FH Dortmund Academic Calendar

Fachhochschule Dortmund, located in Dortmund, 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 mid-July, with a short break around Easter. This structure aligns with many German universities of applied sciences, emphasizing practical training and project-based learning, often incorporating periods for internships or industry collaboration during semester breaks.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes begin for all programs, with orientation events for new students in late September.
• Winter Holiday Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Campus closure for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 1 – February 15, 2026 – Examination period before the semester break.
• Summer Semester Start: March 15, 2026 – Classes resume after the inter-semester break.
• Easter Break: April 3 – April 10, 2026 – Short holiday aligned with national Easter observances.
• Summer Semester Exams: July 1 – July 15, 2026 – Final assessments and project submissions.

• 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 – September 1, 2025 – Decisions released, with time for visa processing for international applicants.
• Application Deadline for Summer Semester: January 15, 2026 – For programs offering mid-year intake, subject to availability.

The academic calendar at Fachhochschule Dortmund aligns closely with regional and national norms in Germany, adhering to public holiday schedules such as Christmas, Easter, and other federal observances. This structure offers predictability for students planning their studies or internships. For international students, the extended breaks between semesters provide flexibility for travel or additional language training, though application timelines are strict to accommodate visa processing. As exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle may not yet be published, the above timelines are estimates based on typical schedules for German universities of applied sciences. Students are encouraged to check official university announcements for confirmed dates and program-specific requirements.