ENS Fontenay-Saint Cloud Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at École Normale Supérieure de Fontenay-Saint-Cloud, a prestigious institution in France, typically follows a semester-based structure common to many European universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the fall semester, which generally begins in early September and runs through mid-December, and the spring semester, spanning from mid-January to late May or early June. This structure allows for a significant winter break around the holiday season and a shorter spring break, often aligned with national holidays. A unique feature of the calendar is its emphasis on intensive research and examination periods, reflecting the institution’s focus on academic rigor and preparation for competitive national exams.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes commence for all students, with orientation events in late August.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 – Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: January 13, 2026 – Resumption of classes after the winter break.
• Spring Break: April 10–17, 2026 – Often aligned with Easter holidays.
• Final Examinations: May 25 – June 5, 2026 – End-of-year assessments for most programs.
• Commencement Ceremony: June 20, 2026 – Tentative date for graduation events.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 – Start of applications for the Class of 2030.
• Early Admission Deadline: January 15, 2025 – For candidates seeking priority consideration; decisions typically notified by mid-March.
• Regular Admission Deadline: March 31, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs; decisions expected by late May.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: April 15, 2025 – Submission required for need-based aid consideration.
• Enrollment Confirmation: June 30, 2025 – Deadline for accepted students to confirm attendance, with special provisions for international applicants.

The academic calendar at École Normale Supérieure de Fontenay-Saint-Cloud aligns closely with national norms in France, incorporating public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Bastille Day into its break periods. This synchronization facilitates coordination with other French institutions and accommodates students participating in national competitive exams. For international students, the calendar offers some flexibility, with extended breaks providing opportunities for travel or additional study. However, the intensive nature of the academic terms, particularly around examination periods, may require careful planning. Specific calendar and admissions dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on typical French university schedules, as exact details are not publicly available at this time.