TalTech sees a surge: engineering education is on the rise

The number of applications to the Faculty of Engineering at Tallinn University of Technology has increased by 59% compared to the previous year, reaching 2937 applications. This is the highest result in the last 9 years. The number of applications for first degree programmes was 67% higher than last year. The most popular engineering disciplines were structural engineering and construction management, electrical engineering and mechatronics, and product development and robotics. Across the university as a whole, the most applications were received for Structural Engineering and Construction Management, with a total of 579.

"TalTech's three most popular first-degree curricula include two engineering specialisations, which are also focus curricula of the Engineering Academy. This is a clear signal that young people understand the value of technical skills and knowledge for their personal future prospects as well as for the development of society," said Fjodor Sergejev, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

For many years, Tallinn University of Technology has been working very actively with schools to popularise engineering in particular. "In addition, TalTech's extensive and targeted outreach work on what engineering is and who are today's engineers, why to study it and what kind of challenges and opportunities it sets for the future of engineering has an impact," he explained. Sergejev also stressed that the Engineering Academy is a good collaborative way to reach young people.

Tallinn University of Applied Sciences: practical education and labour market needs attract

Tallinn University of Applied Sciences saw a 16% increase in the number of applications for engineering, construction and manufacturing degrees compared to 2024. Building construction proved to be the most popular, followed by automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and production management and digitalisation. The Academy of Engineering's focus programmes (including robotics, environmental technology and real estate management) received a total of 1 703 applications, accounting for almost half of the total intake.

According to Martti Kiisa, Vice Rector of Tallinn University of Applied Sciences, on the one hand, the importance of engineering education has become more visible, and on the other hand, thanks to the Engineering Academy, it has been possible to invest more in various popularisation activities. “We have been actively visiting general education schools, and we have also organised engineering camps, competitions and other special events, which have also involved secondary school and vocational school students.” From the preliminary interviews with this year's candidates, it is clear that a practical education is valued, and that an important criterion for choosing a specialisation is its prospects on the labour market.

Estonian Aviation Academy: targeted work is bearing fruit

There is also record interest in studying at the Estonian Aviation Academy, especially in the aeronautical engineering curriculum, where nearly half as many applications were submitted as last year. The representative of the Estonian Aviation Academy, Karine Mandel, pointed out that the targeted work of recent years to promote engineering has started to bear fruit. "The ever-increasing promotion of engineering disciplines, the development of the curriculum and the substantive activities to promote engineering have started to bear fruit. Today's national education policy priorities, which respond to the needs of the labour market and scientific innovation and support the popularisation of engineering, are also commendable. A good example is the Engineering Academy project, coordinated by the Education and Youth Board," he said.

The impact of the Engineering Academy

The increase in applications is certainly influenced by the general rise in the number of upper secondary school graduates. The Engineering Academy, one of the aims of which is to popularise engineering, has also contributed as a national measure. According to Juta Asuja, Programme Manager of the Engineering Academy at the Education and Youth Board, the Engineering Academy has given a new impetus and visibility to all the work done so far to popularise engineering. “It is gratifying to see that young people increasingly understand the importance and opportunities of engineering and see it as their future - it is important for their personal development as well as for the sustainable development of Estonia.”

Engineering education in Estonia has taken a significant leap forward in recent years. The Engineering Academy is making significant efforts to make engineering education more modern and more closely connected to the world of work. Engineering days, specialised electives and school visits are organised in general education schools to support young people in making informed career choices.

All applicants have yet to confirm their enrolment, but the trend in engineering is positive. While the growing interest in engineering is positive, it also brings new challenges. To ensure that the quality of engineering education does not suffer and that the growing interest does not remain a temporary phenomenon, Fyodor Sergeyev said that swift and well thought-out decisions are needed on both funding and infrastructure development.