ETH Academic Calendar

ETH Zurich, one of the leading universities in Switzerland, operates on a semester-based academic calendar with two main terms: the Autumn Semester and the Spring Semester. The Autumn Semester typically begins in mid-September and runs through mid-February, including a winter break. The Spring Semester usually starts in late February and concludes in early June, followed by a summer break. A distinctive feature of ETH Zurich’s calendar is the inclusion of session breaks and examination periods at the end of each semester, allowing students to focus on assessments without overlapping coursework. This structure supports the university’s emphasis on rigorous academic and research pursuits.

• Autumn Semester Start: September 15, 2025 (classes begin for most programs).
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (includes Christmas and New Year holidays).
• Autumn Semester Exams: January 20 – February 14, 2026 (end-of-semester assessments).
• Spring Semester Start: February 24, 2026 (classes resume after a short break).
• Spring Semester Exams: May 25 – June 6, 2026 (final assessments before summer break).
• Summer Break: June 7 – September 14, 2026 (extended period for internships or research).

• Application Period Opens: November 1, 2024 (for Autumn 2025 intake; early start for international students).
• Application Deadline: December 15, 2024 (final date for most undergraduate programs, including international applicants).
• Admission Decisions Released: March – April 2025 (notifications sent on a rolling basis).
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 31, 2025 (deadline to accept offers and submit required documents).
• Orientation Week: Early September 2025 (mandatory for new students, typically one week before classes).

The academic calendar at ETH Zurich aligns closely with other Swiss and European universities, with semesters structured around major regional holidays such as Christmas and Easter, ensuring students have adequate breaks. This calendar offers some flexibility for international students, as the long summer break provides opportunities for travel or internships. Additionally, the university’s focus on examination periods outside of regular class time reflects its commitment to academic excellence and research, a hallmark of its global reputation. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, students are encouraged to verify exact schedules through official university communications as the academic year approaches.