Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)

TalTech is Estonia’s leading university for engineering, IT, and technology‑driven business. Located in Tallinn’s Mustamäe district and adjacent to the Tehnopol science park, TalTech combines research‑intensive teaching, modern laboratories, and deep partnerships with startups, established companies, and the public sector. The university also includes the Estonian Maritime Academy (EMERA), Estonia’s national hub for maritime education and research.

Why Study at TalTech

• Strongest portfolio in engineering, ICT, and digital transformation • Hands‑on learning with labs, simulators, and industry briefs • Close ties to Estonia’s e‑governance and cyber ecosystem • Startup pathways via incubators, hackathons, and MEKTORY • Internationally oriented programmes taught in English across bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels • Lively, urban campus with student housing, sports, and cultural life.

Schools and Focus Areas

• School of Information Technologies: computer science, software and data engineering, AI/ML, cyber security, e‑governance • School of Engineering: mechanical, electrical, electronics, mechatronics, materials, product development and robotics, energy and power systems, environmental engineering • School of Business and Governance: international business administration, economics and finance, public administration, technology governance, digital transformation • School of Science: mathematics, physics, chemistry, earth sciences • Estonian Maritime Academy (EMERA): navigation, marine engineering, maritime safety, port and shipping management, logistics.

Signature Strengths

• Cyber security and digital forensics • e‑Governance technologies and services • Data science, AI, and software engineering • Robotics, product development, and industrial engineering • Energy efficiency, power grids, smart and sustainable engineering • Maritime training with professional‑grade simulators and labs.

Research, Innovation, and Industry Links

• MEKTORY Innovation and Business Centre: prototyping labs, student startups, industry co‑creation • Tehnopol Science and Business Park next to campus: tech cluster, incubators, mentoring • Cross‑sector projects with government and companies in cyber, e‑state services, energy systems, circular economy, and smart manufacturing • Research groups spanning electronics and telecommunications, materials science, robotics, environmental and energy technologies.

How You Will Learn

• Formats: lectures, seminars, labs, studios, project‑based and problem‑based learning • Assessment: exams, lab reports, design reviews, code sprints, portfolios, presentations, and team projects • Collaboration: multidisciplinary capstones with real industry briefs • Digital: e‑learning platforms, recorded lectures, proctored e‑exams, and paperless admin via Estonia’s e‑services.

Programmes and Study Levels

• Bachelor’s: foundations in engineering, IT, economics and business, with mathematics and practical labs • Master’s: advanced specializations such as cyber security, data science, e‑governance, product development, energy engineering, maritime management, technology governance • PhD: research‑intensive programmes tied to funded projects and labs; start dates may be flexible depending on positions.

Language of Instruction

• English‑taught programmes widely available, especially at master’s and PhD levels • Estonian‑taught programmes across all schools for students proficient in Estonian (usually B2–C1 CEFR) • Verify the exact language and requirements on each programme page.

Admissions Overview

• Apply via TalTech’s admissions portal (links below) • Requirements vary by level and programme • Typical documents: application form, passport, academic transcripts and diploma(s), certified translations where required, English‑language proof, CV, motivation letter, recommendations • Some programmes add interviews, math/physics readiness checks, coding tasks, portfolios (design/architecture), or a research proposal (PhD).

Typical English Requirements (verify per programme)

• IELTS Academic: commonly 6.0–6.5 overall (sub‑scores may apply) • TOEFL iBT: commonly 80–90+ • PTE Academic: commonly 59–65+ • Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency accepted by many programmes • Duolingo English Test accepted by some programmes • Estonian‑taught studies typically require B2–C1 CEFR in Estonian.

Intakes and Deadlines

• Autumn (September): main intake with widest selection and scholarships • Spring (February): limited selection • Non‑EU/EEA applicants usually face earlier deadlines to allow visa/TRP processing • Portfolio/interview programmes may have earlier, separate rounds—check dates carefully.

Tuition, Waivers, and Scholarships

• Tuition fees depend on programme and level • Merit‑based tuition‑waiver places available in selected programmes; competitive and often tied to early rounds • Additional scholarships may be offered by TalTech and external bodies • Always verify the latest fees and funding terms on official pages.

Campus, Housing, and Facilities

• Student dormitories on and near campus; demand peaks before September—apply early • Modern library, study lounges, maker spaces, and specialized labs • Sports centre with gym and courts; active student clubs and societies • EMERA facilities include maritime simulators and training equipment; some activities run in Tallinn and on Saaremaa.

Student Support

• Orientation weeks and buddy programmes for international students • Academic advising, writing and study‑skills support • Career services with CV clinics, employer meetups, and job fairs • Health, counselling, and accessibility services (exam accommodations and assistive tech) • Estonian language courses (A1 to advanced); academic English modules in some curricula.

Careers and Internships

• Many programmes include credit‑bearing internships or practical projects • Strong links to Tallinn’s startup scene, fintech and cyber sectors, manufacturing, and energy companies • Capstones co‑supervised with industry partners • International students can typically work during studies provided it does not hinder academic progress—confirm rules with the university and authorities.

Life in Tallinn

• Capital city with efficient trams and buses; quick links to the airport and harbour • Registered residents enjoy free city transport; otherwise use the Ühiskaart or tap a contactless bank card • Highly cashless society; English widely used in services • Dynamic tech meetups, cultural events, seaside promenades, and easy weekend trips by ferry to Helsinki.

Application Steps (typical)

• 1) Choose your programme and review entry and language requirements • 2) Prepare documents: passport, transcripts, diploma(s) and translations, English test, CV, motivation letter, references; portfolio/test/research proposal if required • 3) Submit your application via the admissions portal and pay any fee • 4) Complete interviews, tests, or design tasks if invited • 5) Track decisions; accept offer and pay any deposit • 6) Arrange housing, insurance, and visa/temporary residence permit (TRP) if applicable • 7) Arrive for orientation, register for courses, and collect your student ID.

Documents Checklist (varies by programme)

• Valid passport • Official transcripts and degree certificate(s) with certified translations if needed • Proof of English (or Estonian) meeting programme minimums • CV, motivation letter, and references (where required) • Portfolio or technical task for design/architecture/creative programmes • Research proposal for PhD • Proof of funds and health insurance for visa/TRP (non‑EU/EEA).

Visa and Residence (Non‑EU/EEA)

• You may need a long‑stay D‑visa and/or a temporary residence permit for study (TRP) • Processing can take several weeks—book embassy/consulate appointments early • Keep admission letter, accommodation, insurance, and financial evidence ready • Follow the Police and Border Guard Board guidance and TalTech’s international office updates.

Health and Insurance

• EU/EEA students: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) typically applies • Non‑EU students: insurance that meets visa/TRP requirements is mandatory • Estonia’s e‑health services and e‑prescriptions are standard—carry essential medical documentation and prescriptions.

Sustainability and Campus Culture

• Emphasis on green technology, energy efficiency, and circular economy • Cycling, public transport, and recycling facilities integrated into campus life • Student initiatives and tech societies drive community projects and innovation challenges.

Exchange and Partnerships

• Erasmus+ and bilateral exchanges with partner universities worldwide • Double/joint degree options in select programmes (deadlines and structures may differ) • Visiting students welcome for one‑or two‑semester study plans—check course lists and language requirements.

Key Tips

• Apply early—popular programmes and dorms fill fast • Aim above minimum test scores and watch sub‑scores • Read programme pages line‑by‑line for prerequisites (math/physics readiness, coding or design tasks) • Keep well‑named PDFs and follow upload rules exactly • Arrive in time for orientation to finalize registrations and residence steps.

Useful Links

• TalTech (main site): taltech.ee/en • Admissions (requirements, deadlines, portal): taltech.ee/en/admissions • Estonian Maritime Academy (EMERA): taltech.ee/en/maritime • Programmes overview (national catalogue): studyinestonia.ee/programmes • Visa/TRP info (official): politsei.ee

Important Note

Programme content, fees, language thresholds, and application timelines may change each year. Always confirm details on TalTech’s official pages before submitting your application, booking tests, or arranging travel.