DIGILINK - the Intersectoral Programme for IT Master’s Students
Combine studies with preparing for your career path!
DIGILINK - the Intersectoral Programme for IT Master’s Students is a practical and innovative study programme that combines learning with real work experience. The programme connects master’s students from the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Tartu with companies and organisations that are eager to contribute to IT talent development, providing students with hands-on industry experience. For students, this is a great opportunity to align two crucial phases of their journey: successfully completing their master’s studies on time while gaining practical experience to prepare for a successful career.
Applications are open to master’s students of the Institute of Computer Science who are on track to graduate in June 2027.
Why apply to the Intersectoral Programme for IT Master’s Students?
- Write a master’s thesis that focuses on solving a real problem relevant to a partner organisation.
- Complete your mandatory internship.
- Receive a monthly scholarship during the programme.
- Work closely with a company, build valuable professional connections, and expand your career opportunities.
- Participate in company-driven projects and develop skills that employers value.
The programme requires full commitment, meaning students cannot be employed elsewhere while participating.
Applications will open again in February 2026. The selected students will participate in the programme during the 2026/2027 academic year.
Master’s students in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, and the Conversion Master in IT curriculum are eligible to apply, provided you are on track to graduate in the spring semester of 2027 and do not plan to take academic leave during the 2026/2027 academic year.
The programme is especially well-suited for students who want their master’s studies and professional career preparation to go hand in hand. Collaboration lasts for a full year, so you should apply only if the position offered by the organisation genuinely interests you.
If you wish to apply your knowledge outside the university, this programme is an excellent opportunity to do so.
The Intersectoral Programme for IT Master’s Students takes place every year according to the following cycle:
Early February - The list of positions submitted by our partners for the next academic year is confirmed
Mid-February to mid-March - students apply for the available positions
Mid-March to May - partners conduct their selection process
April to July - the tri-party contracts will be signed
August - the students and the partners start the collaboration
Next June - the students will defend their Master's thesis and graduate from the programme
The partnering organisations vary from year to year and cover a wide range of sectors and sizes - from small, innovative enterprises and startups to large international corporations, as well as manufacturing companies, banks, and government institutions. This diversity ensures that students can find opportunities that match their skills, interests, and career aspirations.
Each organisation has its own recruitment process to select the most suitable candidate(s). No matter where you are placed, you will be supported throughout the programme by three key people: a supervisor within the partner company, an academic supervisor from the university who ensures scientific quality, and the programme coordinator, who helps keep the collaboration running smoothly from beginning to end.
The programme runs for 11 months. Collaboration starts in August, before the second year of your master’s studies, and concludes with the defence of your thesis the following summer. On average, you should expect to dedicate around 24 hours per week to programme-related assignments and thesis work. The day-to-day specifics - such as workplace location, working language, and the possibility of remote work - depend on the partner organisation and are published together with the position descriptions during the admission period.
Participation in the programme is a substantial commitment. Students are expected to dedicate their time and energy to the collaboration, which means working elsewhere during the programme is not permitted.
Students admitted to the programme receive a monthly scholarship, and other university-specific scholarships are not paid during this period. However, needs-based allowances, merit-based scholarships, travel grants, and some special scholarships will continue. Be sure to review the conditions of any scholarships you hold to ensure compliance with the programme requirements.
Yes, of course. I had no experience beforehand, but this programme gave me that. I actually chose this programme just because of that. I heard that the Intersectoral Programme for IT Master’s Students is made to be easily accessible for students: you can develop professionally while studying and you get to do your thesis, which I am really grateful for. Definitely something to have on my CV.
