13.03.2026
continuing education
Contact us
UniTartu Summer School
Ülikooli 18, 50090 Tartu
Liis Mulk
Specialist for the UniTartu Summer School
International Cooperation and Protocol Office

Experience UniTartu Summer School 2026 

The University of Tartu invites students and lifelong learners to participate in the UniTartu Summer School 2026, taking place from 27 July to 7 August 2026. Join our summer school and gain new knowledge and experience, earn extra credits, make international friends, and immerse yourself in a new culture.

UniTartu Summer School was launched in 2022, and this year it celebrates its fifth anniversary. Since its launch, we have welcomed nearly 350 students from 50 countries who have shared very positive experiences. Last year, 91% of participants rated their experience highly, and 96% said they would recommend the summer school to others.

Highlights of the Academic Programme

In 2026, UniTartu Summer School offers 13 English-taught courses across science and technology, social sciences, and the arts and humanities.

Well-established courses such as Synthetic Biology and its Applications and Self-Driving Cars were successfully conducted in previous years. Courses offered last year, including Atomic Layer Deposition – the Intersection of Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry and Industry and Designing Social Robots, also remain part of the programme. In addition, returning summer courses such as A Gentle Introduction to R and Tales, Legends, and Demons in Contemporary Culture and Ukrainian Folklore are available again. Seven courses in this year’s programme are completely new. See the full list of the summer courses offered in 2026 below.

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Faculty of Science and Technology

Faculty of Social Sciences


The courses take place in Tartu, a compact and student-friendly university city, except for Opportunities and Challenges of Contemporary Youth and Community Work: An Estonian Perspective, which is conducted in Viljandi. The duration of the courses varies from one to two weeks. Each course has a different target group, including upper secondary school students, bachelor’s and master’s students, and lifelong learners. You can find the study group directly on the course page.


Each course has its own course fee, which includes:

  • academic sessions with lecturers;

  • study materials;

  • a certificate of completion;

  • selected cultural and social events.


Accommodation is not included in the price; however, the UniTartu Summer School organisers can pre-book the University of Tartu student dormitory for an additional fee.

Scholarships

UniTartu Summer School offers ENLIGHT scholarships (10 scholarships) for students from partner universities, as well as tuition fee waivers (4 waivers) for motivated students. You can find more information about the scholarship opportunities on the webpage.

Application period

The application period is from 20 March to 20 April 2026. Applicants need to complete the online application form and submit a motivation letter, a transcript of academic records, a copy of their passport, and proof of payment of the application fee (€25). The results will be announced by 30 April.

Cultural and social programme

Apart from the studies, UniTartu Summer School offers a diverse cultural programme that includes museum visits, city tours, receptions, social events, and many more. These events introduce participants to the Estonian culture and help them get to know each other.