DSHS Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln, located in Cologne, Germany, typically follows the standard European university structure with two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester generally begins in early October and runs through mid-February, while the Summer Semester starts in mid-April and concludes in late July. This structure includes lecture periods, examination phases, and semester breaks, with a notable extended break over the winter holidays in December and January. Unique to this university, given its focus on sports science, the calendar may incorporate practical training periods or sports-related events that align with national and international competition schedules, offering students hands-on learning opportunities.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures and academic activities.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Break for Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Winter Semester Exams: Late January to mid-February 2026 – Specific dates vary by program.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Lectures and training sessions resume.
• Summer Break: Late July to late September 2026 – Extended break with potential for internships or sports camps.
• Summer Semester Exams: Mid-July 2026 – Examination period before the summer break.

• Application Period Start: December 1, 2024 – Applications open for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Application Deadline: July 15, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate programs; earlier deadlines may apply for specific courses.
• Admission Decisions Released: Late August to early September 2025 – Notifications sent to applicants.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 – Deadline to confirm enrollment and submit required documents.
• International Student Deadline: May 15, 2025 – Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing and additional requirements.

The academic calendar at Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln aligns with the broader German university system, adhering to national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and German Unity Day, which often fall within semester breaks. This structure provides predictability for both domestic and international students. Additionally, the university’s focus on sports science may result in flexible scheduling to accommodate athletic events or training, which can be particularly beneficial for student-athletes. For international students, the extended summer break offers ample time for travel or visa renewals, though early application deadlines ensure sufficient processing time. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on typical German university cycles, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications as they become available.