Opening ceremony of the 2025/2026 academic year

The University of Tartu’s opening ceremony of the 2025/2026 academic year took place on the corner of Lossi and Ülikooli streets at Pirogov square on Monday, 1 September at 10:00. Watch the recording of the ceremony on UTTV (with interpretation into English).

The ceremony started with the opening speech by Rector Toomas Asser. This was followed by a few words from the Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas and Mayor of Tartu Urmas Klaas will speak. President of the Student Union Eneken Riin Salong and Andri Türkson, a first-year computer engineering student in the Faculty of Science and Technology, welcomed the participants on behalf of the students.

Music was performed by the University of Tartu Chamber Choir and the rock band Jaan Pärn ja Pahad Seemned; most of its members are scientists at the University of Tartu. The band started in 1998 as a pop music group of Tartu Students’ Nature Conservation Circle, and its members include:

• Jaan Pärn – vocals
• Juhan Javoiš – guitar
• Mait Metspalu – bass
• Jüri-Ott Salm – accordion, keyboards
• Lauri Kulpsoo – drums
• Siim Randveer – guitars

Renovation works in front of the university’s main building will continue until early September. During this period, access to the front of the main building is restricted.

Getting started for international students Gallery