course within the required time or fail to pass the exam must arrange their own language studies within a year and will then be referred for another B1 exam.