Uudised

On 2 October, as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the University of Tartu Centre for Ethics invites everyone interested to the public international conference “Ethics in a Changing World: New Directions in Ethics, Education and the Age of Artificial Intelligence”.

From the beginning of this academic year, free menstrual pad dispensers have been installed in the university study buildings to ensure that hygiene products are always available when needed. A total of 39 dispensers have been placed in the buildings.

University of Tartu students can stay active and exercise at the university sports hall at a reduced price. A semester pass costing just €50 provides a wide range of opportunities for physical activity throughout the semester.

On Monday, 31 August at 10:00, the 2026/2027 academic year was opened in front of the university's main building. The programme of the ceremony included a musical performance by Puuluup.

Nominations for the Estonian Science Communication Awards can be submitted to the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) until 15 September. The competition aims to recognise outstanding and active science communicators as well as innovative initiatives that promote science to wider audiences.

From 1 to 23 September, University of Tartu students and alumni, including staff members, can apply for the mentoring programme, which is held for the tenth time this year. Applications can be submitted on the university website.

Registration is now open for the University of Tartu’s three-minute thesis competition for doctoral researchers, which will take place on 21 October at the University of Tartu Library. The deadline for registration is 12 October.

Staff and students of the University of Tartu can take part in Tartu Maraton events with a 30% discount. This gives university members an affordable opportunity to represent the University of Tartu at sporting events together with colleagues and fellow students.

UT staff and students are invited to nominate candidates who deserve to be awarded the university’s honorary decoration for their outstanding achievements. Nominations can be submitted until 20 September.

During this year’s spring and summer admissions period, the University of Tartu received 1,275 applications for doctoral studies, of which 978 were eligible for evaluation.

You can now watch TEDx University of Tartu talks on TEDx YouTube channel.

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%.

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.

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.

In the autumn semester of 2026, students can take part in the updated and popular elective course “Deep Tech Entrepreneurship” (2 ECTS), led by Tõnu Esko, Vice Rector for Development at the University of Tartu.

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.

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

On 13 May, the Ministry of Education and Research and the University of Tartu concluded an administrative contract for 2026–2028. It sets out the objectives of increasing student admissions in fields with higher labour demand, expanding the volume of doctoral research related to artificial intelligence, and supporting internationalisation and talent policy.

European Doctoral Day is held on 13 May to inspire students to pursue doctoral education, increase employers’ awareness of the value of doctoral degrees, and showcase the diverse career opportunities.

Diversity Day is celebrated in Estonia and across Europe on 13 May, the second Wednesday in May, and the whole month is marked as Diversity Month. The aim is to value the uniqueness of every individual and emphasise the importance of an inclusive, respectful and fair working environment.