In 2026, the School of IT received 1,333 eligible applications for its bachelor's programmes and 763 for its master's programmes. Given the school's admissions standards, that growth is deliberately moderate; the sharper rise came among candidates admitted under special conditions through competitions and talent programmes. More than 170 people earned a study place this way over the academic year.

The deadline for confirming applications is 15 July, so the final number of admitted students will be known later in the summer.

Dean: employers need more than software developers

According to Gert Jervan, dean of the School of IT, the application numbers are more than a higher-education statistic: they show applicants moving in the same direction as Estonia's employers and public sector.

"This year's figures show that the value of an IT education is clearly visible to applicants," Jervan said. "Demand for technology skills in Estonia's economy and public sector is not shrinking, but becoming more diverse. Alongside traditional software developers, we increasingly need people with a deep understanding of IT systems, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data, hardware development, information systems and the impact of technology on organisations. This year's numbers show that applicants read that direction very well."

TalTech as a whole attracted 9,028 applicants in 2026, who submitted 13,856 applications between them, of which 8,974 were deemed eligible. The School of IT's growth stands out against this backdrop: while Estonia's university-age population grew by around 2% year on year, applications to the school rose by 10%, far outpacing the demographic shift.

The school offered admission to 18 programmes: six at bachelor's and 12 at master's level. Five of these are taught in English: one bachelor's and four master's programmes. Applicants from abroad submitted 256 bachelor's and 117 master's applications, a reminder that the next generation of IT specialists in Estonia will not come from Estonian school-leavers alone.

Bachelor's programmes: hardware development saw the strongest growth

At bachelor's level, interest clustered around three programmes. The English-taught Cyber Security Technologies programme drew the most applications, with 333, followed by IT Systems Development with 302 and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with 210.

The biggest year-on-year rise was in Hardware Development and Programming, up 91 applications on 2025. Business Information Technology followed, up 55, and Cyber Security Technologies, up 41.

The pattern suggests that interest in IT studies is diversifying: alongside software development, applicants are increasingly drawn to cybersecurity, hardware, systems and the business applications of technology.

Master's programmes: new AI programme becomes the most popular choice

The most notable change at master's level was the strong response to the new international Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence programme.

"This year we launched a double-degree programme with Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), and it received 124 applications, which immediately made it the most popular master's choice in the School of IT," Jervan said. "It was followed by Cybersecurity with 100 applications, and Information Systems Analysis and Design with 95."

He added that artificial intelligence is not simply one more option in the master's portfolio: it is reshaping applicant preferences across the entire range of programmes. Interest also grew in areas such as Cybersecurity and Digital Health.

"At master's level, applicants are increasingly looking for the skills that help organisations use data, develop systems, secure services and manage technological change," Jervan said.

The dean said the growing interest in IT studies is a good start, but what matters for Estonia is how many students go on to build strong skills and apply them in real work.

"Application numbers show interest, but the next generation of IT specialists emerges when that interest turns into knowledge, experience and the readiness to solve real problems. The university cannot do this alone. Employers, schools and the state have an equally important role, because new IT talent only develops where learning, practical training and the needs of the labour market move in the same direction," Jervan said.