In 2032, we will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the University of Tartu. The university was founded in 1632, when King Gustavus II Adolphus of Sweden signed the deed of founding the Academia Gustaviana. The opening ceremony took place on 15 October 1632, or 25 October according to the new calendar.
This webpage brings together information about preparations for the university’s 400th anniversary and is updated continuously.
The University of Tartu has played an important role in safeguarding free research and education for nearly 400 years. The Estonian-language University of Tartu, established in the early days of the Republic of Estonia, laid the foundation for higher education in Estonian and created an intellectual community that has had a profound influence on the development of the Estonian state, society, and culture as a whole.
In seven years’ time, we will celebrate a notable anniversary together as a university community. To ensure that we mark the occasion extensively and with dignity, we have already begun preparations, and we invite all members of the university to take part.
In 2032, we will celebrate the university's 400th anniversary. Here you can find previous events related to the anniversary.
On 16 January 2026, from 13:00 to 17:00, university members were invited to participate in a brainstorming session on the 400th anniversary of the University of Tartu. Staff and students were welcome to contribute their ideas on how to celebrate the university’s anniversary. As the number of participants is limited, please register as soon as possible.
If you are were to participate in the brainstorming session, please email your ideas to [email protected].
Schedule
- 13.00–13.10 Introduction by Rector Toomas Asser and Kristjan Vassil, Professor of Applied Technology Studies and project leader of “University of Tartu 400”
- 13:10–13:45 Short presentations
- 13:45–16:30 Discussion in small groups, where participants reflect on the anniversary programme’s key themes (university investments, memory, security and community)
- 16:30–17:00 Summary
