Studying in Estonia can be accompanied by a rich experience of the country’s culture, digital society, and compact academic environment. For students interested in computing, Estonia offers programs in computer science, artificial intelligence, software development, human-computer interaction, digital learning games, and interaction design. Many programs emphasize links with companies and practical training, giving students opportunities to connect classroom learning with the technology sector. Estonia’s architectural heritage and natural landscapes can also add to the overall student experience. Let’s take a look at universities and higher education institutions offering computer science or closely related digital technology programs in Estonia!
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Estonia
1. University of Tartu
The University of Tartu is based in Tartu, and its Institute of Computer Science is located in the university’s Delta Centre. It is one of the main options in Estonia for students seeking a traditional computer science pathway, with graduate study available in English at the master’s level and doctoral research available through the Mathematics and Computer Science doctoral program.
The English-taught master’s program in Computer Science is 2 years and 120 ECTS. Its curriculum includes a 24 ECTS core module, a 24 ECTS specialization module, a 6 ECTS master’s seminar module, 12 ECTS of electives, an 18 ECTS practice module, 6 ECTS of optional courses, and a 30 ECTS master’s thesis. Current specialization options include Cryptography and Verification, Distributed Systems, and Artificial Intelligence. Students can also choose practice-module options that may involve practical training, didactic practice, or a project-based course.
The doctoral program relevant to computer science is the Mathematics and Computer Science doctoral program, which includes a Computer Science specialization. It is 4 years and 240 ECTS, is offered in Tartu in Estonian and English, and is based on an individual research plan, 30 ECTS of coursework, annual attestation, and an original doctoral thesis. Research topics in the Computer Science specialization include data science and artificial intelligence, software engineering, programming languages and systems, natural language processing, security, theoretical computer science, and distributed systems.
2. Tallinn University of Technology
Located in the capital, Tallinn University of Technology, also known as TalTech, is Estonia’s only university of technology. The institution was established in 1918 and includes four schools, the Estonian Maritime Academy, and 20 departments, including Tartu College, Virumaa College, and IT College. For international applicants, TalTech currently lists 4 bachelor’s and 14 master’s programs taught fully in English.
The School of Information Technologies offers several computer-science-related programs. Its current English-taught master’s program most directly matching computer science is Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. The program combines software architecture, quality, distributed and real-time systems with applied artificial intelligence, including machine learning, robotics, data science, and cloud-based AI solutions. Students can complete the full program at TalTech for a single degree or choose the double-degree option, spending the first year at TalTech and the second year at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands.
The PhD program relevant to computer science is Information and Communication Technology. TalTech’s doctoral program corresponds to 4 academic years and includes research and development work related to the doctoral thesis, 30 ECTS of coursework, teaching activities, external research mobility, a doctoral thesis, and a public defense. Doctoral candidates may study as early-stage researchers, industrial doctoral students, doctoral students, or external students. Early-stage researchers work in their supervisor’s research group and receive a salary for the nominal 4-year duration, while industrial doctoral students work on research and development problems connected to a company or institution.
3. Tallinn University
Tallinn University is another strong option for students interested in applied computing and digital technologies. Its School of Digital Technologies focuses on areas such as digital learning ecosystems, social media applications, interaction design, workplace learning, and other fields connected to human-centered technology. This makes the university especially suitable for students who want to study computing in connection with design, education, society, and user experience.
The School of Digital Technologies lists several English-taught master’s programs related to computer science and digital technology, including Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Learning Games, Interaction Design, and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Societies. The Human-Computer Interaction program is a 2-year English-taught master’s degree that brings together computing, interaction design, and cognitive psychology. The Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Societies program is an Erasmus Mundus joint master’s program delivered by Tallinn University, Tampere University, and Lusófona University, focusing on AI, sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and participatory design.
The doctoral option connected to this field is Information Society Technologies. This PhD program is taught in English, lasts 4 years, and leads to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. It is designed for students who want to conduct research in information society technologies and related areas of digital transformation.
4. Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences
Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences, also known as EUAS Mainor, is a private university of applied sciences with a practical and entrepreneurship-oriented study profile. For students who want an applied undergraduate route into computing, the university offers an English-taught program that combines software technologies with business, entrepreneurship, and project-based learning.
The current IT-related bachelor’s program is AI-Driven Software Technologies and Entrepreneurship. It is a Bachelor of Science program taught in English in Tallinn, lasts 3 years, and carries 180 ECTS. The program belongs to the field of Informatics and Information Technology and focuses on topics such as software technologies, intelligent automation, entrepreneurship, ethics, privacy by design, and industry-aligned projects.
This is not a graduate computer science pathway, but it is a useful undergraduate option for students seeking practical software development, AI-related technology, and startup-oriented computing studies in Estonia.
5. Estonian Academy of Arts
The Estonian Academy of Arts is not a traditional computer science university, but it is relevant for students interested in digital products, user experience, human-technology interaction, and interaction design. It can be a good option for students who want to combine technology, design, user research, and digital service development rather than follow a purely technical computer science curriculum.
Its English-taught Interaction Design master’s program is part of the academy’s design portfolio. Master’s programs at the Estonian Academy of Arts generally last 2 years and carry 120 ECTS. The Interaction Design program is especially suitable for students interested in how people use digital products and services, how interfaces are designed, and how technology can be shaped around human needs.
Students who want a strictly technical computer science degree should prioritize universities such as the University of Tartu, TalTech, Tallinn University, or EUAS Mainor. However, the Estonian Academy of Arts may be a strong fit for students who want to work at the intersection of design, digital services, user experience, and technology.
We hope that this article on universities and higher education institutions offering computer science and related digital technology programs in Estonia was helpful. If you’re looking to study Computer Science abroad, make sure to check out the Available Computer Science Programs for International Students.
