MSc Computer Science

The MSc Computer Science at the University of Tartu is a full-time postgraduate programme designed for students who want to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in computer science. The programme is taught entirely in English and has a nominal duration of 2 years (120 ECTS). Graduates receive the degree of Master of Science in Engineering (Computer Science).

The programme is offered by the Faculty of Science and Technology in Tartu, Estonia. As computer science continues to evolve rapidly, the curriculum also develops with emerging technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence methods and solutions across many subjects.

Specialisations and Study Areas

Students can specialise in one of three main areas:

• Cryptography and Verification
• Distributed Systems
• Artificial Intelligence

Students select their preferred specialisation at the end of the first semester. In addition to these areas, the programme provides opportunities to focus on topics such as data mining, data science, parallel computing, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and secure programming.

International students can also take courses related to Estonian language and culture.

Practical and Industry Opportunities

First-year master’s students have the opportunity to apply for the DIGILINK – Intersectoral Programme for IT Master’s Students. Selected students spend part of their second academic year at one of the programme’s partner companies and complete their studies with a master’s thesis on a topic relevant to the company. Participants also receive a monthly scholarship.

The programme also provides an opportunity for students to spend part of their studies at a partner company and follow a personalised study plan.

Study Environment

Students study at the University of Tartu Delta Centre, which brings together students, researchers, and innovators working in computer science, business and economics, mathematics, and statistics.

The university states that it is ranked among the top 400 universities globally in computer science. The programme also offers an international study environment, with more than 50% of students being international students from around the world.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have an undergraduate diploma or higher. Normally, applicants need a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, which must be obtained by the end of July, in one of the following areas:

• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Software Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Information Systems
• A related field

Applicants whose Bachelor’s degree is in another specialisation may also be eligible if they have completed at least 24 ECTS of computer science courses, including courses in programming, algorithms, and data structures.

Country-specific document requirements may also apply.

English Language Requirement

The programme is taught in English, and all applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements. The university specifies acceptable English tests and exempt categories separately.

Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian.

Motivation Letter

A motivation letter is mandatory for the application. Applicants must upload the final version before submitting their application because the letter cannot be edited after submission.

The motivation letter should explain the applicant’s interest in the master’s programme and preferred specialisation. Applicants should also discuss their programming languages and tools, previous programming, engineering or scientific projects, knowledge of algorithms and mathematics, intended master’s thesis field, and plans for applying the skills gained from the programme to their future career.

The motivation letter is evaluated according to two main criteria:

• Fit between the student’s background and goals and the study programme – 75%
• Clarity, logical structure, writing skills, and fluency in written English – 25%

The maximum score is 100 points, and an applicant must achieve at least 51 points for a positive result.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the programme is €7,200 per year.

Citizens and permanent residence permit holders of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland are exempt from the tuition fee. According to the provided information, there are no tuition waivers for citizens from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland.

For this programme, 10 admitted students can receive a 50% tuition fee reduction for their second semester, based on the weighted average grade of all results from the previous semester.

Applicants who are not citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pre-pay half of the first semester’s tuition fee after receiving an admission offer.

A separate €100 one-time, non-refundable application fee is required.

Programme Duration and Start Date

The programme has a nominal duration of 2 years, corresponding to 120 ECTS. The provided intake information states that studies commence on 31 August 2026.

Career Opportunities

The MSc Computer Science programme prepares graduates for advanced technical and managerial career paths. Graduates can pursue roles such as project leader, team leader, or technology officer and are equipped to work in the dynamic software industry across European countries.

The programme combines advanced computer science education with opportunities for specialisation, industry collaboration, personalised study planning, and master’s thesis work, providing students with a foundation for professional development in computer science and related technology fields.