The Study in Europe Annual Meeting for European higher education national promotion agencies (NATs) will take place in Tartu, Estonia, on 21-22 January 2027.
The two-day meeting will bring together representatives of national promotion agencies to exchange experiences, discuss current developments in international higher education promotion and strengthen cooperation across the NAT network.
The programme will combine Study in Europe and European-level updates with practical peer learning, thematic discussions, smaller working sessions and networking. The detailed programme is currently being developed.
Registration for the Study in Europe Annual NAT Meeting 2027 is now open!
Registration deadline: 10.01.2027
Participation is free of charge.
Practical information
- Dates: 21-22 January 2027 (Thursday-Friday)
- Location: Tartu, Estonia
- Format: In person
- Working language: English
- Main meeting venue: To be confirmed
- Participation fee: No participation fee
For participants arriving in Tartu on 20 January, an informal welcome or networking opportunity may also be organised.
More detailed information will be added as preparations progress.
Programme
The detailed agenda, speakers and session formats are currently being developed.
Arrival and informal networking – 20 January
Participants are welcome to arrive in Tartu during the day. An informal networking reception may be organised in the evening for those already in town.
Day 1 – 21 January
Tentative start time: 10:00
- Registration and welcome
- Opening remarks and meeting objectives
- Study in Europe and thematic presentations
- Thematic session on STEM attractiveness and international student recruitment
- Peer exchange and discussion
- AHHAA Science Centre experience and visit
Networking dinner
Day 2 – 22 January
Tentative start time: 09:30
- Thematic sessions on current and emerging issues in international higher education promotion
- Practical parallel sessions and peer-learning workshops
- Plenary discussion and exchange
- Key conclusions and next steps
- Networking lunch
Possible themes include the international student journey, responsible and trustworthy international recruitment, STEM attractiveness and future priorities for European higher education promotion.
The agenda is indicative and will be updated as speakers and session topics are confirmed.
Practical information
Welcome to Tartu!
Tartu is Estonia’s second-largest city and the main centre of Southern Estonia. With a population of around 100 000, it is a compact university city with a strong academic, cultural and innovation environment.
Tartu is home to the University of Tartu, founded in 1632, as well as the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, the Estonian National Museum and a wide range of research and education institutions. The city previously hosted the Study in Europe NAT Annual Meeting in 2023.
Tartu is particularly easy to explore on foot. The city centre, Old Town, university area, restaurants, museums and many hotels are located close to one another. Visit Tartu describes the city as compact, with most central destinations within approximately 15 minutes on foot.
January is winter in Estonia, so participants should be prepared for cold weather and potentially snowy or icy conditions.
Tartu Christmas Market. Photo by Kaupo Kalda.
The main meeting venue in central Tartu will be confirmed shortly.
Part of the programme will take place at the AHHAA Science Centre, the largest science centre in the Baltic States.
Founded by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, the City of Tartu and the University of Tartu, AHHAA has reached more than five million visitors through its activities.
Tartu is a compact city, and most central hotels are within comfortable walking distance of the Old Town, restaurants, the bus station and key programme locations. The city offers around 2500 accommodation beds across different types of accommodation.
Participants may already wish to explore accommodation in central Tartu. Some convenient options include:
- Dorpat Hotel – centrally located next to the bus station and close to AHHAA Science Centre.
- V Spa Hotel and Conference centre – centrally located, with the Old Town, AHHAA and the bus station within easy reach.
- Art Hotel Pallas – located where the Old Town meets the modern city centre.
- Lydia Hotel – located in Tartu Old Town, just behind Town Hall Square.
These are suggestions rather than official event hotels at this stage. Participants can also explore further accommodation options through the official Visit Tartu tourism website.
Tartu is located approximately 185 km south-east of Tallinn and can be reached conveniently by both train and coach.
From Tallinn by coach 🚌
Frequent coaches operate between Tallinn and Tartu. Direct services are available from Tallinn Bus Station, and many services also stop at Tallinn Airport, making the coach a convenient option for participants arriving by air. Lux Express operates regular services on the Tallinn-Tartu route.
From Tallinn by train 🚆
Regular Elron trains connect Tallinn and Tartu. Trains depart from Tallinn Baltic Station (Balti jaam) and also stop at Ülemiste, providing another option for travellers arriving through Tallinn Airport. Current Tallinn–Tartu journeys take approximately 2–2.5 hours, depending on the service.
Tickets and up-to-date timetables are available from Elron. As January 2027 timetables may still change, participants are advised to check schedules closer to their travel date.
Arriving in Tartu 🏰
Tartu Bus Station is located directly in the city centre, within walking distance of many central hotels, restaurants and the AHHAA Science Centre.
If you arrive by train, Tartu Railway Station is around a 20-minute walk from Town Hall Square. City buses and taxis are available outside the station, and the journey to the city centre takes approximately 10 minutes. You can also easily order a Bolt ride through the Bolt app, which is widely used in Tartu and is often the most convenient option when travelling with luggage or during winter weather.
As the meeting takes place in January, we recommend allowing some flexibility for winter conditions when planning your journey from the station to your hotel or meeting venue.
Meet your local hosts
If you need any help with travel, accommodation, local transport or anything else related to your time in Tartu and Estonia, just get in touch with your local hosts.
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Eero Loonurm Estonian Education and Youth Board | Sabina Maidla Estonian Education and Youth Board |
Last updated: 26.10.2026
