UT student newsletter
Events and more
Useful information about different events, workshops, lectures etc.
Applications are invited for the mentoring programme
Until 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.
➔ Read more.
Join the Erasmus Student Network Tartu team!
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Tartu is looking for new members who would like to be part of an international team, develop their skills and help international students discover the best of Tartu. The info session takes place on 15 September at 18:30 at Genialistide Klubi (Magasini 5) and will be held in English.
➔ ESN Tartu on Instagram
➔ ESN Tartu on Facebook
Submit your thesis to the National Contest for University Students
Students from all fields and levels of higher education are invited to take part in the 2026 National Contest for University Students. The total prize fund exceeds 200,000 euros, including national awards and special prizes. Research papers can be submitted in six fields and three degree-level categories. The deadline for submissions is 15 September.
➔ Submit your thesis via ETAG’s competition platform.
➔ Read more about the contest.
University student sport week with “Active UT” special classes
From 21 to 25 September, all members of the University of Tartu are invited to attend five training sessions free of charge. Participants may choose a single class that appeals to them or try several different styles.
➔ Read more.
Become a University of Tartu volunteer!
Would you like to play a more active role in university life? Join the University of Tartu volunteer students’ Facebook group, where opportunities to help organise events and work as part of a team are shared. As a volunteer, you can choose tasks that suit your interests, skills and schedule.
➔ Join the Facebook group “Tartu Ülikooli vabatahtlikud üliõpilased / Unitartu volunteer students”.
Alessandro Scarlatti’s opera L’honestà negli amori
On 17 September at 18, the Opera Studio of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre presents Alessandro Scarlatti’s opera L’honestà negli amori (“Honesty in Love Affairs”, 1680), reconstructed by Estonian composer Eduard Tubin, at the University of Tartu’s assembly hall. This is the first time the opera will be performed in Estonia.
➔ The concert is free for all school and university students. Please note that students also need to download their free tickets available through Piletikeskus.
Nominate a university employee or student for honorary decoration
All University of Tartu 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 via the web form until 20 September.
Still relevant
- University of Tartu students can train at the university sports hall at a discounted rate.
- University of Tartu students can get a 30% discount on the 29th Tartu Bike Marathon on 20 September.
- Until 1 October, the library will offer 30-minute introductory tours for anyone interested.
- Doctoral researchers are invited to register the the three-minute thesis competition unitl 12 October.
Join us for a mini-tour of the university library!
From 8 September to 1 October, the library will offer 30-minute introductory tours for anyone interested. Both new students and anyone else wishing to use the library’s services are welcome. Tours in English take place every Wednesday at 15:00, tours in Estonian every Tuesday and Thursday at 15:00.
➔ More information
University of Tartu students can train at the university sports hall at a discounted rate
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.
➔ Read more.
Free sanitary pads are now available in university study buildings
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.
➔ Read more.
Submit Your Outstanding Thesis to the National Contest for University Students
The Estonian Research Council (ETAG) invites students to participate in the 2026 National Contest for University Students. Submissions are open until 15 September (inclusive). This year, the total prize fund exceeds €200,000.
➔ More information
Alessandro Scarlatti’s opera L’honestà negli amori
On 17 September at 18, the Opera Studio of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre presents Alessandro Scarlatti’s opera L’honestà negli amori (“Honesty in Love Affairs”, 1680), reconstructed by Estonian composer Eduard Tubin, at the University of Tartu’s assembly hall. This is the first time the opera will be performed in Estonia.
➔ The concert is free for all school and university students. Please note that students also need to download their free tickets from Piletikeskus. The tickets are available through Piletikeskus.
Solaride to compete at the 24-hour solar car race in Belgium
On 19 September, Solaride’s solar car will compete at the iLumen European Solar Challenge, the largest solar car race in Europe, held at Circuit Zolder in Belgium.
➔ Read more.
29th Tartu Bike Marathon
The 29th Tartu Bike Marathon takes place on 20 September and offers distances for cyclists of different ages and fitness levels. When registering, select Tartu Ülikool as your team in the “OTHER INFORMATION” section to receive a 30% discount on the registration fee.
➔ More information
Nominate a university employee or student for honorary decoration
All University of Tartu 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 via the web form until 20 September.
Doctoral researchers are invited to three-minute thesis competition
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. Participants will present their research in a short popular science presentation in Estonian or English. The best speakers will be awarded a travel grant for professional development. The deadline for registration is 12 October.
➔ Read more.
University of Tartu researchers advise the government on creating a safe digital environment
On 31 August, Prime Minister Kristen Michal convened a government advisory board of digital safety experts, including five researchers from the University of Tartu, who advocate evidence-based solutions.
➔ Read more.
Submit Your Outstanding Thesis to the National Contest for University Students
The Estonian Research Council (ETAG) invites students to participate in the 2026 National Contest for University Students. Submissions are open until 15 September (inclusive). This year, the total prize fund exceeds €200,000.
➔ More information
University community receives a 30% discount on Tartu Maraton events
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.
➔ Read more.
Professorship of resilient futures
The professorship of resilient futures aims to bring recognised thinkers and practitioners with significant societal influence to the University of Tartu to reflect on the future of Estonia, democracy and the free world. The first Professor of Resilient Futures, in the 2026/2027 academic year, is General Martin Herem. Herem delivers a series of public lectures (in Estonian).
➔ Read more.
Alessandro Scarlatti’s opera L’honestà negli amori
On 17 September at 18, the Opera Studio of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre presents Alessandro Scarlatti’s opera L’honestà negli amori (“Honesty in Love Affairs”, 1680), reconstructed by Estonian composer Eduard Tubin, at the University of Tartu’s assembly hall. This is the first time the opera will be performed in Estonia. The concert is free for all school and university students.
➔ The tickets are available through Piletikeskus. Please note that students also need to download their free tickets from Piletikeskus.
Discover student organisations at the Ole Rohkem Student Fair!
On 2 September, the Ole Rohkem Student Fair will take place in Tartu Town Hall Square. Ole Rohkem is a cooperation network of Tartu student organisations. At the fair, you can meet representatives of nearly 40 student organisations, learn more about what they do and find a community that suits you. Both new and current students are welcome.
➔ Ole Rohkem website
➔ Facebook event
Share your investing experience!
University of Tartu master’s student Mait Suursaar is looking for participants for his thesis research who have experience with investing. The study explores why we make the financial decisions we do and what we expect from financial freedom.
Participation involves completing a short background questionnaire and taking part in a 60–90-minute in-depth interview, either online or in person. Participation is anonymous and confidential. Interviews will take place in August and September.
➔ If you are interested, contact mait.suursaar@ut.ee.
Take part in Emerging Technologies Olympiads 2026 in Hong Kong
The Emerging Technologies Olympiads – Eastern Conference 2026 will take place in Hong Kong on 10–11 October, focusing on AI, blockchain and quantum computing. Students can join the competition track with their own project or take part in the community track without competing. Students and recent graduates from all disciplines are welcome.
➔ More information and application
Physical activity is an important part of everyday life at the University of Tartu
In recent years, the University of Tartu has set itself the goal of promoting wellbeing through physical activity and sport. Sports competitions, daily opportunities for physical activity, and traditional community events are organised for both students and staff.
➔ Read more.
University of Tartu and Tartu Maraton cooperate to increase opportunities for physical activity among university members
On 13 August, the Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser and the CEO of MTÜ Tartu Maraton Indrek Kelk signed a cooperation agreement under which university staff and students can participate in Tartu Maraton events at discounted rates. The University of Tartu discount is already available. When registering for an event, select “Tartu Ülikool” as your team in the “OTHER INFORMATION” section. A 30% discount will then be automatically applied to the registration fee, based on the price in effect at the time of registration. As participation fees change during the registration period and generally increase as the event approaches, participants are encouraged to register early.
➔ Continue reading
UT sports club’s men’s eight won their first-ever Estonian championship title
For the first time in the history of the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club, the club’s men’s eight secured first place at the Estonian Rowing Championships at the Aidu water sports centre.
➔ Continue reading
Beginning-of-semester party “Introduction to Tartu Nightlife (3 ECTS)”
31 August at 19:00, after the opening ceremony and information sessions, all students – especially first-year students – are invited to Genialistide Klubi for “Introduction to Tartu Nightlife (3 ECTS, or Extra Awesome Party)”, organised in cooperation with GenKlubi, the University of Tartu Student Union, ESN Tartu, Tartu Student Days and EAÜS.
Get to know Tartu’s nightlife, take part in fun icebreakers and quizzes, and enjoy performances by a colourful line-up of local artists. A student tip for saving money: bring cash for your ticket!
➔ Facebook event
Nominate a university employee or student for honorary decoration
All University of Tartu 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 via the web form until 20 September.
➔ Read more.
Alessandro Scarlatti’s opera L’honestà negli amori
On 17 September at 18, the Opera Studio of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre presents Alessandro Scarlatti’s opera L’honestà negli amori (“Honesty in Love Affairs”, 1680), reconstructed by Estonian composer Eduard Tubin, at the University of Tartu’s assembly hall. This is the first time the opera will be performed in Estonia.
The concert is free for all school and university students. The tickets are available through Piletikeskus. Please note that students also need to download their free tickets from Piletikeskus.
Discover student organisations at the Ole Rohkem Student Fair!
On 2 September, the Ole Rohkem Student Fair will take place in Tartu Town Hall Square. Ole Rohkem is a cooperation network of Tartu student organisations. At the fair, you can meet representatives of nearly 40 student organisations, learn more about what they do and find a community that suits you. Both new and current students are welcome.
➔ Ole Rohkem website
➔ Facebook event
Share your investing experience!
University of Tartu master’s student Mait Suursaar is looking for participants for his thesis research who have experience with investing. The study explores why we make the financial decisions we do and what we expect from financial freedom.
Participation involves completing a short background questionnaire and taking part in a 60–90-minute in-depth interview, either online or in person. Participation is anonymous and confidential. Interviews will take place in August and September.
➔ If you are interested, contact mait.suursaar@ut.ee.
Take part in Emerging Technologies Olympiads 2026 in Hong Kong
The Emerging Technologies Olympiads – Eastern Conference 2026 will take place in Hong Kong on 10–11 October, focusing on AI, blockchain and quantum computing. Students can join the competition track with their own project or take part in the community track without competing. Students and recent graduates from all disciplines are welcome.
➔ More information and application
