University of Tartu

The University of Tartu (UT), founded in 1632, is Estonia`s only classical university. UT has 9 faculties with more than 70 departments and institutes. The University also has four colleges, three of which are located outside Tartu and act as regional outreach centers for studies, research and creative activities. UT`s staff comprises 3,800 employees (including 1,800 academic staff members). Over 17,000 students are enrolled, including 4,700 MA, and 1,500 PhD students. UT`s student body includes more than 850 international students from 65 countries (incl. around 550 international degree students). UT currently offers 70 Bachelors, 80 Masters and 35 doctoral degree programmes, including 11 full English-language curricula plus 7 joint programmes. The University of Tartu is Estonia`s leading centre of research and development. 60% of all doctoral dissertations in Estonia are defended at UT (2011 was a record year, with 152 PhDs awarded). More than half of all Estonian scientific publications are written by researchers at UT. In recent years, UT researchers have exceeded Essential Science Indicators 1% impact threshold in: Clinical Medicine, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Ecology, Plant and Animal Science, Geosciences, Social Sciences (general), Biology and Biochemistry, Materials Science, Life Sciences, Engineering, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Psychiatry and Psychology.

The mission of the University of Tartu is to act as the leading force driving the development of knowledge-based society in Estonia and the guarantor of its continuity. In order to fulfill its mission, the University of Tartu advances research, education and culture and serves society through teaching and research, creating the preconditions for development of world-class research fields through international Copperation and, as Estonia`s national university, assuming its share of responsibility for the preservation of the Estonian people and nation. As the national university, the University of Tartu, in Copperation with the state, works to ensure the continuity of an educated Estonia and the development of Estonian language and culture. The university seeks to promote disciplines that are concerned with Estonia and the Estonian people, and to guarantee the preservation and development of its cultural heritage. The vision of the University of Tartu is an internationally renowned research university, and the centre of academic life, culture and high-technology innovation in Estonia. Strategic Aims: In all its fields of teaching and research, the University of Tartu ensures a standard that is internationally recognised and the best in Estonia. The University of Tartu is an attractive learning and working environment, with an international staff and student body. The University of Tartu has developed centres of excellence of international importance in teaching and research. In Copperation with its partners, the University of Tartu exerts an active influence on Estonia`s economic and cultural life and social development, communicates its activities to the public and promotes lifelong learning. The University of Tartu is a flexible and smoothly functioning organisation endowed with modern infrastructure.

Foundation year: 1632
Short name: UT
Type: Public
Students: 8520
Faculty: 760
Faculty/Students Ratio: 11:1
Region: Europe
Location: Tartu