News: studies

Academic freedom refers to the ability of students, teaching staff, and researchers to express their views freely and ensures the independence of universities. In Estonia, academic freedom remains high, but according to a recent report, it is declining worldwide.

UT staff and students are welcome to apply to participate in the ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference 2026, held in Bern, Switzerland, from 22 to 24 October. The central theme of this year’s conference will be context and learning.

The University of Tartu has launched a new continuing education course entitled “Foreign nationals in Estonian health system”. The course is based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global competency standards for refugee and migrant health and is the first of its kind in the world.

With wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Nagorno-Karabakh dominating contemporary international relations, the study of secessionist bids and the quest for statehood and recognition becomes paramount. It is essential that students of International Relations hold a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the concepts and practices of secessionism as well as the way in which these aspects impact international order. Questions regarding peace and violence in secessionist bids as well as the possible outcomes of secessionist wars continue to dominate both academic and policymaking debate, making this topic worthwhile for discussion and study.

Preliminary results of the International Student Barometer (ISB) show that international students are satisfied with their studies at the University of Tartu. They highlight strong academic quality, supportive learning conditions and the city of Tartu as an excellent living environment.

At the conference “Teaching for learning 2026”, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Aune Valk presented the teaching awards and the teaching quality award of 2025.

A project of the University of Tartu Youth Academy aiming to create mathematics clubs for lower secondary school students has received support from Targa Tuleviku Fond (Smart Future Foundation). With this funding, a nationwide network of mathematics clubs will be established, offering lower secondary school students the opportunity to engage with mathematics beyond the standard curriculum.

On 1 December, the 106th anniversary of Estonia’s national university, 142 doctoral degrees were conferred.

From 8 to 10 October, the annual ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference took place in Uppsala. The University of Tartu was represented by 23 staff members and seven students.

On 1 November, the special issue of Estonian Journal of Education (Eesti Haridusteaduste Ajakiri) will be published, focusing on early second language instruction and promoting language skills in kindergarten and school.