Getting started for international students

Before your arrival in Tartu

This section provides practical information for incoming exchange and degree-seeking students to help them 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.

• Narva College
• The School of Law in Tallinn
• Pärnu College
• Viljandi Culture Academy

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.

Check the Arrival ABC

Student essentials

UT username and course registration

Your UT username and password, which are 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 you receive the login credentials, you can register for courses in the Study Information System (SIS).

Important: First-semester students must complete course registration within two weeks of the start of the semester. The course registration deadline for the spring semester is February 23, 2026.

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; therefore, it is essential 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.

See the academic calendar

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