News

On 25–26 March, the cyber defence exercise “Locked Shields 2026 Partners’ Run” took place, where a joint team of the University of Tartu and the Estonian Defence League’s Cyber Defence Unit achieved first place for the second consecutive year.

The University of Tartu has launched a new continuing education course entitled “Foreign nationals in Estonian health system”. The course is based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global competency standards for refugee and migrant health and is the first of its kind in the world.

The former head, Kristiina Tõnnisson, has taken up the position of chair of the management board of the Estonian Research Council, and the institute is now led by former deputy head Maili Vilson.

This article features Hanna-Reet Ruul sharing practical budgeting tips for students in Estonia, from cheaper travel and housing to smart food shopping, thrift finds and student discounts.

Lukas Ramasauskas studied Excellence in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Tartu as part of the Erasmus Mundus MA programme. Now working in Switzerland in the human health and care sector, Lukas’ experience in Tartu has had a lasting impact on his professional and personal growth.

The university is launching a physical activity and wellbeing programme to support the mental and physical wellbeing of the university community and shape a learning and working environment that fosters physical activity.

Līga Maskova studied a master’s in Material Sciences and Technology at the University of Tartu. Outside the lab, Līga enjoyed Tartu’s underground music scene and played bassoon in the university orchestra.

Lukas Andrijauskas is a master’s student in Computer Science at the University of Tartu. When he’s not studying, he enjoys teaching mathematics and has taken part in Estonia’s unique “Home Café Days”.

From 27 to 28 March 2026, the University of Tartu hosted the ENLIGHT student conference, bringing together nearly 100 participants from the network’s ten partner universities. Through workshops, lectures and discussions, students explored how digitalisation and artificial intelligence are shaping European universities.

Bachelor’s and master’s students of the University of Tartu are invited to apply for the ENLIGHT Inclusion and Sustainability Awards that will be presented at the Teaching and Learning Conference in Bern on 22-24 October 2026. The awards acknowledge students who have demonstrated dedication to promoting diversity, inclusion, accessibility and sustainability through their projects, initiatives or research.

The University of Tartu has opened applications for its UniTartu Summer School 2026, inviting international students, young professionals, and lifelong learners to take part in the programme from 27 July to 7 August in Tartu and Viljandi, Estonia.

A University of Tartu library specialist shares insights into the wide range of resources available to students. The episode highlights study spaces, research tools, and support services that help students succeed academically.

In 2026, UT's early-career researchers who are parents can apply for a mobility grant helping to cover childcare-related expenses arising from participation in international academic events.

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Peeter Einola, a distinguished Estonian community figure in Canada.

Michał Novak studied quantitative economics at the University of Tartu through IMESS. Now in banking, he fondly recalls peaceful Botanical Garden walks and cooking pierogis for friends.

Essays written in Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian earned Bridget Frances Moran-Nae, a University of Tartu Junior Research Fellow in Finno-Ugric Studies, the Three Rectors’ Scholarship. What makes the achievement particularly remarkable is that none of these three languages is her mother tongue.

On 21 April at 18, all students and staff of higher education institutions in Tartu are invited to join a group cycle ride, “Rattaga saab!” (“Cycling works!”), starting from Town Hall Square.

Kārlis is a master’s student in Bioengineering at the University of Tartu. Outside the lab, he enjoys sampling coffees in Tartu’s vibrant cafés and trying new sports – powerboating and Jiu-Jitsu.

The conference "Less Noise, More Dialogue! Agreements for Good Communication“, organised by the University of Tartu Centre for Ethics, the Institute of Social Studies and the think tank Praxis, brought together different stakeholders who influence public communication, including researchers, journalists, representatives of various organisations, members of civil society, schools and kindergartens.

On 6 March, the University of Tartu hosted representatives of the councils of three Ukrainian higher education institutions. The purpose was to give the guests an overview of the functioning of the Estonian higher education system, the governance of universities, and the labour policies in Estonia.