Uudised

This year, 10,835 people applied for studies at the first and second levels of higher education at the University of Tartu, submitting a total of 15,020 applications. Compared to the previous year, the number of applications for first-level studies has remained the same, while applications for master’s studies have increased by 7%.

The University of Tartu claimed overall victory at this year’s Student Summer Games, ahead of Tallinn University of Technology in intense competition. University of Tartu athletes won first place in 20 of the 46 events and activities, securing the overall title.

2026 University of Tartu Asia Centre Scholarship recipients

On 19 June, the senate approved the objectives and principles for using artificial intelligence (AI), establishing a comprehensive framework for applying AI in teaching, research and support services at the university. The document defines the role of AI at the university, the objectives pursued through its use, and the principles that university members should observe when using AI.

Twelve interdisciplinary doctoral positions will be created at the University of Tartu to explore potential applications of artificial intelligence, including, for example, addressing mental health issues, reducing food waste, assessing the overall impact of spatial planning, and facilitating sign language interpreting.

On 12 June, representatives of Canadian universities participating in the Canada–Baltics Education in Defence Partnership Mission visited the University of Tartu.

The University of Tartu offers more than 50 Estonian-taught curricula at both the first and second levels of study, and four English-taught master’s curricula, where studies take place in a block mode. Students of these curricula do not meet every week and must combine pursuing higher education with their other everyday duties.

The University of Tartu senate has established the professorship of resilient futures, which, in the 2026/2027 academic year, will be held by General Martin Herem. The new professorship aims to bring recognised thinkers and practitioners with a major social impact to the university to reflect on the future of Estonia, democracy and the free world.

The updated Estonian Code of Ethics for Teachers aims to support teachers’ professional development, reflection on ethical choices, and the maintenance of a shared values-based culture in education.

On 10 June, the University of Tartu announced its new teaching excellence ambassadors, who serve as role models for the entire university community. The title is given to recognise 14 academic staff members who develop their teaching based on evidence and support an open teaching culture that values learning.

This autumn, doctoral researchers of the University of Tartu will again have the opportunity to participate in the three-minute thesis competition. The competition will be held on 21 October in the conference hall of the University of Tartu Library.

This spring, at the Student Union's intitative, information about the principles of equal treatment was shared at the university. Now, the Marketing and Communication Office would like to know whether and how these messages reached the university community and what impression they made.

Data collection for the European Social Survey will begin in Estonia in June. The survey has been conducted in Estonia every two years since 2004. This time, in addition to trust, wellbeing, attitudes and values, the survey will focus more closely on people’s attitudes towards immigration..

The University of Tartu’s mascot, Tiksu, has already won over the hearts of the entire university community with its academic yet playful appearance and its presence at all major university events. Now, you can buy your own Tiksu stuffed toy from the university’s gift shop. The toys will arrive by mid-July.

On 29 May in Tartu, during the fifth match of the Estonian basketball championship finals series, the University of Tartu's basketball team Tartu Ülikool Maks & Moorits defeated BC Kalev/Cramo 85–65. This secured Tartu their third win in the finals series and, after 11 years of effort, the Estonian championship title.

Academic freedom is not merely an abstract principle, but one of the essential foundations of democratic societies, scientific progress, and international research cooperation. It is also fundamental to Europe’s competitiveness and to our ability to attract and retain world-class talent.

University of Tartu graduation ceremonies take place from 12 to 20 June. Live streaming, recordings and photos of the ceremonies are available on UTTV.

In the third game of the Optibet Basketball League finals, held on 23 May in Tartu, BC Kalev/Cramo defeated Tartu Ülikool Maks & Moorits 83-77. Tartu now leads the series 2-1 and needs one victory to secure the Estonian championship title.

Konsta Rauhala studied a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA) at the University of Tartu. Now working in procurement in Finland, Konsta describes his time in Tartu as the best three years of his life.