University of Tartu Foundation held festive reception for spring semester scholarship recipients and sponsors

On 30 May, the University of Tartu Foundation recognised scholarship recipients of the spring semester 2025 and thanked the foundation’s sponsors in the White Hall of the University of Tartu Museum.

The festive event was opened by Leelo Muru, head of the University of Tartu Foundation, who thanked everyone who has helped the scholarship funds grow and emphasised the role of sponsors in supporting successful students. “The University of Tartu Foundation relies on sponsors and dreams – today is proof that we have both,” said Muru.

The patron of the University of Tartu Foundation Sirje Karis highlighted in her speech that besides knowledge, education is the ability to think clearly, see connections, and take responsibility. “A scholarship is not only recognition for the work done so far but also a sign of trust – belief in the abilities, dedication, and future of students, on which tomorrow’s Estonia stands,” said the patron.

Rector Toomas Asser awarded scholarships to more than 100 outstanding recipients, including students, junior research fellows and resident doctors. Scholarships were given from 31 funds totalling nearly 180,000 euros, which have been accumulated from the support of generous individuals, companies and organisations. For the fifth time, Ukrainian students were also supported, receiving scholarships of 25,000 euros in total. In the spring semester, students of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities received scholarships from three funds, students of the Faculty of Science and Technology from five, students of the Faculty of Social Sciences from seven, and students of the Faculty of Medicine from 11 funds. There were eight cross-faculty scholarship funds. The most applications were submitted for the North Estonia Medical Centre Foundation scholarship, with nearly 16 students competing for one scholarship.

After the congratulations, the rector said that a scholarship is both recognition and assistance, but it also comes with the expectation that one day the scholarship recipients will be there for both the university and the foundation.

The patron of the University of Tartu Foundation Sirje Karis thanked the sponsors of the scholarship funds and presented them with the book A hundred faces of the University of Tartu, which features portraits of 100 outstanding academic staff members of the UT along with an item characteristic of their research.

The event continued with a social gathering. All participants were asked to sign the University of Tartu Foundation’s honour roll, which has recorded the awarding of scholarships since 1998.

The first scholarship competitions for the autumn semester will begin in August, and information about them can be found on the University of Tartu Foundation’s website.