The University of Tartu one of the most prestigious university in Estonia was established by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden in 1632, thus being the second oldest university in the region after Vilnius University.
The University of Tartu includes ten faculties, five colleges and several regional development units, it is Estonia’s leading centre of research and training, and the university has entered into bilateral co-operation agreements with 80 partner institutions in 31 countries. The robust research potential of the university is evidenced by the fact that it is the only Baltic university that has been invited to join the Coimbra Group, a prestigious club of renowned research universities. There are currently nearly 14, 000 students enrolled, among them more than 1000 international degree and exchange students. According to QS World University Rankings 2017/2018, University of Tartu holds 314th place in the world.
How to apply?
The University of Tartu promotes the concept of life-long learning by bringing high-quality education and offers a wide range of degree and short-term study programmes taught in English or other foreign languages.
The applicants to the Bachelor’s degree programmes are ranked according to their state/final examinations’ results and entrance exams (exams are not required for most of the curricula/specialisations). The candidates for Master’s programmes are admitted according to ranking lists formed on the basis of entrance requirements set separately for each curriculum. If necessary and fixed in a curriculum, international applicants must also take entrance examinations. Maximum number of points that can be earned for admission is 100, a candidate is eligible to apply, that is to be considered for ranking, with 60 points.
For further information on entrance examinations’ language question, an option to take examinations in English, please consult the Student Admissions Office.
Language Requirements
There are English language requirements for admission to Master’s prorgammes taught in English. In order to start the studies in Estonian, students are required to be sufficiently fluent in Estonian. Applicants who have a good command of the Estonian language, but who do not have a certificate of the language proficiency need to take an exam prior to their studies (in August). The knowledge of Estonian must correspond to the level of B2, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Students admitted to the university, but who do not speak Estonian, need to complete the Intensive Estonian Language Course first. The courses are offered on the basis of English and Russian. Students going to complete the Intensive Estonian language course in English also need to meet the English language requirements.
Student Scholarships and Exchanges
There are multiple opportunities for international students who come to study for a semester or two through exchange programmes. The major and most widely used options are: ERASMUS , ISEP, inter-university agreements and intergovernmental agreements .
Prospective exchange students should contact the appropriate international office at their home university before mailing their application materials. All application documents must be sent directly to the International Student Service, not to the programme to be attended or related faculty. Additional information for exchange students can be found here.
The applicants who want to apply for visiting students status have to be currently enrolled at a university/higher education institution that do not have an existing co-operation agreement with the University of Tartu which allows student exchange between institutions. Visiting students can study at the University of Tartu for up to one year and need to pay for their studies. Additional information for visiting students can be found here.
Address:
University of Tartu
Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu, ESTONIA
Fax: +(372) 737 5440
E-mail: studyinfo@ut.ee
International Recruitment: +(372) 737 6109
Student Admissions: +(372) 737 5152
