What does University of Tartu do?

The University of Tartu is a public research university located in Tartu, Estonia. Established in 1632 by Swedish King Gustav II Adolf, it is the oldest and largest institution of higher education in the country. The university has a rich history, having been founded three times under different rulers and political regimes, including its origins as a Jesuit gymnasium in 1583 and its reopening in 1802 by Russian Tsar Alexander I. Originally organized into four faculties—philosophy, law, theology, and medicine—the University of Tartu has evolved into a comprehensive research university over its 370-year history. It has operated under various states, including the Swedish Empire, Russian Empire, and the Soviet Union, while consistently promoting progressive ideas. Since Estonia gained independence in 1918, the university has functioned as an Estonian-language institution. The campus features classical architecture, including its main building and the Aula, which hosts important ceremonies, along with the University's Art Museum.