EPFL Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), located in Lausanne, Switzerland, follows a two-semester structure typical of many European universities. The academic year is divided into a Fall Semester, generally starting in mid-September and concluding in late December, and a Spring Semester, running from mid-February to late May or early June. A notable feature of EPFL’s calendar is the inclusion of intensive exam periods at the end of each semester, as well as a structured summer break that often accommodates research projects or internships, reflecting the university’s strong emphasis on innovation and practical experience. This setup allows students to balance rigorous coursework with opportunities for hands-on learning.

• Fall Semester Start: September 15, 2025 (approximate, based on typical schedules). Classes begin for all students.
• Fall Semester Exams: December 15–22, 2025 (estimated). End-of-semester assessments before the winter break.
• Winter Break: December 23, 2025–January 5, 2026 (approximate). Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: February 16, 2026 (estimated). Second semester coursework begins.
• Spring Semester Exams: May 25–June 5, 2026 (approximate). Final exams for the academic year.
• Summer Break: June 6–September 14, 2026 (estimated). Period for internships, research, or personal projects.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 (estimated). Start of the application period for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2025 (approximate). Final date for submitting undergraduate applications; recommended for international students to account for visa processing.
• Decision Notification: April 1–15, 2025 (estimated). Applicants are typically informed of admission decisions during this period.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, 2025 (approximate). Deadline to accept offers of admission and submit required deposits.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 (estimated). Submission deadline for scholarship or aid requests, especially critical for international applicants.

EPFL’s academic calendar aligns closely with Swiss and broader European academic norms, featuring semester breaks that often coincide with national holidays such as Christmas and Easter. This structure provides predictability for students and faculty while offering flexibility for international students, who form a significant portion of EPFL’s community, to manage travel and visa requirements. Additionally, the extended summer break supports the university’s research-intensive environment, allowing students to engage in projects or internships without conflicting with coursework. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are not yet publicly confirmed, the estimates provided are based on historical patterns and typical scheduling for Swiss institutions.