Events and more

Tartu Observatory of the University of Tartu invites students to its Open Doors Day

The Open Doors Day will take place in Tõravere on 1 October. During the day, you can take part in a tour, meet researchers and students, and find a potential supervisor for your thesis. Transport to and from Tartu is provided. Tartu Observatory conducts research and development activities in astronomy, remote sensing and space technology.
➔ Read more.

Join the University of Tartu step challenge

In October, a step challenge takes place at the University of Tartu. Log your steps using the StepUp app, compare your results with other members of the university community and take part in the prize draw. The six most active participants will receive prizes, and additional prizes will be drawn among everyone who records at least 200,000 steps during the month.
🔗 Join the University of Tartu step challenge.

Friday Night Run

The Tartu City Marathon weekend begins on 2 October with the Friday Night Run, held in the atmospheric streets of Tartu’s Old Town in autumn. What makes the event unique is its late-evening start at 21:00 and its four-kilometre distance, making it accessible to participants of all fitness levels. Although it is not a competitive race, participants can choose during registration whether to complete the run with or without official timing. University of Tartu students receive a 30% discount on the registration fee by selecting “Tartu Ülikool” as their team in the “OTHER INFORMATION” section.
➔ More information

15th Tartu City Marathon

The Tartu City Marathon is unique in Estonia. The full 42 km marathon distance is run on 3 October in a single lap, meaning that every kilometre of the course offers new experiences as it passes through Tartu’s iconic locations. Join the run in a University of Tartu T-shirt! Free sports T-shirts are available to the first 200. You can support participants anywhere along the course or at the university’s cheer station in fron of the main building.
➔ More information

Still relevant

• International students can apply to become a Study in Estonia Student Ambassador.
• University of Tartu alumni can give feedback on alumni relations until 30 September.
• Apply for the Effective Altruism Introductory Course by 9 October.
• Take part in Tutlee’s survey on students’ study support needs and interest in tutoring until 30 October.

Rest your mind!

Tartu Student Days Autumn Festival will take place from 21 to 27 September.
➔ Events

Migration seminar for new international students

The Tartu Welcome Centre, in collaboration with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, invites new international students to a migration seminar on 23 September, from 14:00 to 16:00 at the Tartu Welcome Centre (Ülikooli 17, Tartu).

The seminar will cover the following topics:

• legal stay in Estonia for EU citizens;
• long-stay visas and temporary residence permits for studies for non-EU students;
• options after the expiry of a study-based temporary residence permit.

The seminar will be held in English and will include a Q&A session. Places are limited to 25 participants. Please register in advance.
🔗 Registration form

Become a Study in Estonia Student Ambassador

International students studying in Estonia are invited to apply for the Study in Estonia Student Ambassador Programme. Ambassadors share their experience of studying and living in Estonia, create content and help future international students discover what studying in Estonia is like.

The programme offers opportunities to develop communication and content creation skills, take part in trainings and connect with other international students.

🔗 Apply to become a Student Ambassador.
➔ Read more about the programme.

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.

Put your astronomy knowledge to the test at the Observatournament quiz at Tartu Old Observatory

On 22 September at 17:00, the astronomy-themed quiz “Observatournament” will take place at Tartu Old Observatory. Teams can have up to five members, and participants can answer questions in Estonian or English. The event is part of the Tartu Student Days Autumn Festival.
➔ More information

Two more days to apply for the mentoring programme

University of Tartu students and alumni, including staff members, can apply for the mentoring programme until 23 September. The programme is taking place for the tenth time this year. Applications can be submitted on the University of Tartu website.
➔ Read more.

University of Tartu seeks alumni feedback to strengthen alumni relations

Until 30 September, University of Tartu alumni are invited to take part in a survey aimed at understanding alumni expectations, needs and their sense of connection to the university.
➔ Read more.
➔ Take the survey.

Friday Night Run

The Tartu City Marathon weekend begins on 2 October with the Friday Night Run, held in the atmospheric streets of Tartu’s Old Town in autumn. What makes the event unique is its late-evening start at 21:00 and its four-kilometre distance, making it accessible to participants of all fitness levels. Although it is not a competitive race, participants can choose during registration whether to complete the run with or without official timing. University of Tartu students receive a 30% discount on the registration fee by selecting “Tartu Ülikool” as their team in the “OTHER INFORMATION” section.
➔ More information

15th Tartu City Marathon

The Tartu City Marathon is unique in Estonia. The full 42 km marathon distance is run on 3 October in a single lap, meaning that every kilometre of the course offers new experiences as it passes through Tartu’s iconic locations. Join the run in a University of Tartu T-shirt! Free sports T-shirts are available to the first 200.
➔ More information

Take part in a survey on students’ study support needs and interest in tutoring

Tutlee is researching which subjects and topics students need help with, where they currently find support, and whether they would be willing to tutor other students for pay in the future. The anonymous survey is open until 15 October and takes approximately 8–10 minutes to complete. Responses will be used to develop a peer-to-peer study support platform. This is not an official University of Tartu survey.
➔ Take the survey.

Apply for the Effective Altruism Introductory Course

The seven-week course by Effective Altruism Estonia explores how to use your studies and career to have a positive impact on the world. Topics include AI safety, biorisks, animal welfare and global health. During the course, participants will also develop a personal career plan. The course lasts seven weeks and takes about three hours per week. You can participate in Tartu, Tallinn or online.
➔ Apply by 9 October.

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