History
The University of Tartu was established in 1632 by the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus. In the 19th century, it became the 11th largest German-language university in the world. UT scientist Wilhelm Ostwald received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1909. University of Tartu has been an Estonian-language institution since 1919, but today also offers study programmes in English.
Education
While mainly located in Tartu, the university also operates in Narva, Pärnu, Tallinn and Viljandi.
UT consists of four faculties:
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Medicine
- Science and Technology
UT offers study programmes both in Estonian and English.
More than 100 doctoral degrees are defended annually, which makes up more than half of the total number in Estonia.
All students are free to learn any foreign language offered by the UT.
Research
Research at UT focuses on subjects as diverse as medicine and philosophy, genetics and computer science.
UT is the strongest research university in Estonia – it is among the top 1% of the most-cited universities and research institutions in 11 areas of research. At the University of Tartu, currently more than 3,300 scientific publications are produced every year.In addition, 32 UT scientists belong to the top 1% most-cited scientists in the world.
UT cooperates with international companies such asMercedes Benz and India’s biggest medical technology company Trivitron Healthcare Pvt Ltd.
Career
83% of UT master’s graduates work as top specialists or managers. In Estonia, the University of Tartu graduates make up 40% of the parliament, 64% of the government ministers, 87% of attorneys at law, 100% of judges, 95% of prosecutors and 99% of doctors.
The University of Tartu provides free career and entrepreneurship counseling. Certain institutes (most notably the Institute of Computer Science) cooperate with industry, offering students internships as part of the curriculum.University of Tartu Key Statistics & Highlights
- #301 Ranking
- 30 Scholarships
- 2,000 Academic Staff
- 14,000 Students
- 1,800 Students (int'l)
- Public Institution Type
University of Tartu Overview
University of Tartu Scholarships
University of Tartu Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to University of Tartu. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Provided by university
Grant
660 EUR
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
Scholarship for degree and exchange study in Estonia
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
700 EUR
Deadline
16 Apr 2026
Scholarships for Summer and Winter Schools
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
660 EUR
Deadline
01 Oct 2026
Scholarship for degree and exchange study in Estonia
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
660 EUR
Deadline
17 Apr 2026
Grant for researchers and academic staff
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
700 EUR
Deadline
16 Apr 2026
Scholarships for Summer and Winter Schools
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
28 Aug 2026
Women Scholarship for International Students
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
The PhD Prep Fellowship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jul 2026
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
350 EUR
Deadline
31 Aug 2026
Estonian National Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
$1,500 Annual Students’ Presentation Crafting Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2026
PlagiarismSearch Essay Contest
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Read more about eligibility
University of Tartu Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 4.4% Estonia
Top 7.1% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
World University Rankings
301
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 301 | 301 | 301 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
QS World University Rankings
362
By TopUniversities
Dropped 4 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 358 | 358 | 362 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
501
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Climbed 100 places compared to 2024
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 701 | 601 | 501 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
No 2026 Ranking
By U.S. News & World Report
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 244 | - | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
All students are able to get free psychological counseling. The university also supports students with special needs upon entering the university, participating in studies, making exams and tests, providing study materials as well as creating a suitable social and physical environment.
All incoming students will be assigned a tutor – a local student volunteer who will help adapt into academic environment at the University of Tartu. Tutors will receive e-mail addresses of their group-members and it is most probable that new students will be contacted prior to the beginning of a semester.
All information at the University of Tartu is available in English.Housing services
International students are accommodated in modern residence halls located about a 5 min walk from Tartu’s main square and 10 min from the university’s main building.
Each apartment in the residence halls consists of 2-3 twin bedrooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Kitchens are furnished with a refrigerator and a stove. Students need to have their own pillows, bed linen, cookware and utensils. Admitted students will receive information about the housing application right away. A place in a twin room costs up to 120 EUR/month.
The residence halls also provide:
- Internet connection
- Laundry facilities
- Car and bicycle parking
Library services
UT main library is the oldest and largest research library in Estonia. It holds over 4.1 million items and hosts around 2000 visitors every day. The library has an online system where students can borrow books, download electronic materials from databases, etc. The library contains book stacks, reading rooms, a conference centre, exhibition halls, computer centres and private working rooms.
ICT services
The University of Tartu offers free WiFi in its residence halls, study buildings and libraries. Furthermore, free WiFi is available in many areas in the city. Registration to courses and all other necessary proceedings can be done online.
Medical services
UT runs the biggest hospital in Estonia and operates several clinics throughout Tartu. The university also provides a professional psychologist for students.
Campus life
The University of Tartu operates all over Tartu and has colleges in Narva, Pärnu, Tallinn and Viljandi. UT owns over 100 buildings, including 3 museums and a botanical garden.
Sports facilities
UT Academic Sports Club, located in Tartu, has been the most successful athletics club in Estonia for over 100 years. Nowadays, students enjoy a wide variety of modern sports facilities including main sports hall (gym, fitness club, jogging tracks and basketball courts), stadium, rowing base, gyms for wrestling and gymnastics. The Club provides discounts for students. The university’s professional basketball team is one of the most successful basketball teams in Estonia.
Student clubs
In addition to various faculty-based student clubs and organisations (e.g IdeaLab, Marketing Club or Robotics Club), there are different student associations for all international students, such as AIESEC, Erasmus Student Network and International Student Ambassadors.
Accreditation
Every seven years, all Estonian higher education institutions must undergo external evaluation – institutional accreditation. The latest assessment took place in 2022. The assessment council of the Estonian Quality Agency for Education decided to accredit the University of Tartu for the next seven years (2023-2029).
University of Tartu Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
Estonia Country
Narva City
#2 Branch Campus
Estonia Country
Pärnu City
#3 Branch Campus
Estonia Country
Viljandi City
#4 Branch Campus
Estonia Country
Tartu City
#5 Branch Campus
Estonia Country
Tallinn City
University of Tartu Student Reviews & Awards
4.3
Based on 100 reviews
- 5 Star 41 Reviews
- 4 Star 51 Reviews
- 3 Star 2 Reviews
- 2 Star 2 Reviews
- 1 Star 4 Reviews
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.2
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.3
- Student Diversity 4.1
- Online Classroom Experience 4.3
- Admission Process 4.7
- Quality of Student Life 4.2
- Career Development 4.1
Well kept academic environment
Here, students gain from a stable and well-kept academic environment. The lesson plan is easy to follow and keeps students on course as they move from one subject to the next. Throughout the course, teachers provide careful guidance and maintain an approachable demeanor. The university has good facilities, including large lecture halls, functional labs, and well-stocked, quiet libraries. The campus is tidy and serene, with easily accessible buildings and logical pathways. Every component of the system functions to promote consistent advancement.
Awesome learning environment
The university offers a dependable learning environment with well-structured instruction. Programs are thoughtfully designed to enable students to advance through their coursework with assurance. The instructors are committed and professional, providing academic support and clear explanations when necessary. Lecture halls, labs, and resource rooms are among the well-kept and operational facilities. The campus is orderly and peaceful, with study areas and buildings that are well-spaced. It offers a peaceful and productive space where students can focus on their studies without interruptions.
Clear academic path
Here, students have a clear academic path. Every topic is made easier to understand by the university's course design, which encourages gradual learning. The teachers are approachable, professional, and courteous. They encourage students to keep trying and provide clear explanations of various subjects. The facilities are in good shape and are always open. Study areas and classrooms are neat and practical. The campus is peaceful and orderly. It's simple to concentrate and locate a cozy study area. It's the perfect environment for development.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Online Classroom ExperienceHow was your experience with online courses?
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Admission ProcessHow simple was it to apply to your programme?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?