Table of Contents
Overview
We are educating leaders and experts of Next Generation Digital State.
1-year Master’s programme gives students broad knowledge on developing a modern digital state, its transition to seamless fully digitalized services and necessary building blocks on e-society.
Teaching is conducted in English and studies are free of charge for Estonian and EU citizens.
Value-added curriculum:
- 1-year session-based study programme
- Master’s exam instead of academic master’s thesis
- Practical learning based on case studies
- All courses have e-learning support
- Insight into innovative digital solutions
- Access to Estonian world-class know-how offered by the leading Digital Transformation experts and practitioners
- Participation in workshops with representatives from Estonian e-Governance Academy, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Estonian ICT Cluster, NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, Trinidad Wiseman OÜ
- Cooperation closely related to the Next Generation Digital State research group
- Participation in virtual courses of EuroTeq Consortium
What professional skills you acquire:
- Digital upskilling
- Data-driven decision-making
- Leading and redesigning Digital Services
- Cybersecurity awareness
- Familiarizing with Legal Framework of e-Governance
- AI usage in public sector
- Comprehending building blocks of digital state
- Fundamentals of Data Science and AI
Studies cover the latest digital transformation trends:
- Service Design and redesigning public services
- Building blocks of e-Society
- Legal Framework of e-Governance
This program is suitable for candidates:
- With bachelor's degrees from all fields
- With technical and non-technical skills from private and public sector
- Who work full time
- Who aspire to career boost and change
- Who are at the forefront of technological developments in the digital world
- Who would like to continue studies at doctoral level in digital transformation in the public sector
In case you cannot commit to study 1 year at the master’s level, you have the option to enrol in the programme related microdegree for an initial understanding of the study programme. Later, you can choose to continue with the master's program or pursue another microdegree, eventually completing the master's exam to obtain the degree.
For more information about this, please contact anastasiia.dudko@taltech.ee.
Curriculum outline (60 ECTS)
Key Features
Study Programme
Degree: Master of Science in Engineering (MSc)
Duration: 1 year
Faculty: School of Information Technologies
Study Load: 60 ECTS (view curriculum)
Mode of Study: Session based study (evenings)
Study Information
Language: English (view English language requirements)
Tuition Fee: €6000 per year; free for EU/EEA citizens
Scholarships: Different options available
Admission: General admission guidelines
Legal basis for staying in Estonia
Information for non-EU citizens
Legal basis: D-Visa only (as the duration of studies is one year)
Information for EU citizens
Legal basis: Estonian ID card
Admissions
Students for this study programme are admitted based on the admission threshold. First, the candidate must pass the preliminary evaluation (previous education, GRE General Test/eGov Entry Test). Then, the admission assessment follows, consisting of two parts:
1. Motivation letter and CV (0-10p);
2. Interview (0-10p).
An applicant who receives at least 5 points for both the motivation letter+CV and interview is admitted.
Please find the programme specific admission requirements below:
An applicant must have a Master's degree or equivalent or Bachelor's degree in the nominal study load volume of 240 ECTS in minimum; or Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 5 years of work experience related to the field of the development of digital state.
In order to qualify for the studies in Tallinn University of Technology, an applicant has to have at least 60% of the highest possible CGPA (this requirement applies to each education qualification that you use for applying).
In order to apply, a candidate is required to present either the GRE General Test or eGov Entry Test result by uploading the test certificate to the DreamApply application system latest by the application deadline. Please read the detailed information of each test below and take one of them to successfully apply for the e-Governance Technologies and Services study programme. Note that candidates who have obtained the degree used as a basis for applying in EU, EFTA or OECD member state are waived from this test requirement.
GRE General Test
In order to apply, a candidate is required to upload a Test-taker Score Report of the GRE General Test to the DreamApply application system with the necessary threshold scores:
- Verbal Reasoning at least 145
- Quantitative Reasoning at least 150
- Analytical Writing score at least 3.0
This is a prerequisite for qualifying and has to be fulfilled latest by the application deadline.
Candidates who have obtained the degree used as a basis for applying in EU, EFTA or OECD member state are waived from the GRE requirement.
Please see more information about our GRE General Test requirement here, including the exact eligibility criteria for being exempted from this prerequisite and how to order the test result electronically to TalTech.
eGov Entry Test
Alternatively to the GRE General Test, applicants may take eGov Entry Test in TalTech Moodle. This entry test is developed by TalTech to offer an alternative to the GRE General Test and is free of charge for all the candidates applying for eGov MSc programme.
Applicants interested to take the eGov Entry Test should contact programme coordinators at eGovTest@taltech.ee in order to enroll to the test in Moodle. Once you have been enrolled to TalTech Moodle, the test must be completed within a week.
The eGov Entry Test’s goal is to measure an applicant’s ability to comprehend, analyse and synthesize concepts related to digital transformation as well as the information society; including political, legal and technological frameworks. In addition, the learning outcomes of the e-Governance Master’s programme are to equip students with the knowledge and skills to have e-Governance management positions in public or private sector organizations. Thus, the first part of the exam captures leadership qualities of applicants through a digital transformation scorecard test.
In order to apply to the e-Governance Technologies and Services programme, a candidate is required to upload a Certificate of completion of the eGov Entry Moodle Test to the DreamApply application system with the overall score. Candidates must complete all 4 parts of the Test and obtain passable grade in order to continue with admission process. Scoring system is the following:
- Threshold scores 5-10
- Passable overall score 5
- Maximum overall score 10
The eGov Entry Test is a prerequisite for qualifying and has to be passed latest by the application deadline. Test can be taken from January to May. After passing the test the applicant will receive the Certificate of completion with overall score during 14 days.
Candidates who have obtained the degree used as a basis for applying in EU, EFTA or OECD member state are waived from the eGov Entry Test.
Motivation letter
Please include the following:
- clearly defined perspectives and motivation for developing the information society and e-governance era
- logical, analytical and comprehensive description of e-Governance based on the country candidate chooses to take as an example
- previous experiences in the field, practical work experience in public/private sector or with the technical solutions used in public/private sector
- proposals of the case study topic for master's exam related to Digital Transformation
- academic style of formal writing and precise formatting
NB! It is important to properly cite and reference any sources used in your motivation letter (quotations, publications, ideas etc. that are not your own). Additionally, AI-generated text is not acceptable as the purpose of the motivation letter is to show the applicant’s genuine motivation. Neglecting the aforementioned principles will result in the disqualification of your application.
Europass CV
Candidates need to upload a CV (Europass Format, in English) in the documents section of DreamApply application system. Europass CV must clearly state the previous educational and professional background, participation in trainings and publication list, if any.
Positive scale for the motivation letter and CV: 5-10 points. Note that without the Europass CV positive scale cannot be reached and the candidate will not qualify for the interview.
Candidate should get at least 5 points for the motivation letter to be invited to the interview.
During the interview the following aspects will be evaluated:
- level of e-Governance awareness, latest trends in the domain
- motivation to complete selected study programme as well as to contribute to the field by applying the acquired knowledge in future career
- analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
- communication skills and self-expression
- ability to lead and manage projects and teamwork
Duration of the interview is approximately 10 minutes. Positive scale: 5-10 points
Future Career
The curriculum will help prepare leaders and experts in digital transformation who are responsible for its development. The study programme addresses the technological complexities of how governments can satisfy the current and future needs of their citizens. The focus is on digital government ecosystems by investigating technologies that support digital transformation, innovation and implementation.
The future
The development of digital state, including the launch of new services and the modernization of existing projects, cyber security awareness and better communication connections are the main directions of the Information Society Development Plan 2030, which is currently being prepared.
Technological changes affect all industries and businesses, both public and private. Skills and knowledge of technologies and services, innovation and e-Governance of digital state and its legal environment enable a career in both public and private sectors, as well as in international organizations.
What students and alumni say
YURII ZHATKIN, IT specialist at Council of Europe, FRANCE
„The eGov study programme equipped me with a solid understanding of e-government solutions, policy frameworks, and technological advancements essential for navigating the complexities of our digital age. The comprehensive curriculum’s emphasis on practical learning through hands-on projects and real-world case studies prepared me well for my role at the Council of Europe in France, where I am actively involved in digital transformation projects and IT administration. Even for such traditional organizations like the Council of Europe, IT is pivotal and plays a vital role in facilitating communication, collaboration, data management, and digital governance initiatives necessary for advancing its mission of upholding human rights and democracy. The critical thinking and problem-solving abilities I acquired at TalTech have proven invaluable in my everyday work. I am proud to be a graduate of TalTech and would highly recommend the e-Governance programme to anyone aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the realm of digital governance.“
FLORIAN LEMKE, IT-Consultant at Moysies & Partners, GERMANY
„The e-Governance Technologies and Services study programme at TalTech provided me with the knowledge and understanding of innovation, technology, public- as well as business administration. It is only because of this varied study program that I am able to benefit from it at every day of my work. The immense flexibility and possibility for gaining international experience at TalTech’s partner universities has made me become an expert on Asian and European e-government solutions, due to my exchange studies at Beijing Institute of Technology in the Peoples Republic of China. Considering this, I can develop just the best e-solutions for my own country. Estonia has been the best place in the world to study e-government to become one of the future leaders in the e-government field. The diverse and interdisciplinary program has shaped more than just my career. It has shaped my personality and life.“
JOSEPHINE LUSI FROM KENYA, EARLY- STAGE RESEARCHER AT TALTECH
"I have come to appreciate its unique aspects, particularly the comprehensive knowledge it provides on developing modern states, transitioning to paperless ecosystems, and emphasizing citizen-centric public services.
As an active member of the Next Generation Digital State Research group, I have had the opportunity to contribute to real-life projects that have been both meaningful and impactful. One of my highlights has been working with the GovStack Initiative, to create the GovStack Implementation Playbook, a valuable resource for digital transformation enthusiasts who are involved in the digitalization of public services. Through the GovStack Initiative, I am also contributing to the digitalization of e-services for several countries, including the Horn of Africa region, where we are working to transform Djibouti's government into a paperless ecosystem.
The programme's unique and interdisciplinary design has given me an opportunity to pursue a fulfilling and rewarding career. I invite you to join me and a diverse community of international students in this rewarding programme to discover the endless possibilities in the world of e-Gov."
JUHANI LEMMIK, Freelance expert in public governance reforms, ESTONIA
“The e-Governance Technologies and Services programme at TalTech offers students numerous opportunities to expand their knowledge and career prospects. Graduates can pursue careers in state institutions, international organizations, IT and consulting companies, where their broad e-state awareness and technology-society integration skills are in high demand. The programme's unique feature is its flexibility in allowing students to choose their own career path, whether they prefer to specialize in technologies, data, or social science. Furthermore, the programme's international focus equips graduates with the necessary skills to excel in a global career market. With TalTech's e-Governance Technologies and Services programme, you can broaden your horizons, make a difference in the world, and achieve your career goals. Enroll today and discover the endless possibilities! “
IEVGEN BILYK Project Management Specialist USAID UKRAINE
„TalTech Master programme on e-Governance Technologies and Services equipped me with the modern interdisciplinary background. E-governance is such a field where a specialist needs to draw from various disciplines: IT, law, project management, public administration and other kinds of social sciences. All these directions were covered by the programme! So, I regularly use this background to overcome different challenges when creating e-governance solutions in Ukraine. But probably the most valuable intake from the Master’s is connections with international experts and students in e-Governance that I met in Tallinn“.
TAMAR MAGLAKELIDZE, Analyst at Municipal Service Development Agency of Tbilisi City Hall (MSDA), GEORGIA
„Earning Master’s Degree in e-Governance Technologies and Services at TalTech has had a strong impact on my personal and professional development.
The program has a broad curriculum that covers all major areas of implementing e-Governance services. It combines several elements that make it a compelling choice for students who would like to develop an understanding of ICT. Given the fact that Estonia is a pioneer in the e-Governance field, it has greatly influenced development of e-Governance in Georgia.“
More to discover
- Ingrid Pappel: For e-future without paper bureaucracy
- Ingrid Pappel’s interview to Ärigeenius
- Ingrid Pappel’s research papers in Digital Transformation domain
- Ingrid Pappel LinkedIn
- Next Gen Digital State Research Group
- Projects related to Digital Transformation Domain
- Next Generation Digital State research group along with TalTech Open University organizes various international summer and winter schools on e-Governance
- Academics in the front line of e-government problem-solving
- TalTech aitas Keenias e-riiki üles ehitada (article in Estonian)
Ask Us
TalTech international admissions office
TalTech international admissions office provides general advice to prospective Bachelor’s and Master’s degree applicants and their advisers about applying to and studying at TalTech.
Contact TalTech admissions office
Student Counsellor of e-Governance Technologies and Services
Student counsellor can help you with questions about the Master's study programme.
Anastasiia Dudko
(+372) 5884 3935
anastasiia.dudko@taltech.ee
Visit e-Governance Technologies Website
Visit e-Governance Technologies Facebook page