News

The University of Tartu’s mascot, Tiksu, has already won over the hearts of the entire university community with its academic yet playful appearance and its presence at all major university events. Now, you can buy your own Tiksu stuffed toy from the university’s gift shop. The toys will arrive by mid-July.

University of Tartu graduation ceremonies take place from 12 to 20 June. Live streaming, recordings and photos of the ceremonies are available on UTTV.

The Tartu Academic Tennis Club (TATK) has confirmed that one of the tennis courts in Toomeoru now bears the name of Professor of Mathematics Gerhard Rägo.

Led by University of Tartu researchers, the largest and most comprehensive study to date has been completed on how genetic differences between individuals influence metabolism.

TEDx University of Tartu brings people together to share “ideas worth spreading” across diverse topics on 2 June at the University of Tartu Delta Centre.

On 13 May, the Ministry of Education and Research and the University of Tartu concluded an administrative contract for 2026–2028. It sets out the objectives of increasing student admissions in fields with higher labour demand, expanding the volume of doctoral research related to artificial intelligence, and supporting internationalisation and talent policy.

The distinguished mathematician and former President of the European Research Council (ERC), Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, met with representatives of the Institute of Computer Science and the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics.

On 15 May, from 10:15 to 11:45, he gives a public lecture “Applying for ERC grants. The future of European research” in the building of the Institute of Cultural Research (Ülikooli 16–216).

On 29 April, Denim Day will be marked in Estonia for the first time to express support for survivors of sexual violence and to emphasise that no choice of clothing ever constitutes consent. Everyone is invited to wear jeans on this day as a sign of solidarity with survivors of sexual violence.

This spring, the University of Tartu opens 192 doctoral positions. Everyone who wants to gain new knowledge and pursue a career as a researcher, top specialist, or manager is welcome to apply.

From 20 April, all University of Tartu staff and students will receive an email invitation to participate in a study that aims to provide an overview of attitudes, knowledge and experiences related to sexual harassment, workplace bullying and discrimination at the university.

The University of Tartu Spring Run, held on 15 April, featured a more varied programme and brought more than 1,000 sports enthusiasts to the banks of the river Emajõgi.

The University of Tartu museums, with their rich collections, offer discovery and excitement for visitors of all ages. During the spring holidays, you are welcome to visit the university’s museum, art museum, botanical garden, natural history museum and the library. Read and find out which exciting exhibitions and events are taking place in Tartu during the holiday week.

The call for applications for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships is open until 9 September 2026. In April and May, the Estonian Research Council (ETAG) will host info sessions to help prospective applicants prepare their applications.

From 24 April, Eveliis Padar will start work at the university as an equality officer to support university members in cases of unequal treatment and to help handle them in a fair and professional manner.

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.

Speaker application is open until April 1 for TEDxUniversity of Tartu.

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.

From the 2026/2027 academic year, many international master’s curricula at the University of Tartu will offer tuition waivers or reductions to students from the European Union. Students arriving from outside the European Union will have to pay tuition fees.