CFPJ Academic Calendar

The Centre de Formation et de Perfectionnement des Journalistes (CFPJ), located in France, follows a structured academic calendar typically divided into two main semesters: fall and spring. The academic year generally begins in late September or early October and concludes in June, aligning with many European institutions. This structure allows for a comprehensive curriculum tailored to journalism training, with breaks for major holidays and intensive periods for practical workshops or internships, which are a hallmark of CFPJ’s hands-on approach to education. While exact dates may vary annually, the calendar often includes a winter break in December and a shorter spring break in April, reflecting both academic and cultural rhythms in France.

• Fall Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 29) – Orientation and first classes begin.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 5) – Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 12) – Second semester coursework resumes.
• Spring Break: Early April 2026 (approximately April 6 to April 13) – A short recess for students.
• Final Exams: Late May to early June 2026 (typically May 25 to June 5) – End-of-year assessments and project submissions.
• Commencement: Mid-June 2026 (around June 15) – Graduation ceremonies for completing students.

• Early Application Deadline: November 15, 2025 – For priority consideration, with decisions notified by mid-December 2025.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2026 – Standard application cutoff, with notifications expected by late March 2026.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: February 1, 2026 – Submission for scholarships or grants, applicable to both domestic and international applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, 2026 – Accepted students must confirm their intent to enroll and submit deposits.
• International Student Deadline: December 1, 2025 – Earlier cutoff to accommodate visa processing and additional documentation.

The academic calendar at CFPJ aligns closely with national norms in France, incorporating public holidays such as Christmas and Easter into its break periods. This synchronization facilitates planning for both domestic and international students, though the latter should note the earlier admissions deadlines to account for visa processing times. Additionally, CFPJ’s emphasis on practical journalism training may result in unique scheduling, such as intensive summer workshops or mid-semester internships, offering flexibility but requiring careful time management. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical French university calendars, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact timelines through official communications from CFPJ.