Please introduce yourself 
Salve! My name is Illia, I am a 22-year-old Cyber Security Engineering student from Ukraine. I have been living in Estonia for almost four years.

Where did you first hear about TalTech and why did you decide to study here? 
I first heard about TalTech while studying at my previous university in Ukraine, as it was one of its partner institutions. As a child, I spent a week in Latvia and Estonia and developed a fondness for the region. TalTech offered a strong and dedicated Cyber Security programme taught entirely in English, which significantly narrows the options for international students.

What were your expectations about living in Estonia? Have they been met? 
Estonia seemed like a calm country, with friendly people and a measured pace of life. For the most part, those expectations were met. However, I had not anticipated how much the lack of sunlight during winter would affect me. 
 

Why did you decide to study Cyber Security Engineering, and what do you think about the programme today? 
There are relatively few Cyber Security programmes in Europe, and the fact that around half of the students here are international promised a valuable cultural exchange experience. The programme rewards initiative — there are plenty of opportunities at TalTech, but you have to actively pursue them. If you do, the outcome is well worth the effort.

Have you ever regretted your choice? 
No, I have not. My expectations were realistic, and they have been met.

What could a graduate of this programme do in the future in terms of further study or employment? 

The programme opens doors in both directions — you can continue into academia or move straight into industry. Cybersecurity is one of the few fields where demand genuinely exceeds supply. TalTech also benefits from a strong nearby start-up ecosystem, if that is of interest.

How is student life at TalTech? Are there extracurricular activities, internships, or student clubs available? 
Honestly, it depends on how much effort you are willing to invest. There are student clubs, hackathons, and career events, but no one will push you to attend. I participated in many events, and that shaped my experience more than any single course. The international environment also helps — with many non-Estonian students, you naturally build a diverse network.

What has been the most unexpected, positive, or amusing experience you’ve had with Estonians so far? 
Estonians have a reputation for being reserved, and that is mostly true. However, once you get past that initial layer — usually after the second sauna — they are genuinely warm and friendly.

Would you recommend that other students from Ukraine take a similar step and study at TalTech? Why? 
Yes, but with realistic expectations. Estonia is safe, stable, and surprisingly well connected to the European tech scene. TalTech has a strong international community, which is important when starting from scratch in a new country. It is not perfect — the winters are challenging, and the language barrier can sometimes be difficult — but if you are proactive, it provides a solid foundation.

What are your future plans? 
In the short term, I am looking for an internship in the cyber security sphere. In the long term, I will see where things lead, but most likely somewhere within the European tech ecosystem. Estonia is a good starting point for that.

The citizens of Ukraine can apply to TalTech international study programmes until May 1, 2026.  See more on admissions process and study programmes here: taltech.ee/admissions.