From 2026/27, Estonia will introduce a new preparatory programme for lower-secondary graduates who require additional time and support before progressing to upper secondary general or vocational education. The programme will be available in every county, primarily delivered through state-run schools, and will allow flexible enrolment throughout the year. It will generally last one academic year, although learners may complete it earlier if they identify a suitable study pathway before the programme ends.
The programme is intended for young people who do not immediately secure a place in upper secondary education or who require targeted education, career, or language support to make an informed choice about their next learning pathway. It will be organised in small groups of up to 15 learners, with an individual learning plan developed for each student. The programme provides guidance, career counselling, and needs-based support, including Estonian language instruction for students whose first language is not Estonian.
The preparatory programme builds on the existing vocational orientation programme but has a broader scope, preparing learners for both general and vocational education.
The initiative is part of wider compulsory and vocational education reforms, which have extended compulsory education to age 18 and reshaped upper secondary vocational education. The aim is to reduce early school leaving and ensure that all young people obtain upper secondary education or vocational qualifications.
See also: Estonia: a new four-year applied upper secondary VET programme and Estonia: boosting VET with extended compulsory education
| Please cite this news item as: ReferNet Estonia, & Cedefop (2026, April 17th). Estonia: new one-year preparatory programme supporting transition to upper secondary education. National news on VET |