Study regulations and guidelines
Here you can find answers to your questions regarding studies at the University of Tartu and living in Estonia.
Enjoy your studies at the University of Tartu School of Law!
Studies at the University of Tartu are organised according to certain rules. For studies to be successful the student needs to know these rules. During the study period there are many options for individual planning and self-development.
On the current page you can find study instructions and rules for I and II level students: bachelor´s students, master´s students, professional higher education students and students of integrated bachelor's and master's studies. The guidelines on doctoral studies can be found on doctoral studies´ webpage.
The most important document regulating studies in University is Study Regulations.
Official information exchange at the University takes place in the Study Information System (SIS): registering for courses, choosing modules, looking at timetables and study results (grades) etc.
Getting started
Before you start your studies at the University of Tartu, take a look at information that hopefully helps new international students to find some relevant and useful information.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar of the School of Law 2024/2025
| Beginning of autumn semester | 02.09.2024 |
| Christmas holiday | 23.12.2024 - 05.01.2025 |
| End of autumn semester | 02.02.2025 |
| Winter holiday | 03.02.2025 - 09.02.2025 |
| Beginning of spring semester | 10.02.2025 |
| End of spring semester | 29.06.2025 |
| Summer holiday | 30.06.2025 - 31.08.2025 |
| Deadline for registering for IT master´s exam part I (IT Law Lab) | 13.11.2024 |
| IT master´s exam part II (legal memorandum) | 15.05.2025 |
| IT master´s exam part III (essay) | 16.05.2025 |
| IT master´s exam part II (legal memorandum) resit | 29.05.2025 |
| IT master´s exam part III (essay) resit | 30.05.2025 |
Master`s studies of international and human rights law
| Choosing the theme and the supervisor for master´s thesis for graduates in spring 2026 | 10.06.2025 |
| Submission of master´s theses in autumn semester | 17.11.2024 at 16.00 |
| Defence of master´s theses in autumn semester | 11.12.2024 |
| Submission of master´s theses in spring semester | 28.04.2025 at 16.00 |
| Defence of master´s theses in spring semester | 19.05.2025 - 30.05.2025 |
ILGSPD Erasmus-Mundus joint master`s studies
| Choosing the theme and the supervisor for master`s thesis | 15.12.2024 |
| Submission of master`s theses in spring semester | 31.05.2025 |
| Defence of master`s theses in spring semester | 25-27.06.2025 |
Academic calendar of the School of Law 2023/2024
| Beginning of autumn semester | 04.09.2023 |
| Christmas holiday | 25.12.2023 - 07.01.2024 |
| End of autumn semester | 04.02.2024 |
| Winter holiday | 05.02.2024 - 11.02.2024 |
| Beginning of spring semester | 12.02.2024 |
| End of spring semester | 30.06.2024 |
| Summer holiday | 01.07.2024 - 01.09.2024 |
| Deadline for registering for IT master´s exam part I (IT Law Lab) | 15.11.2023 |
| IT master´s exam part II (legal memorandum) | 16.05.2024 |
| IT master´s exam part III (essay) | 17.05.2024 |
| IT master´s exam part II (legal memorandum) resit | 30.05.2024 |
| IT master´s exam part III (essay) resit | 31.05.2024 |
Master`s studies of international and human rights law
| Choosing the theme and the supervisor for master´s thesis for graduates in spring 2025 | 13.06.2024 |
| Submission of master´s theses in autumn semester | 13.11.2023 at 16.00 |
| Defence of master´s theses in autumn semester | 11.12.2023 |
| Submission of master´s theses in spring semester | 29.04.2024 at 16.00 |
| Defence of master´s theses in spring semester | 20.05.2024 - 24.05.2024 |
ILGSPD Erasmus-Mundus joint master`s studies
| Choosing the theme and the supervisor for master`s thesis | 30.11.2023 |
| Submission of master`s theses in spring semester | 31.05.2024 |
| Defence of master`s theses in spring semester | 25.06 - 28.06.2024 |
Writing and formatting student works
For writing and formatting student works at the School of Law take a look at the guide compiled by Jaan Sootak and Hesi Siimets-Gross.
Who to contact in Tartu?
Who to contact in Tallinn?
You study, we support
The University of Tartu Counselling Centre offers career and psychological counselling, advice regarding the organisation of studies, support for students with special needs, peer tutor training and supportive seminars to students of all levels.
Counselling CentrePractical information
Where to eat? Where to sleep? What to do?
In Tartu
When looking for the nearest places to eat to the School of Law buildings, take a look at the following places:
- Cafe Toome kohvik, right next to the tennis courts on your way from the centre to the School of Law, Karl Ernst von Baer Street 6
- Asian restaurant Red Chilli, Näituse 7
- Cafe Mandel, Veski Street 5A
- Supermarket Veeriku Selver (including Hesburger, grocery store, pharmacy), Vitamiini 1
If you have more time for lunch, choose among the various daily offers around town.
In Tallinn
When looking for the places to eat near the School of Law building, take a look at the following places:
- R-kiosk (snacks, sandwiches, hotdogs), Roosikrantsi 2
- Viktus, Toompuiestee 4
- Jahu Street Gourmet, Pärnu mnt 15
- Il Forno (pizza, pasta), Pärnu mnt 20
- Sakura (asian food), Pärnu mnt 32
- Reval Café, Pärnu mnt 27
- Dot Brunch Café, Pärnu mnt 29/2
If you have more time for lunch, choose among the various daily offers around town.
In Tartu
Tartu Student Village offers living spaces for students in Tartu and in Viljandi in various locations. You can find additional information about the Student Village on its homepage. Contact: info@campus.ee
Renting a flat: if the life in the dormitory seems not to be of your style, you could rent an apartment or find someone who is looking for a flatmate. Information about rental apartments can be found on real estate portals and Facebook groups:
- kv.ee (real estate portal)
- city24.ee (real estate portal)
- Facebook group: Korterikaaslased - Flatmate (group for finding flatmates)
- Facebook group for international students looking for a flatmate
- Facebook group for renting flats in Tartu directly from the owners
- Degree Students of the University of Tartu (find other UT students to rent together)
For short term accommodation you can check out Airbnb or some more affordable hostels like Tartu Downtown Hostel, Looming hostel, Hugo Stay etc.
In Tallinn
The University of Tartu does not have student dorms in Tallinn. All students are responsible for finding their own accommodation.
The following links can be useful for finding an apartment or a room in a shared flat:
Student Organizations
As law students, there are several student organisations whose activities you can take part in during your studies at the School of Law. Read more about the organisations below.
European Law Students' Association (ELSA) is the world's largest independent law students' association which connects 43 European countries, about 300 universities and more than 50 000 law students/young lawyers. ELSA Estonia organises a variety of academic and professional activities throughout the academic year, inluding some international events. ELSA Estonia has branches in both Tartu (Näituse 20) and in Tallinn (Kaarli pst 3).
Contact: elsa@elsaestonia.org, Facebook
Estonian Law Students Union is an educational organization that organizes different extracurricular activities to law students including lectures, networking events, workshops, public debates etc. Estonian Law Students Union has its office at the School of Law in Tartu (Näituse 20-119).
Contact: eouliit@gmail.com, Facebook
Estonian Moot Court Society organizes yearly Moot Court Competitions for Estonian law students since 1997/1998 academic year.
Contact: harjutuskohtuselts@gmail.com, Facebook
In order to expand your network of connections outside the legal dimension, you are welcome to take part in the activities organised by AIESEC, a global organisation that develops young people through leadership programmes and international volunteering and internships, and the Erasmus Student Network, which is one of the strongest and most active in the region, providing a very memorable multicultural experience for all those involved.