Frequently Asked Questions

Contacts of UT units

Dean's Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+ 372 737 5341

Faculty email:
hv.dekanaat [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Jakobi 2, rooms 116–121, 51005 Tartu
Institute of History and Archaeology

Faculty link:
www.flaj.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5651

Faculty address:
Jakobi 2, 51005 Tartu
Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics

Faculty link:
keel.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5221

Faculty email:
keeleteadus [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Jakobi 2, 51005 Tartu
Institute of Philosophy and Semiotics

Faculty link:
www.flfi.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5314

Faculty email:
filosoofia.semiootika [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Jakobi 2, rooms 309–352, 51005 Tartu
Institute of Cultural Research

Faculty link:
www.flku.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
(+372) 737 5223

Faculty email:
kultuuriteadused [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 16, 51003 Tartu
School of Theology and Religious Studies

Faculty link:
us.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5301

Faculty email:
us [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18–310, 50090 Tartu
College of Foreign Languages and Cultures

Faculty link:
maailmakeeled.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty email:
keeled [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
J. Liivi 4, 50409, Tartu
Viljandi Culture Academy

Faculty link:
kultuur.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 435 5232

Faculty email:
kultuur [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Posti 1, 71004 Viljandi

Dean's Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+ 372 737 5900

Faculty email:
sotsiaalteadused [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Lossi 36, 51003 Tartu
Institute of Education

Faculty link:
www.ht.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 6440

Faculty email:
haridus [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Salme 1a–29, 50103 Tartu
Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies

Faculty link:
skytte.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5582

Faculty email:
skytte [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Lossi 36–301, 51003 Tartu
School of Economics and Business Administration

Faculty link:
majandus.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 6310

Faculty email:
majandus [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Narva mnt 18, 51009 Tartu
Institute of Psychology

Faculty link:
psychology.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5902

Faculty email:
psyhholoogia [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Näituse 2, 50409 Tartu
School of Law

Faculty link:
law.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5390

Faculty email:
oi [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Näituse 20–324, 50409 Tartu
Institute of Social Studies

Faculty link:
yti.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5188

Faculty email:
yhiskonnateadused [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Lossi 36, 51003 Tartu
Narva College

Faculty link:
www.narva.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 740 1900

Faculty email:
college [at] narva.ut.ee

Faculty address:
Raekoja plats 2, 20307 Narva
Pärnu College

Faculty link:
www.pc.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 445 0520

Faculty email:
info [at] pc.ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ringi 35, 80012 Pärnu

Dean's Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5326

Faculty email:
med [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine

Faculty link:
biomeditsiin.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 4210

Faculty email:
bsmi [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Biomeedikum, Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Pharmacy

Faculty link:
farmaatsia.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5286

Faculty email:
pharmacy [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Dentistry

Faculty link:
hambaarstiteadus.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 731 9856

Faculty address:
Raekoja plats 6, 51003 Tartu
Institute of Clinical Medicine

Faculty link:
clinicalmedicine.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5323

Faculty email:
kmi [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
L. Puusepa 8, 50406 Tartu
Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health

Faculty link:
tervis.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 4190

Faculty email:
dph [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ravila 19, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy

Faculty link:
www.kk.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5360

Faculty email:
kkdek [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Jakobi 5–205, 51005 Tartu

Dean's Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5820

Faculty email:
ltt [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Vanemuise 46–208, 51003 Tartu
Institute of Computer Science

Faculty link:
cs.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5445

Faculty email:
ics [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Narva mnt 18, 51009 Tartu
Estonian Marine Institute

Faculty link:
mereinstituut.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 671 8902

Faculty address:
Mäealuse 14, 12618 Tallinn
Institute of Physics

Faculty link:
www.fi.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty address:
W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Chemistry

Faculty link:
chem.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5261

Faculty email:
chemistry [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ravila 14a, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Mathematics and Statistics

Faculty link:
www.math.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5860

Faculty email:
ltms [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Narva mnt 18, 51009 Tartu
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology

Faculty link:
tymri.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5027

Faculty address:
Riia 23, 23b–134, 51010 Tartu
Tartu Observatory

Faculty link:
www.kosmos.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 4510

Faculty email:
kosmos [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Observatooriumi 1, Tõravere, 61602 Tartumaa
Institute of Technology

Faculty link:
tuit.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 4800

Faculty email:
info [at] tuit.ut.ee

Faculty address:
Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu
Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences

Faculty link:
www.omi.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5835

Faculty email:
om [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Vanemuise 46, 51003 Tartu

Institutions

Library

Faculty link:
utlib.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5702

Faculty email:
library [at] utlib.ee

Faculty address:
W. Struve 1, 50091 Tartu
Youth Academy

Faculty link:
teaduskool.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5581

Faculty email:
teaduskool [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Uppsala 10, 51003 Tartu
Institute of Genomics

Faculty link:
genomics.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 4000

Faculty email:
egv [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Riia 23b, 51010 Tartu
Museum

Faculty link:
muuseum.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5674

Faculty email:
muuseum [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Lossi 25, 51003 Tartu
University of Tartu Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden

Faculty link:
natmuseum.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
https://www.ut.ee/en/kontakt/loodusmuuseum-botaanikaaed

Faculty phone:
+372 737 6076

Faculty email:
loodusmuuseum [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Vanemuise 46, 51003 Tartu

Support Units

Administrative Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5606

Faculty email:
kantselei [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18a, 51005 Tartu
Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 4809

Faculty email:
eik [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Narva mnt 18, 51009, Tartu
University Office in Tallinn

Faculty link:
University Office in Tallinn

Faculty contacts link:
Employeescontacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 6600

Faculty email:
esindus [at] tallinn.ut.ee

Faculty address:
Teatri väljak 3, 10143 Tallinn
Estates Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5137

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18a, 51005 Tartu
Finance Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5125

Faculty email:
rahandus [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Jakobi 4, 51005 Tartu
Grant Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 6215

Faculty address:
Raekoja plats 9, 51004 Tartu
Information Technology Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 6000, IT-help: +372 737 5500

Faculty email:
ito [at] ut.ee, arvutiabi [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18a, 51005 Tartu
Human Resources Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5145

Faculty email:
personal [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18, rooms 302 and 304, 50090 Tartu
Internal Audit Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty email:
siseaudit [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18-244, 51005 Tartu
Marketing and Communication Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5687

Faculty email:
info [at] ut.ee, avalik [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18, rooms 102, 104, 209, 210, 50090 Tartu
Office of Academic Affairs

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5620

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu
Procurement Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 6632

Faculty email:
tuuli.ilula [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18a, 51005 Tartu
Rector's Office
Rector's Strategy Office

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5600

Faculty email:
rektor [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu
Student Council

Faculty link:
tyye.ut.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty email:
info [at] tyye.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18b, 51005 Tartu
University of Tartu Press

Faculty link:
www.tyk.ee

Faculty contacts link:
Employee contacts

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5945

Faculty email:
tyk [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
W. Struve 1, 50091 Tartu

University of Tartu Academic Sports Club

Faculty link:
sport.ut.ee

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5371

Faculty email:
info [at] tysk.ee

Faculty address:
Ujula 4, 51008 Tartu
Tartu Student Village

Faculty link:
campus.ee

Faculty phone:
+372 740 9959

Faculty email:
info [at] kyla.ee

Faculty address:
Narva mnt 25, 51013 Tartu
Tartu Students’ Club

Faculty link:
www.tym.ee

Faculty phone:
+372 730 2400

Faculty email:
tym [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Kalevi 24, 51010 Tartu
Tartu University Hospital

Faculty link:
www.kliinikum.ee/eng

Faculty email:
kliinikum [at] kliinikum.ee

Faculty address:
L. Puusepa 1a, 50406 Tartu
University of Tartu Foundation

Faculty link:
sihtasutus.ut.ee/en

Faculty phone:
+372 737 5852

Faculty email:
triin.vakker [at] ut.ee

Faculty address:
Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu
View all other units

Faculty link:
www.ut.ee/en/other-units

NEW! Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs for new students - if you have been admitted for the 2020/2021 academic year, take a look at the updates related to coronavirus.

Application deadline

When is the application deadline?

Degree-seeking students:

English-language programmes: March 15/ April 15
Estonian-language programmes and PhD programmes: June 1

Can I still apply if I missed the application deadline?

No, we do not accept late applications. If you did not submit your online application by the deadline then your application will not be considered. In this case, we encourage you to apply again timely next spring.

When should I send the hard copies of my application documents to the University?

Initially, all applicants to Englisht-taught bachelor's and master's level programmes are expected to submit their documents only electronically, so sending hard copies is not required. If admitted, accepted students must arrange for their application package to reach the University within 3 weeks from the announcement of the admission offer (unless instructed otherwise by the admissions staff). NB! Document requirements for non-EU applicants.

Applicants to Estonian taught programmes should make sure the whole application package reaches the University by 1 June 2020.

Application process

How do I apply?

Degree-seeking students:

Once admitted, where should I send my application documents?

Applicants to degree programmes:

Student Admissions
University of Tartu
Ülikooli 18-133
50090 Tartu
Estonia

Can I send my application and documents by email or fax?

All the application documents must be submitted electronically, via DreamApply. Only accepted students are expected to mail their documents by regular mail. Documents sent by email will not be considered. Applicants to Estonian-taught programmes must send their documents both electronically and by regular mail by the stipulated deadline.

What is a certified/notarized translation of a document?

A certified/notarized translation is official translation of an original document into English done by a certified translator, confirmed by a notary or issued by the school who issued the original document.

Do you have an application, examination or admission fee?

International applicants to bachelor's and master's programmes must pay an application fee of EUR 50 which enables to apply to 2 programmes. Detailed information is available here.

When will I learn about the status of my application?

Please see admission information. Admission results for degree programmes are announced by May 15/June 15 (English-language programmes) or by 14 July (Estonian-language programmes). Applicants will be notified of the results by email.

Do I have to notify the university that I have accepted the study place?

Degree-seeking students must confirm the acceptance of study place within a week after receiving the notification of admission.

When do I need to arrive in Tartu?

New academic year starts in the beginning of September. There is an Orientation Course organized for international students at the end of August to introduce the University and the town. It is strongly recommended that you arrive by the Orientation Course.

Can I get a scholarship to study at the University of Tartu?

Limited number of scholarships are available for international degree students, mostly for master's and PhD students.

English language requirement

Do I need to prove my English language proficiency?

Yes. Most applicants are required to prove their English proficiency by taking an international English language test. Please read more from here.

Are there any exceptions or do all students need to take an English test?

There are some exemptions. Please read more from here.

Do you accept TOEFL ITP tests?

No. Please click here for international tests that we accept as a proof of English language proficiency.

If my English score is not high enough can I take a preparation course before the main studies?

University of Tartu does not provide a preparatory course of English as a foreign language. Applicants must have the required proficiency in English by the application deadline.

Tuition fee and scholarships

How much does it cost to study at the University of Tartu?

Tuition fees for the degree-seeking students at the University of Tartu are in the range of 3,800-12,000 EUR per academic year. The same tuition-fees apply to both domestic and international students.

Is it possible to receive a tuition-waiver?

Students admitted to the English-taught programmes either pay for their studies or may have received a study place with a tuition-waiver scholarship. Please check whether a particular programme has tuition-waivers or is fee based. You can find this information in the admission information page of the programme you are interested in. NB! Applicants do not have to apply for the tuition-waiver separately, as tuition-waivers will be distributed automatically to top-ranked applicants.

When do I need to pay my tuition fee?

Students who need to pay for their studies receive an invoice in September after signing the tuition fee contract. More information on paying the tuition fee.

Do you offer any grants or scholarships for international students?

Limited number of scholarships are available, please see further information here.

Studies

Which programmes are taught in English at the University of Tartu?

The University of Tartu offers several degree programmes on Bachelor's, Master's and PhD level with instruction in English. There are also semester and summer academic programmes for short-term non-degree studies.

Can an international student take courses from different faculties?

Degree-seeking students are allowed to take courses from different faculties. However, students have to make sure that these courses do not have complusory prerequisite subjects and the classes do not overlap with regular compulsory classes.

I want to learn Estonian. Is it possible during my main studies at the University of Tartu?

The University of Tartu offers international students courses of Estonian as foreign language in autumn and spring semester as well as in summer schools. Russian language courses are also available.

What is the duration of a semester at Tartu University?

The academic year begins in the beginning of September and the autumn semester runs until the beginning of February. The spring semester starts in the middle of February and runs until the end of June. The academic calendar can be found in the Study Information System. However, the exams are usually held in December/May (some can take place earlier, too).

How is the credit system arranged at the University?

Assessment of academic results of students in subjects or parts of subjects is conducted using the following six-point scale of letters (with accompanying verbal counterparts and short definitions): grade A or 'Excellent' ; grade B or 'Very good' ; grade C or 'Good' ; grade D or 'Sufficient' ; grade E or 'Poor' ; grade F or 'Fail'. The system of credits in use (ECTS) is a cumulative calculation of credit points based on the workload of a student. It is a student-centred credit system to measure the workload required to achieve the objectives and learning outcomesof a curriculum. One credit point corresponds to 26 hours of studies (lectures, seminars, practice, homework or independent work, assessment of learning outcomes) performed by a student. ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer System) are allocated to course units and are awarded to students who successfully complete the course by satisfying the assessment requirements.

How many ECTS do I have to get?

Degree-seeking students: the volume of a curriculum per one official standard academic year is 60 credits in the European credit transfer system. Degree students have to gather at least 75 per cent of the credits of their curriculum (45 ECTS) in order to get transferred to the next academic year of the respective full-time or stationary programme.
However, in order to study without paying the tuition fee, a student on a tuition-waiver study place cannot fall more than 6 ECTS short of the nominal study load per semester (30 ECTS).

NB! Students who need to apply for the Temporary Residence Permit for their stay in Estonia must meet the full-time enrollment requirement (take at least 22.5 ECTS per semester).

Practical info

Do I need a visa to come to study in Estonia and how do I get it?

Information on residence permits and Schegen

How can I rent a room in the dormitory?

Information on student housing

How to find an apartment?

Information on student housing

Do I have to share my dormitory room?

International students are accommodated in the following dormitories: Raatuse 22, Narva mnt 25, Narva mnt 27, Pepleri 14, Purde 27. Dormitories mainly consist of twin rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen (usually 2-3 rooms share a bathroom and kitchen). Limited number of single rooms are available.

What is already there in the dorms (such as kitchen utilities) and what should be brought along?

Students should bring (or rather buy in Tartu) their own linen, blanket, pillows and cookware. It is also possible to buy a blanket, pillow or bed linen from the Student Village.

How far is the dorm from the bus-station?

Tartu bus terminal is situated near the centre of town and is close to the student dormitories. When first time in Tartu, we still suggest the best way to get to the dormitory is to take a taxi.

How much does it cost to live in Tartu?

Click here

How can I travel from Tallinn to Tartu?

Click here

How can I contact other international students before arrival to Tartu?

If you have a question that you would like to ask from an international student who is currently studying in the University of Tartu, please contact one of our International Student Ambassadors. There is also a possibility to ask information from Estonian students: all international students will be assigned a tutor and it is possible to get in contact with your tutor already before arrival.

Is it legal for a foreign student to work part-time during his/her studies in Estonia?

EU citizens may work in Estonia without work permit, but it is the responsibility of the student to make sure that work does not interfere with studies.

Non-EU students who have been issued a residence permit for studies are allowed to work when it does not interfere their studies. Students holding temporary residence permit must study full-time (at least 22.5 ECTS per semester).

Is it possible for student to find a job in Tartu?

It is possible but most places require that you speak Estonian.

Can I stay in Estonia after my studies?

Non-EU students whose TRP for study has expired on regular basis have legal right to stay in Estonia for the period of 183 days following the expiry date of the period of validity of the TRP. Further information is available here.

What is the weather like in Estonia?

Estonia has a temperate climate, with comparatively warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures range from a summer average of 21°C (70°F) to a winter average of-8°C (18°F). Being close to the Baltic Sea, the country is subjected to sea breezes and humidity, and its northern latitude means long summer daylight hours (the longest summer day stretches to 19 hours), and dark winters when daylight sometimes lasts only six hours.

The cold winter does not necessarily mean constant snow; in fact snowfalls are few and far between. When it falls it stays though, and there tends to be a layer of snow constantly on the ground between December and March. Summertime brings unexpected rain showers, so an umbrella and light raincoat are recommended.

What are Estonians like?

The character of Estonians has inevitably been shaped by their country's history and its natural environment. It's the long, dark winters that have most likely fostered their self-absorbed and silent manner. At the same time, this dreary season has inspired an abundance of folktale and song that may well provide insights into the nature of the contemporary urbanized Estonian. Ernest Hemingway has written that in every port in the world, at least one Estonian can be found; this speaks volumes about the nation's enterprising spirit.

Estonians are third-generation city people at most, so almost all families have relatives living in the country. Childhood memories will undoubtedly include summers spent in the country. The somewhat grim and reserved Estonian of the winter months undergoes a significant change in summer: he will ask friends out for a picnic, meet new people, and rather than glaring at anyone causing a disturbance in the street, he will burst into merry laughter.
A foreigner is well advised to bear in mind that in human relations, Estonians try to avoid sentimentality. Much of what other nationalities voice without hesitation, Estonians may reveal only once they know a person quite well.

Do I need to speak Estonian to live in Tartu/Estonia?

English and Russian are widely spoken in Estonia. You do not need to speak Estonian in order to live and study here. However we encourage international students to take Estonian as an elective course during their studies to feel more comfortable in the country and understand better Estonia and Estonians.

If you did not receive an answer to your questions you can send us your information request

Search form