University of Tartu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of Tartu

Tartu Ülikool
Latin: Universitas Tartuensis
Former names	Academia Gustaviana, University of Dorpat/Yuryev, Tartu State University
Type	Public
Established	1632 (closed 1710–1802)
Rector	Toomas Asser
Academic staff	1,847
Administrative staff	1,520
Students	14,263
Undergraduates	8,787
Postgraduates	4,342
Doctoral students	1,134
Location	Tartu , Estonia 58°22′52″N 26°43′13″E / 58.38111°N 26.72028°E / 58.38111; 26.72028
Campus	Urban (University town)
Colours	White      Blue
Nickname	UT, unitartu
Affiliations	CBUR, EUA, Coimbra Group, Utrecht Network, Atomium Culture Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities
Mascot	Tiksu

The University of Tartu (often called UT) is a public university in Tartu, Estonia. It is Estonia's national university and the oldest and largest university in the country. It was started in 1632 by Baron Johan Skytte and King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden.

Today, almost 14,300 students study here, including over 1,800 from other countries. Most classes are taught in Estonian. However, there are also 30 programs taught in English. These include 3 programs for bachelor's degrees and 27 for master's degrees.

The university's old buildings are special. They are recognized with the European Heritage Label. This means they show the important ideas of universities during the Age of Enlightenment. The university is also part of important groups like the Coimbra Group and the Utrecht Network. These groups help universities work together across Europe.

The University of Tartu has a fun mascot named Tiksu. Tiksu is a blue bird who loves to learn new things. The story says Tiksu hatched at sunrise and was born with a strong desire for knowledge. This makes Tiksu a symbol of learning and smart thinking. One day, Tiksu met a bird expert who taught at the university. Tiksu followed the expert to a classroom and listened to lectures. The little bird learned a lot about birds and soon became part of the university family. This story is imaginary, but it shows how much the university wants its students to be curious and love learning.

History of the University of Tartu

The University of Tartu has a long and interesting history. It has changed names and locations many times.

Early Beginnings: Academia Gustaviana

The university first opened as the Academia Gustaviana in 1632. At that time, Tartu was part of the Swedish Empire. It was the second university in the Swedish Empire. Before this, there was a Jesuit school in Tartu from 1583 to 1601.

The first students started their studies in April 1632. The official opening ceremony was on October 15, 1632. The university had departments for philosophy, law, theology, and medicine. It had the same special rights as Uppsala University in Sweden.

In 1656, the university had to move to Tallinn because of a war. It then closed down in 1665. Many important Swedish scholars studied here in the 1600s.

Reopening and Moving: Academia Gustavo-Carolina

The university reopened in 1690 as the Academia Gustavo-Carolina. Tartu became a university town again. Famous professors taught new ideas, like Isaac Newton's theories.

But wars and a terrible famine forced the university to move again. In 1699, it moved from Tartu to Pärnu. It stayed there until 1710, when it closed again during the Great Northern War.

German-Speaking University: Universität Dorpat

The university reopened in April 1802. This time, it was called Universität Dorpat. German was the main language of teaching from 1802 to 1893. Many professors came from Germany. The university trained leaders and professionals for the whole Russian Empire. The years between 1860 and 1880 were a "golden age" for its research.

Later, Russia wanted to make everything more Russian. So, between 1882 and 1898, the university became more Russian. It was renamed University of Yuryev in 1898. Many German scholars left during this time. The University of Yuryev continued until 1918. Some Russian staff and students moved to Voronezh in Russia. They helped start Voronezh State University.

Modern Era: University of Tartu (1919–Present)

When Estonia became independent in 1918, the university started teaching in Estonian in 1919. During World War II and Soviet rule, it had different names. It was called Ostland-Universität during German occupation (1941–1944). It was called Tartu State University during Soviet occupation (1940–1941 and 1944–1989).

Even during Soviet times, Estonian was the main language. But some classes were taught in Russian. When Estonia became independent again in 1991, the university fully regained its freedom. Since 1992, it has been planning its future and finances. Today, no courses are taught in Russian.

In recent years, the university has changed a lot. It has adopted new ways of teaching and organizing, like those used in American and Scandinavian universities. It has also followed the Bologna declaration. This has led to big changes in how studies are set up.

The first Estonian satellite ESTCube-1 was built mainly by students from the University of Tartu.

University Buildings and Campus

The University of Tartu has many buildings. Its four museums, botanical gardens, and sports places are usually open to everyone. The university owns 56 buildings. Eleven of these are outside Tartu. Thirty-one buildings in Tartu are beautiful old architectural monuments.

In May 2023, the university launched a virtual tour. You can see 360-degree photos of over 160 places on the campus. Many new university buildings and student homes have been built or updated recently. New buildings are often built in a place called Maarjamõisa. This area is about 2 kilometers southwest of the old university center.

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  Tartu University main building during Christmas (2006)

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  Faculty of Social Sciences building

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  Institute of Mathematics and Statistics building

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  University track and field

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  Iuridicum, the law building

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  Chemicum and Physicum buildings

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  Institute of Technology building

University Research and Discoveries

The University of Tartu is a leader in science in Estonia. It is known for its research around the world.

The chemist Wilhelm Ostwald won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1909.

One important discovery happened here in 1888. A scientist named Peter Hermann Stillmark studied substances called lectins. His work helped start the science of lectinology.

Recently, the university has made big research achievements. These include work in:

• Molecular biology (studying tiny parts of living things)
• Cell biology (studying cells)
• Laser medicine (using lasers in health care)
• Materials science (creating new materials)
• Laser spectroscopy (studying light and matter)
• Biochemistry (studying chemicals in living things)
• Psychology (studying the mind and behavior)

The University of Tartu is among the top 1% of universities worldwide for how often its research is cited by others. This means its research is very important and used by many scientists. It is a top university in these areas:

• Clinical medicine
• Chemistry
• Environment and ecology
• Geoscience (Earth science)
• Plant and animal science
• Social sciences
• Molecular biology and genetics
• Biology and biochemistry
• Neuroscience and behavior
• Psychiatry and psychology

The university produces 56% of all research in Estonia. More than half of all PhD degrees in Estonia are earned here. Over 2,000 important research articles are published by UT scientists each year. About 50 UT scientists are among the top 1% of the most-cited scientists globally.

UT has also won many important European research grants. These grants help scientists do big projects.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The University of Tartu works closely with businesses. It has contracts with 154 companies, worth over 10 million euros. It is one of the biggest partners for businesses in the Baltic region. The university also works with big international companies like Swedbank and Pfizer.

UT has helped start over 60 new companies. These include software companies and biotechnology companies. One big success story is a special bacteria called Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3. This bacteria can be used in the food industry.

A great example of student innovation is the ESTCube-1 satellite. UT staff and students worked together to build it. It was launched into space in 2013. This made Estonia the 41st country to have its own satellite in space.

Scientists from UT have also created new materials. For example, they developed a peat-based material for building inexpensive 3D-printed houses. Another innovation is the Rakuten Fits Me technology. This is a virtual dressing room that helps people try on clothes online. It was developed with UT researchers.

The university wants its students to be creative and start their own businesses. It encourages them to use their knowledge to help the economy. The goal is to include business courses in every study program.

University Structure and Locations

The University of Tartu has four main parts called faculties. These faculties have different institutes and colleges. The university also has other units that support its work.

Most of the university is in Tartu. But it also has locations in Narva, Pärnu, Tallinn, and Viljandi. For example, the Narva and Pärnu Colleges are part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy is part of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The university also has offices and institutes in Estonia's capital, Tallinn.

University Studies and Programs

Almost a quarter of all university students in Estonia study at the University of Tartu. Most courses are taught in Estonian. However, many degree programs are taught entirely in English.

About 35% of UT's courses are offered online. These include web-based courses, video lectures, and massive open online courses (MOOCs).

The university offers 61 bachelor's programs and 86 master's programs. Thirty of these programs are taught in English.

Bachelor's Degree Programs

The university has 61 different bachelor's programs. Three of these are taught completely in English:

• Business administration
• Medicine
• Science and technology

Master's Degree Programs

The University of Tartu offers 86 master's programs. Twenty-seven of these are international master's programs taught in English.

English Master's Programs by Faculty

• Faculty of Arts and Humanities
  • Estonian and Finno-Ugric Languages
  • Philosophy
  • Semiotics
  • Sound and Visual Technology
  • Folkloristics and Heritage Studies
  • European Languages and Cultures

• Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Contemporary Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
  • Digital Administration
  • Disinformation and Societal Resilience
  • Educational Technology
  • Entrepreneurship in Economic Policymaking
  • Information Technology Law
  • Innovation and Technology Management
  • International Law and Human Rights
  • International Relations and Regional Studies
  • Politics and Governance in the Digital Age
  • Quantitative Economics
  • Wellness and Spa Service Design and Management

• Faculty of Science and Technology
  • Actuarial and Financial Engineering
  • Applied Measurement Science
  • Bioengineering
  • Computer Science
  • Excellence in Analytical Chemistry
  • Geoinformatics for Urbanised Society
  • Materials Science and Technology
  • Robotics and Computer Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • IT Engineering

• Faculty of Medicine
  • Clinical Nutrition

Doctoral Studies

About 120 doctoral degrees are awarded each year at UT. This is more than half of all doctoral degrees in Estonia. The University of Tartu has 1,130 doctoral students. About 30% of them are from other countries.

The university offers eight doctoral programs. These programs are managed by special centers in each faculty. From the 2022/2023 school year, most doctoral students will receive funding as junior research fellows.

Continuing Education

The University of Tartu is the biggest provider of continuing education in Estonia. It offers about 1,200 courses each year. More than 39,000 people take these courses.

University Rankings and Reputation

The University of Tartu is highly ranked among universities worldwide. The QS World University Rankings placed it 296th in the world in 2023. It is the top-ranked university in the Baltic countries. It is also ranked 3rd in the Emerging Europe and Central Asia region.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings put it in the top 251–300 universities globally. It is the only university in the Baltic countries to be in the top 200 universities in Europe. UT is also in the top 1% of the world's most-cited universities in 10 research areas.

The University of Tartu also ranked first in Central and Eastern Europe. This was for the amount of money raised by "unicorn startups" founded by its former students. Unicorn startups are companies valued at over $1 billion.

Famous Alumni

Many important people have studied at the University of Tartu. Its former students have become leaders in Estonia.

As of 2016, here are some facts about UT alumni:

• 100% of Estonian judges
• 99% of Estonian doctors, dentists, and pharmacists
• 95% of Estonian judicial prosecutors
• 87% of members of the Estonian Bar Association (lawyers)
• 60% of the ministers in the Estonian government
• 40% of the members of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament)

Students' Spring Days on the Emajõgi river.

The University of Tartu Folk Art Ensemble.

Working with Other Countries

The University of Tartu is very international. It has about 1,800 international students from 90 different countries. Most of these students come from Ukraine, Russia, and Finland.

The university works with over 800 universities through the Erasmus programme. This program helps students study abroad.

Foreign students have given the university good reviews. It has even won an International Student Satisfaction Award. This award is based on feedback from students from other countries.

The University of Tartu is part of several important international groups. These include the European University Association (EUA), the Coimbra Group, and the Utrecht Network. It also has agreements to work with about 70 other universities around the world.

See also

In Spanish: Universidad de Tartu para niños

• List of early modern universities in Europe
• Tartu University Clinic
• Tartu University Library
• Tartu University Press
• Tartu Semiotic School
• Copenhagen-Tartu school
• Tartu Ülikool 350
• University of Tartu Old Observatory
• Tartu Students' Nature Conservation Circle