A total of 699 applications were submitted to Estonian-language study programmes, including 552 applications for higher education programmes and 147 for vocational education. The number of applications has increased for the sixth consecutive year, with every study programme recording growth.
For the second year in a row, Aeronautical Engineering is the Academy's most popular study programme, accounting for nearly one-third of all applications. Graduates of the programme qualify as aircraft construction and maintenance engineers or aviation information and telecommunications technology engineers. It is also the programme offering the greatest opportunities to specialise in unmanned aviation technologies.
"The level of interest in technical fields is remarkably high, which is extremely encouraging and demonstrates that young people see aviation as a field with strong future prospects," said Maiken Kull, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Development at the Estonian Aviation Academy.
According to Kull, the Academy's mission is to ensure a strong pipeline of highly qualified specialists for the aviation sector while serving as a strategic partner in advancing the field by bringing together education, innovation, applied research, and collaboration with industry and the public sector. Achieving this requires a continuous influx of new talent.
The second most popular programme is Aviation Management, followed by the new Aircraft Maintenance Technician vocational programme, which is being offered for the first time this year.
According to Kull, the new vocational programme provides learners with a flexible pathway for shaping their education and career. Graduates who wish to continue their studies can progress to the engineering programme and transfer previously completed coursework, allowing them to earn a higher education degree in a shorter period and move seamlessly from technician to engineer.
"Our only challenge is that increasing the number of study places also increases costs. The Estonian Aviation Academy makes no compromises when it comes to quality and safety, yet no additional funding has currently been allocated to expand admissions," Kull noted.
At the same time, the record level of interest demonstrates that young people in Estonia are eager to build careers in aviation and that this potential is well worth investing in, Kull said. She added that Keit Kasemets, Secretary of State, also highlighted in his graduation ceremony speech that the rapid technological development of aviation is increasing the demand for highly skilled aviation professionals, making the development of future talent more important than ever.
For further information:
Maiken Kull
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Development
Estonian Aviation Academy
Email: maiken.kull@eava.ee
Mobile: +372 5666 8569