Welcome to the University of Tartu

Founded in 1632, the University of Tartu is Estonia’s oldest and largest university and one of the leading research institutions in Northern Europe. As Estonia’s national university, it has played a central role in the country’s intellectual and scientific development for nearly four centuries.

Today, the University of Tartu is recognised internationally for the quality of its research and teaching. It is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities and remains the highest-ranked university in Estonia, with strong global performance in major rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education.

Located primarily in the historic city of Tartu, widely known as Estonia’s “student capital,” the university benefits from a vibrant academic atmosphere and a strong cultural heritage. The campus includes a wide range of facilities, including libraries, museums, a botanical garden, a sports centre and research institutes.

With a community of over 15,000 students and 2,200 academic staff, the University of Tartu offers a stimulating environment that combines academic excellence with an active student culture.