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For years, there has been talk of a decline in the next generation of engineers, but the 2025 admission figures at TTK University of Applied Sciences clearly point to the opposite trend. Supported by the Engineering Academy, applications for programmes in technology, manufacturing, and construction increased by 15.8% compared to the previous year.
In 2025, a total of 3,491 applications were submitted (compared to 3,357 last year), marking a 4% increase across the university. The most notable growth was seen in the Institute of Technology, which received 783 applications (626 last year), an increase of 25%, and in the Institute of Technology and Circular Economy, which received 318 applications (224 last year, +41% growth). All programmes at the Institute of Technology fall under the support of the Engineering Academy, while in the Institute of Technology and Circular Economy, two out of three programmes are part of the Engineering Academy.
The number of applications for engineering, construction, and manufacturing-related programmes at TTK UAS University of Applied Sciences has been on an upward trend in recent years – this year, applications increased by 15.8% compared to 2024. The most popular engineering programme is Building Construction, followed by Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Production Management and Digitalisation. In total, 1,703 applications were submitted for programmes in Building Construction, Road Construction, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Technology and Management, and Production Management and Digitalisation, making up approximately 49% of all applications.
The importance of engineering studies has gained greater visibility, and thanks to the Engineering Academy, it has been possible to invest significantly in various outreach activities. Preliminary interviews with applicants clearly revealed that decisions are increasingly driven by the practicality of the programme and strong career prospects. Engineering Academy’s consistent efforts to promote the field and introduce technical education are yielding results – young people see studies in STEM fields as an attractive choice for a future career.
There has also been a shift in the profile of applicants – most notably, an increase in the share of vocational school graduates. In 2024, candidates with vocational education made up 17% of all applicants, while this year the share has risen to 20%. In numbers, this means 513 candidates compared to 414 last year. The main schools from which vocational secondary education graduates applied to TTK UAS were Tallinn Industrial Education Centre, Tallinn Polytechnic School, and Pärnumaa Vocational Education Centre. This indicates that applied higher education fits well into the educational path of students with a practical background. Among general education schools, Rakvere State Gymnasium, Jõhvi Gymnasium, and Rae Gymnasium stood out.
In terms of age, the picture has remained similar to previous years – 37% of applicants were 19 or younger, 38% were aged 20–29, and the rest were 30 and older.
This year’s admission results confirm that TTK University of Applied Sciences is strengthening its role as a forward-looking provider of applied higher education, particularly in the field of engineering. The growth in application numbers and the increasingly diverse backgrounds of applicants show that engineering studies continue to hold a strong position – not only driven by the needs of Estonia’s labour market, but also as a result of young people’s conscious career choices.
