HKA Academic Calendar

Die Hochschule Karlsruhe, located in Karlsruhe, Germany, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured around 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-March and concludes in late July, with a shorter break in August. This structure aligns with many German universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), emphasizing practical training and internships, often integrated into the academic schedule. Unique to Die Hochschule Karlsruhe is its focus on project-based learning, which may influence semester timelines with specific periods dedicated to hands-on modules or industry collaborations.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes begin for all programs, with an orientation week for new students typically held in late September.
• Winter Holiday Break: December 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Campus closure for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 3 – February 14, 2026 – Examination period before the semester break.
• Summer Semester Start: March 16, 2026 – Classes resume after the inter-semester break.
• Summer Holiday Break: July 27 – August 31, 2026 – Break period following the end of classes and exams in late July.

• Application Period Start for Winter Semester: May 1, 2025 – Applications open for undergraduate programs, with early submission recommended for international students.
• Application Deadline for Winter Semester: July 15, 2025 – Final date for most programs; some restricted programs may have earlier deadlines.
• Admission Notification: August 15 – August 31, 2025 – Applicants are typically notified of decisions during this period.
• Application Deadline for Summer Semester: January 15, 2026 – Deadline for programs starting in March, with limited intake for certain courses.
• Enrollment Confirmation: September 1 – September 15, 2025 (Winter); February 1 – February 15, 2026 (Summer) – Accepted students must confirm enrollment and submit final documents.

The academic calendar at Die Hochschule Karlsruhe aligns closely with regional norms in Baden-Württemberg and broader German university schedules, incorporating national holidays such as Christmas and Easter into its breaks. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the compact semester system may require careful planning for internships or part-time work. International students benefit from clear application timelines, but they should account for additional processing times for visas and language proficiency documentation. The university’s emphasis on applied sciences also means that scheduling may occasionally adapt to industry partnerships or project deadlines, providing a dynamic yet structured academic experience.