Tartu Applied College Attracts More Student Applicants Than the University City's Secondary Schools

Tartu Applied College receives over two student applications for each available place, surpassing competition at local secondary schools. School director Raini Jõks emphasises that an increasing number of young people value the opportunity to gain both secondary education and practical skills simultaneously.

Tartu Applied College is receiving more than two applications from young people for each available place this year, making competition more intense than at many Tartu secondary schools. This demonstrates that vocational education combined with general education is gaining increasing popularity among young people.

School director Raini Jõks explained that the growth in young people's interest stems from an understanding of the value of dual education. "More and more people in our society and among our young people understand that it makes great sense to study two things at once, to gain both secondary education and practical skills," said Jõks.

According to him, some specialisations are accessible even without prior educational requirements, which means opportunities are open to all interested candidates. "Some specialisations have no education requirements and opportunities are available to everyone so that each person can learn something and become self-sufficient in life," added the college director.

The Applied College model, where students simultaneously gain both a secondary school diploma and vocational skills, offers young people a more flexible path to entering the labour market. This approach is particularly attractive to those who wish to enter employment quickly after completing their studies or start their own business ventures.