ÅA Academic Calendar

Åbo Akademi University, located in Turku, Finland, follows a structured academic calendar typical of many European universities, with the year divided into two main semesters: autumn and spring. The autumn semester generally begins in late August or early September and runs through mid-December, while the spring semester starts in early January and concludes in late May or early June. This structure includes periods for intensive teaching, independent study, and examinations at the end of each semester. A notable feature of Åbo Akademi’s calendar is its alignment with Finnish seasonal breaks, including a longer winter holiday period around Christmas and a shorter break in the spring, often coinciding with Easter.

• Autumn Semester Start: Late August to early September 2025 (typically around August 25–September 1), marking the beginning of lectures and orientation for new students.
• Autumn Examinations: Mid to late December 2025 (approximately December 10–20), followed by the winter holiday break.
• Winter Holiday Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (roughly December 20–January 6), covering Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: Early January 2026 (around January 7–10), with classes resuming after the winter break.
• Spring Examinations: Late May to early June 2026 (approximately May 20–June 5), concluding the academic year.
• Summer Break: June to August 2026, with limited academic activities and opportunities for summer courses or research.

• Application Period for International Students: Early December 2024 to mid-January 2025 (typically December 1–January 15), for programs starting in autumn 2025, with specific deadlines varying by program.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Mid-January 2025 (around January 15), for most undergraduate programs, including submission of required documents.
• Admission Results Notification: Late March to early April 2025 (approximately March 20–April 5), informing applicants of acceptance or rejection.
• Confirmation of Study Place: Mid-April to early May 2025 (typically by May 1), requiring accepted students to confirm their enrollment.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: Early May 2025 (around May 1), often aligned with enrollment confirmation for scholarships or grants.

The academic calendar at Åbo Akademi University aligns closely with Finnish and broader Nordic educational norms, incorporating significant breaks during winter to accommodate national holidays like Christmas and Independence Day. This structure offers flexibility for international students, as the semester system and extended summer break allow for travel or internships. Additionally, the university’s scheduling considers the region’s long winter, with intensive study periods designed to maximize daylight hours. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, prospective students are encouraged to check official university announcements for precise information as it becomes available.