CEU Academic Calendar

Central European University (CEU), located in Vienna, Austria, follows a semester-based academic calendar typical of many European institutions. The academic year is generally divided into two main semesters: Fall and Spring, with an optional Summer term for specific programs or intensive courses. The Fall Semester typically begins in late September or early October and runs through mid-December, while the Spring Semester starts in mid-January and concludes in late May or early June. CEU’s calendar often includes a Winter Break in December and January, as well as a shorter Spring Break in April, aligning with regional holidays like Easter. A distinctive feature of CEU’s structure is its focus on intensive, research-oriented programs, which may include modular workshops or short-term courses alongside traditional semester schedules.

• Fall Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 29) – Orientation and first day of classes.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 6) – Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 13) – Classes resume after Winter Break.
• Spring Break: Early April 2026 (approximately April 3 to April 10) – Often coincides with Easter holidays.
• Final Exams (Spring): Late May to early June 2026 (around May 25 to June 5) – End of academic year for most programs.
• Commencement Ceremony: Mid-June 2026 (tentatively June 15) – Graduation for completing students.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025 – Recommended for priority consideration; decisions typically released by mid-December 2025.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2026 – Standard application deadline for the Class of 2030; decisions expected by late March 2026.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: February 15, 2026 – Must be submitted alongside admission application for scholarship consideration.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, 2026 – Deadline to accept admission offer and pay deposit.
• International Student Visa Application Support: Ongoing from March to June 2026 – CEU provides guidance for non-EU applicants post-admission.

CEU’s academic calendar aligns closely with European university norms, particularly in Austria and neighboring countries, with semesters structured around major regional holidays like Christmas and Easter. This scheduling offers predictability for both local and international students, facilitating travel and family commitments during breaks. Additionally, CEU’s emphasis on accommodating a diverse, global student body is evident in its flexible admissions timelines and dedicated support for visa processes. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, CEU’s focus on research and interdisciplinary studies may occasionally lead to unique scheduling adjustments, such as intensive workshops or extended project periods, tailored to program needs.