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ESTONIA · TARTU

University of Tartu

public · Founded 1632 · Languages: en, et

In short

The University of Tartu, Estonia's oldest national research university, offers over 140 English-taught programmes and is ranked among the world's top universities. It provides a vibrant student city experience with relatively low living costs.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1632
Students: 13,600
International students: 2,200
Acceptance rate: 55%
Tuition (intl): €3–8k/yr
Languages: EN, ET
Location: Tartu, Estonia

The University of Tartu (UTartu), founded in 1632, is Estonia's oldest and largest university and the country's national research university. With over 13,600 students from more than 100 countries, it offers 140+ study programmes across faculties of Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Science and Technology—many taught in English. The university ranks in the global top 400 (QS 362, 2026) and excels in genomics, digital humanities, and Baltic studies. Estonia's world-leading e-governance infrastructure and Tartu's lively university-town atmosphere make UTartu a distinctive destination for international students.

Why study here

Access to a wide variety of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes across diverse fields.
Benefit from a practical and creative learning approach, supported by leading researchers and modern technologies.
Study at a highly-ranked university, recognised globally for academic excellence and research in genomics and digital innovation.
Opportunity to engage in impactful research that addresses global challenges and contributes to societal development.
Low cost of living in Tartu combined with merit-based tuition waivers for EU/EEA students in many master's programmes.

Student life

The University of Tartu offers a rich campus experience in one of Europe's most compact and walkable university cities. Student organisations, cultural events, and a vibrant cafe culture thrive in Tartu's historic centre. The university provides career counselling, internship placements, and Estonian language courses to help international students integrate. Modern sports facilities, student clubs, and easy access to Estonian nature round out life in Tartu.

Fees

InternationalBachelor programmes: approx. EUR 2,500–5,000/yr. Master programmes: approx. EUR 3,000–8,000/yr for non-EU students; tuition waivers available for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens meeting study-load requirements.

Home—

LivingEstimated living costs in Tartu: EUR 500–700/month for accommodation, food, and personal expenses.

Students on tuition-waiver places who fail to complete the nominal study load (at least 24 ECTS per semester) will have to pay for the credits not earned. UT Foundation and national scholarship programs may offer additional funding.

Admissions

Bachelor's DegreeOr equivalent, with relevant ECTS credits depending on programme

Minimum Grade66% of the maximum grade as an average across all courses

Motivation LetterRequired for most programmes

TOEFL iBT75

IELTS Academic6.0 overall, no band below 5.5

Cambridge English169 (B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency)

PTE AcademicAccepted; minimum score varies by programme

Rankings

QS World University Rankings 2026362

Times Higher Education World Rankings 2026325

QS Europe Rankings 2026136

QS Sustainability Rankings 2026377

University scholarships

Tuition-waiver places (master's)Full tuition waiver for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens meeting study load requirements

Estonian National Scholarship ProgrammeCovers tuition and/or living allowance for eligible international students

UT Foundation ScholarshipsVaries; supports research and study activities

Full Tuition Scholarship – UniTartu Summer SchoolFull tuition for one summer school course (4 awards annually)

Accreditation

Accredited by the Estonian Quality Agency for Higher and Vocational Education (EKKA). Recognised as Estonia's national research university by the Estonian state.

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Tartu · Estonia

Course

The University of Tartu offers various courses which are detailed in the Study Information System (SIS). Course versions for the upcoming academic year are made public starting from March 1 for foreign-language courses and April 15 for others. The SIS provides comprehensive information for each course, including its code, title, lecturer, credit points (ECTS), learning objectives, content description, schedule, assessment methods, and any prerequisites for enrollment.

University of Tartu · Estonia

Doctoral Studies

The University of Tartu offers doctoral studies for international applicants. To be considered for admission, you must demonstrate proficiency in English or Estonian. For English, a minimum of B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required. For certain specializations, like Russian Language and Literature, proof of Russian language proficiency is necessary instead of English or Estonian. Accepted English language tests must be taken by the application deadline. If your test scores are not yet available when you submit your application, you can upload proof of registration for a language test. Scores from tests taken after the application deadline will not be accepted. If you are unable to meet the document submission deadline, you are encouraged to apply in a future application round.

University of Tartu · Estonia

Erasmus+ Student Exchange Programme

The University of Tartu's Erasmus+ student exchange program allows students to study abroad at partner institutions for a semester or an academic year. This program is for students who have already been selected for exchange by their faculty at UT. It provides an opportunity to experience a different academic environment, immerse in a new culture, and develop international connections. The process involves applying to the host university, fulfilling their admission requirements, and completing necessary paperwork for both the host and home institutions.

Scholarships

for Estonia

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)

For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.

Wellcome International Training Fellowships

For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.

European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships

Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.

Rotary Peace Fellowships

For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.

Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF)

ISRF Europe Early Career Fellowship

Open to early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who are within 10 years of their PhD award (career breaks considered) and hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution, or are independent scholars with a host institution. Research must be hosted at a European institution and address innovative, interdisciplinary social research questions. Open to scholars of all nationalities.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT Need-Based Aid for International Undergraduates

For international undergraduate applicants to MIT, which is need-blind in admission and meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student. Aid is a grant (no loans in the standard package); the amount is set by each family's assessed need.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Tartu?

Bachelor programmes typically range from approximately EUR 2,500–5,000 per year. For Master programmes, fees are around EUR 3,000–8,000 per year for non-EU students. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens may be eligible for tuition waivers if they meet study-load requirements.

What are the estimated living costs in Tartu?

Estimated living costs in Tartu are between EUR 500–700 per month. This includes accommodation, food, and personal expenses.

What academic programmes are available in English?

The University of Tartu offers over 140 study programmes across various faculties, including Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Medicine, and Science and Technology, with many taught in English.

What are the admission requirements for Master's programmes?

Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree with relevant ECTS credits, a minimum overall grade of 66% of the maximum available grade, and proof of English language proficiency.

Are there scholarship opportunities for international students?

Yes, the university offers tuition-waiver places for master's programmes for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, the Estonian National Scholarship Programme, UT Foundation Scholarships, and full tuition for the UniTartu Summer School in some cases.

What is the University of Tartu's global ranking?

The University of Tartu is ranked in the global top 400, with specific rankings including 362 by QS World University Rankings 2026 and 325 by Times Higher Education World Rankings 2026.

Last updated 3 July 2026