University of Tartu Foundation awarded over €200,000 in scholarships in autumn semester

The event was opened by the Rector of the University of Tartu Toomas Asser who emphasised that the future of Estonian research, culture and society depends on today’s scholarship holders. “The strong community support the University of Tartu Foundation offers to our students is particularly important in the current situation, where we unfortunately cannot rely on the state to provide sufficient support for talented students. At the same time, we increasingly understand how strategically important it is to retain and inspire our most capable students,” said the rector.

The foundation’s patron Sirje Karis highlighted in her speech the essential role of scholarships in creating opportunities: “Chance is not insignificant, but it can only unfold fully when the surrounding environment allows it. When choices can be made without trivial or everyday circumstances limiting them.” According to her, scholarships give many students the space they need to focus on their studies, to combine learning with work and family life, and to move towards self-fulfilment.

The scholarships were presented by Rector Toomas Asser. In total, nearly 70 scholarship recipients were recognised. The most competitive was the Professor Volli Kalm Memorial Fund scholarship, with 16 applicants per scholarship. The largest number of applications (48) was submitted for the Ants and Maria Silvere and Sigfried Pant scholarship. Both aim to support students in financial need. Among autumn semester competitions, the recipients of the Anni Jürine scholarship, the Ernst Jaakson memorial fund scholarship, the Lennart Meri research award, the Lennart Meri award for master’s thesis, and the Professor Peeter Tulviste memorial fund prize are yet to be announced.

After the scholarship ceremony, the Head of the University of Tartu Foundation Leelo Muru took the floor, emphasising that at the University of Tartu, alumni contributions meet the dreams of current students and the academic wisdom of the university, creating a continuity that keeps the spirit of the university alive and evolving.

During the event, patron Sirje Karis also thanked the founders of the scholarship funds and the major donors of the University of Tartu Foundation. In 2025, donations to the endowment fund totalled €2.05 million. Of this, nearly €350,000 came from contributions by 37 organisations and 110 private individuals, including 24 regular donors.

Spring semester scholarship competitions start in February. For more information, see the website of the University of Tartu Foundation.

>> Photos of the scholarship ceremony

>> List of scholarship recipients