UMU Academic Calendar

The Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMÜ), located in Tartu, Estonia, follows a structured academic calendar based on a two-semester system, typical of many European universities. The academic year is divided into a fall semester, generally starting in early September and concluding in late December or early January, and a spring semester, running from late January or early February to late May or early June. This structure includes designated periods for lectures, exams, and breaks, with a notable winter holiday break aligning with Christmas and New Year celebrations. Additionally, the university often incorporates intensive study or research periods, reflecting its focus on agricultural and environmental sciences, which may involve fieldwork or modular courses during the summer months.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Official beginning of the academic year with orientation for new students.
• Fall Semester Exams: December 15–22, 2025 – Examination period before the winter break.
• Winter Break: December 23, 2025 – January 5, 2026 – Holiday period covering Christmas and New Year.
• Spring Semester Start: January 27, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Spring Semester Exams: May 25–June 5, 2026 – Final exams for the academic year.
• Graduation Ceremony: Mid-June 2026 – Commencement for graduating students, typically held in Tartu.

• Application Period Opens: January 1, 2025 – Start of applications for undergraduate programs for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Early Admission Deadline: March 15, 2025 – Priority deadline for international students requiring visa processing.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 1, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, including EU/EEA applicants.
• Admission Decisions Released: June 15–30, 2025 – Notification period for accepted students, with specific dates varying by program.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: July 15, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit required documents or deposits.

The academic calendar at the Estonian University of Life Sciences aligns closely with national and regional norms in Estonia and broader European higher education systems, particularly in its semester structure and holiday scheduling around Christmas and national holidays like Independence Day on February 24. This calendar offers flexibility for international students, with clear breaks for travel and early application deadlines to accommodate visa processing. Additionally, the university’s emphasis on practical, field-based learning in environmental and life sciences may result in unique scheduling adjustments, such as summer research opportunities or intensive courses, which students should consider when planning their academic year.