University of Tartu

05/05/2026 | Press release | Archived content

Estonia continues to hold second place in academic freedom rankings 06.05.2026

Academic freedom refers to the ability of students, teaching staff, and researchers to express their views freely and ensures the independence of universities. In Estonia, academic freedom remains high, but according to a recent report, it is declining worldwide.

The newly published Academic Freedom Index Update 2026 reveals a thought-provoking trend: over the past decade, academic freedom has declined in 50 countries and increased in only nine. At the same time, the importance of the universities' autonomy in safeguarding academic freedom has grown. In countries with higher autonomy, the universities can better protect their members' freedom to research and teach, whereas a decline in autonomy may lead to restrictions on academic freedom.

According to Eveli Soo, Head of International Marketing at the University of Tartu, Estonia has held second place in the rankings for several years already. "In Estonia, academic freedom means that universities are independent in teaching and research. The state has given universities a free hand to operate, which is definitely an important factor in maintaining academic freedom," Soo explained.

For students, academic freedom is directly linked to their learning experience - the opportunity to freely express their opinions and principles, even when these are not aligned with those of others. Academic freedom encourages critical thinking and discussion with teaching staff. Lecturers are able, thanks to academic freedom, to present their viewpoints and the latest research findings independently. This creates the conditions for an open and supportive learning environment.

Aune Valk, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at the University of Tartu, explains that the Academic Freedom Index reflects the situation of higher education and research in countries across five categories: freedom to research and teach, freedom of academic exchange and dissemination, institutional autonomy, adherence to research integrity and good practice, and freedom of academic and cultural expression.

"All of this is as natural a part of our everyday functioning as air and water. The value of academic freedom is difficult to put into words and explain to people who have never experienced life without it. However, it affects us deeply if anyone were to try to restrict these freedoms and rights. Everyone who lived, studied and worked at the university during the Soviet era understands perfectly the importance of the freedom of movement, research integrity, freedom of expression, and so on," Valk said.

"Those who have been fortunate to be born in a free Estonia can find it difficult to imagine a situation where discussion in lecture halls would have to be restricted, research topics directed from outside, university governance politically influenced, and only lecturers and students acceptable to the regime allowed to travel abroad," she added.

Read more about the Academic Freedom Index and the recent report.

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