Estonia is a good place to study computer science if you want an English-taught degree in a digital country. You can find both bachelor's and master's programmes, and many universities welcome international students. The exact rules and costs depend on the university, so always check the programme page.
Study levels in computer science
In Estonia, computer science is usually offered at two main levels:
- Bachelor's degree - for students who have finished secondary school or the equivalent.
- Master's degree - for students who already have a relevant bachelor's degree, usually in computer science, IT, software engineering, or a close field.
Some universities use different names, such as informatics, software engineering, or data science. The content can overlap a lot, so read the course list, not only the title.
English-taught options
Many Estonian universities offer computer science in English, especially at master's level. At bachelor's level, English-taught options also exist, but they can be fewer than at master's level.
Look for:
- the language of instruction
- the list of required subjects
- whether the programme is full-time only
- whether there is an entrance test or interview
If you are not sure, check the university's admissions page and the official programme page. These pages show the current language, content, and entry rules.
Typical entry requirements
Entry rules differ by university, but the usual documents are similar. For a bachelor's degree, you are often asked for a secondary school diploma and grades in maths or related subjects. For a master's degree, you usually need a relevant bachelor's diploma and transcript.
Common requirements can include:
- proof of English level, often through IELTS, TOEFL, or another accepted test, unless the university accepts other proof
- transcripts showing your grades
- a passport copy
- a CV
- a motivation letter
- portfolio, project list, or coding experience, depending on the programme
- an online interview or entrance exam in maths, logic, or programming
Some universities may ask for strong maths results or a good background in programming. Others may care more about your overall academic record. Always check the exact admission page for the programme you want.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in Estonia depends on the university, the programme, and whether you are from the EU or outside the EU. Some programmes have the same tuition for all international students, while others may have different rules. Public universities can also offer some tuition-free places, but these are not guaranteed and often depend on admission ranking or academic results.
Typical tuition ranges for computer science are often around:
- Bachelor's - about 2,000 to 6,000 EUR per year, sometimes higher for some programmes
- Master's - about 2,500 to 7,000 EUR per year, sometimes higher for specialised or competitive programmes
Do not treat these numbers as fixed. Check the programme page for the exact fee.
For living costs, plan for monthly expenses such as:
- shared room or student housing
- food
- local transport
- phone and internet
- books or small study costs
A realistic student budget is often about 500 to 900 EUR per month, depending on the city and your lifestyle. Tallinn is usually more expensive than smaller cities. Scholarships, part-time work, and university housing can change your total cost, but do not rely on them before you have written confirmation.
Application timeline
Most universities in Estonia open applications months before the start of the academic year. For autumn intake, students often begin preparing in winter or spring. The exact deadline can differ a lot, so check the university site early.
A practical timeline looks like this:
- 6 to 12 months before - choose programmes, check entry rules, and prepare documents
- 4 to 8 months before - take an English test if needed and gather transcripts
- 2 to 6 months before - submit the application and take any interview or entrance test
- after admission - confirm your place, arrange housing, and start the visa or residence permit process if needed
If you need a visa or residence permit, use the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board or your local Estonian embassy or consulate. Rules can change, so rely on official immigration sources only.
How universities choose candidates
Admissions teams usually look for students who can handle maths, logic, and technical study. They also want to see that you understand the programme and can explain why you want it.
You may be judged on:
- school or university grades
- maths and science results
- English level
- motivation letter
- interview performance
- previous coding, projects, or work experience
Some universities rank applicants by academic score. Others use a mix of grades, tests, and interview results. A strong application is clear and complete. Use simple language and show interest in the subject with concrete examples.
Common questions
Can I study computer science in Estonia without knowing Estonian?
Yes, many programmes are taught in English. But you still need to meet the English requirement for the specific course.
Are scholarships available?
Sometimes, yes. Check the university scholarship page and the scholarship's own site. Do not assume you will get funding, because selection is competitive.
Can I work while studying?
Many international students can work part-time, but visa or residence rules matter. Check the official Estonian immigration source and your university's guidance before planning work.
How Eduuro helps
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Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.