Getting started for international students
Academic year 2025/2026 at the University of Tartu
Welcome to the University of Tartu! This Getting Started guide is designed to help new international students find useful and relevant information as they prepare for their studies.
The academic year begins on 1 September 2025.
The orientation course for the 2025/2026 spring semester takes place on 5-6 February at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities building (Jakobi 2, right next to the university's main building). Students are expected to arrive to Tartu on 4 February.
More details about the orientation course
A festive opening ceremony for all University of Tartu students will take place at Pirogov Square on Monday, 1 September at 10:00.
In addition to the opening ceremony, each study programme will host separate introductory information sessions at the beginning of the academic year. Details about these meetings will be sent directly to enrolled students by their respective programmes.
Participation in the opening events is highly recommended, as they provide important information about studying at the University of Tartu and offer a great opportunity to meet your professors and fellow students.
Important reminder for international degree-seeking students (Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens)
Students admitted to English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes who are not citizens of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland must ensure they obtain their Estonian long-term (D) visa in time to participate in the orientation course, which takes place on 5-6 February.
In addition, students are required to complete their arrival registration no later than on 2 February.
Note: Failure to meet this deadline will result in the revocation of both the admission decision and the visa (this requirement does not apply to students enrolled in online study programmes).
Arrival registration process for degree-seeking students:
- Visit the Admissions Office during the first week of February (Monday to Friday, 13:00–16:00)
Location: UT Main Building, Ülikooli Street 18, Rooms 132 and 133, Tartu
Additional requirements for degree-seeking students:
- Once travel tickets to Estonia are purchased, students must:
- Update their arrival information in DreamApply
- Inform their admissions coordinator by email of their expected arrival time in Tartu
Before your arrival in Tartu
This section provides practical information for incoming exchange and degree-seeking students to help prepare for their arrival in Estonia.
To ensure a smooth start, you will find answers to a wide range of practical questions — including topics such as travelling to Tartu, housing, healthcare, banking, and more.
More information is available on the Tartu Welcome Centre website
If your studies take place at Narva College, the School of Law in Tallinn, Pärnu College, or Viljandi Culture Academy, please refer to the respective websites for location-specific guidance or contact your study programme coordinator directly for further information.
Arrival ABC Checklists
These checklists are designed for students who are about to arrive or have recently arrived at the University of Tartu. They help you keep track of the most important steps and procedures to ensure a smooth start to your studies.
Student essentials
UT username and course registration
Your UT username and password — required for course registration — will be sent to you by the University of Tartu IT department before the start of the semester.
Newly admitted degree-seeking students in English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes who are not citizens of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland will receive their login credentials only after registering their arrival at the University of Tartu.
Once the login credentials are received, you can register for courses in the Study Information System (SIS).
Important: First-semester students must complete course registration within two weeks from the beginning of the semester. The course registration deadline is 15 September 2025.
You can find information about your curriculum and timetable in SIS. Course listings, timetables, and curriculum details are also accessible without logging in.
Access the UT Study Information System (SIS)
UT email address
All first-year degree-seeking and exchange students will receive a University of Tartu email address in the format [email protected]. This email is used for all official communication with the university, so it is important to check it regularly.
You can access your UT email account through the Study Information System (SIS).
Academic calendar 2025/2026
The academic calendar outlines important dates throughout the academic year, including semester start and end dates, holidays, and examination periods.
Learning Estonian
For detailed information about the available Estonian language courses, please visit the UT Language Learning Hub. The hub offers a variety of course options to support learners at different levels.
Important dates
First semester 2025/2026 (for degree-seeking students only)
Student newsletter
Throughout the academic year, the Office of Academic Affairs keeps degree-seeking students informed about important academic updates and related opportunities. The student newsletter is sent out weekly to all students via the Study Information System (SIS) and email.
The weekly student newsletter covers a range of topics, including academic affairs, training courses, seminars, study abroad opportunities, scholarships and allowances, as well as internships and job openings.
Check out the newsletter topics
Student advisers in faculties
If you have questions related to your studies, please contact the study coordinator or academic affairs specialist assigned to your specific programme. They are your primary point of contact for academic guidance and support throughout your studies.
You can also find their contact information in the curriculum details within the Study Information System (SIS).
Student Advisers' Contact Information
