Pharmacy students at the University of Tartu 1802-2010--a historical study.

The aim of this article was to give an historical overview of pharmacy education in Estonia and the social profile of pharmacy students of the University of Tartu (previously Dorpat and Jurjew) during the period 1802-2010. In addition, separate data is presented about female students and students of Estonian ethnicity. During the period observed, 6736 students studied pharmacy in the University of Tartu, of whom 4184 graduated in the specialty. The largest proportional representation by place of birth was Tartu and the Tartu region (13.5%). 42% of the students were 21-25 years old. The majority (96.84%) of the students were Estonians. At the end of the 19th century, russification of the university resulted in Russian being made the official language of instruction, with a concomitant decrease of ethnically German and an increase in ethnically Estonian students. Changes in admission policies have led to an increased number of Russian students among graduates since 2004. 2319 of the total 6736 students were female. During the period 1926-1940, women achieved the majority among graduates and they represent the majority up to the present day.