A societally impactful university

Over the next decade, we will strongly consider the needs of Estonian society and promote balanced regional development. In 2035, Estonia will be a significantly more knowledge-based society with the support of the University of Tartu. The university’s most profound societal impact is revealed through graduates who have received a high-quality higher education. Our alumni and researchers will help make Estonian enterprises more knowledge-intensive, ensure a rise in productivity, shape knowledge-based policymaking, and secure an overall growth in well-being. The application of scientific innovation enhances the competitiveness of the economy. The university carries the special responsibility for Estonia-specific research.

Forward-looking learning

We support students’ engagement in studies and develop evidence-based and learning-centred teaching. We provide an attractive and cultivating learning environment to capable students from Estonia and abroad. We enhance and broaden flexible and lifelong learning opportunities that help people increase their competitiveness in the rapidly changing labour market. We develop teaching methods and content based on technological solutions and sustainable development. We support students’ ability to cope in a changing world and contribute to the advancement of Estonia’s economy and society.

Inter- and cross-disciplinary problem-solving

We promote interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary cooperation to overcome societal and economic challenges. Interdisciplinary cooperation is essential in teaching, research and development, and relationships with external partners. We design effective funding measures, structures and management processes that support interdisciplinary collaboration between our researchers and students at the university, in Estonia and globally.

Knowledge transfer

We actively participate in shaping a knowledge-based society by making the results of research available and applicable in the economy, policymaking and society at large. The university’s business cooperation will grow, be knowledge-intensive, significantly contribute to Estonia’s economy and make companies more future-proof. We contribute to the balanced regional development of Estonia.

Maintaining and developing the Estonian scientific language

We are responsible for maintaining and developing the Estonian language as a language of research and higher education. We support the creation of Estonian terminology and scientific texts, as well as stronger research communication in Estonian, to ensure that the university’s knowledge reaches the wider society.

Objectives of the area of development in 2026–2028

The strategic plan is implemented through a three-year action plan that defines the objectives of each area of development, the activities required to achieve them, the responsible persons, and the support from the university’s development fund. Below is an outline of what we intend to do over the next three years to increase our societal impact. Read more in the action plan.

  • The updated curricula are relevant, cohesive and function as a whole: they support the learner’s development and learning mobility, are methodologically diverse and implemented collaboratively.
  • The university has a learning-centred and evidence-based teaching culture, and teaching excellence is valued.
  • The use of artificial intelligence in teaching is well thought out and substantive, and supports the development of students’ and employees’ skills.
  • The flexible learning opportunities offered by the university to various target groups are diverse and of high quality
  • Interdisciplinary cooperation in teaching and research has increased, enabling the university to increase its societal impact and the quality of its core activities.
  • Effective support services have been developed for realising the entrepreneurial potential of the university’s research-intensive ideas. The quality of the university’s patent portfolio has improved, supporting the sales and marketing of intellectual property.
  • The university possesses high-level expertise in areas essential for public-sector applied research, helping to boost knowledge transfer and diversify research income.
  • The university’s academic staff members actively contribute as advisers in policymaking processes
  • The Estonian language proficiency of international staff is at a level that allows them to participate in university life, and Estonian is preferred for communication in the working environment.
  • Besides compulsory courses, international students also participate in additional Estonian language courses.
  • Terminology work done at the university is visible both in the university and in society, and awareness of the principles of clear research language is at a high level

University of Tartu Strategic Plan for 2026–2035