CvO Academic Calendar

Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, located in Oldenburg, Germany, follows a traditional European academic calendar divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester typically begins in early October and runs through mid-February, including a holiday break in late December to early January. The Summer Semester generally starts in mid-April and concludes in mid-July, with a shorter break in between semesters. This structure aligns with many German universities, allowing for a balance of intensive study periods and breaks that accommodate both academic and personal schedules. Unique to some programs at the university, certain courses may follow a modular structure with intensive blocks of study, offering flexibility for students engaged in research or interdisciplinary studies.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes begin for most programs, with orientation events for new students in late September.
• Winter Holiday Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Campus closure for Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 10 – February 28, 2026 – Examination period for most faculties.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Lectures resume after the spring break.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: July 10 – July 31, 2026 – Final exams and project submissions.

• Application Period Start for Winter Semester: May 1, 2025 – Initial opening for undergraduate applications, especially for international students requiring visas.
• Priority Deadline for Restricted Programs: July 15, 2025 – Deadline for programs with limited spots (Numerus Clausus), with notifications by late August.
• Final Application Deadline: August 31, 2025 – Last date for most undergraduate programs for the Winter Semester start.
• Application Period for Summer Semester: December 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026 – For programs allowing mid-year entry, with decisions communicated by early March.

The academic calendar at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg aligns closely with national norms in Germany, adhering to the standard semester system observed across most public universities. Breaks often coincide with major public holidays such as Christmas and Easter, providing predictable downtime for students. For international students, the extended application periods and early deadlines offer sufficient time to arrange visas and accommodations, though applicants are encouraged to apply early due to processing times. Additionally, the university’s scheduling accommodates research-intensive periods, particularly in graduate and doctoral programs, ensuring flexibility for students balancing academic and professional commitments. Specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical German university timelines, as exact dates may not yet be publicly available.