HAW Academic Calendar

HAW Hamburg, officially known as Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, follows a structured academic calendar typical of German universities, divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester generally begins in early October and runs through mid-February, including a holiday break in late December to early January. The Summer Semester typically starts in mid-March and concludes in mid-July, with a shorter break in between semesters. This biannual structure allows for focused academic periods and aligns with the practical, application-oriented programs for which HAW Hamburg is known. Unique to many applied sciences universities in Germany, HAW Hamburg often integrates project-based learning and internships into its calendar, providing students with flexible scheduling for practical training.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures and academic activities.
• Winter Holiday Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Campus closure for Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 1 – February 15, 2026 – Examination period (exact dates may vary by department).
• Summer Semester Start: March 15, 2026 – Lectures resume after the inter-semester break.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: July 1 – July 15, 2026 – Final exams and project submissions.

• Application Period Start for Winter Semester: May 1, 2025 – Applications open for most undergraduate programs (Class of 2030).
• Application Deadline for Winter Semester: July 15, 2025 – Final date for submission, especially for programs with restricted admission; international students are advised to apply earlier due to visa processing.
• Notification of Admission: August 1 – August 15, 2025 – Decision letters typically sent out during this period.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 – Deadline to confirm enrollment and pay semester fees.
• Application Period for Summer Semester: November 1 – December 15, 2025 – For programs starting in March 2026, if applicable.

The academic calendar at HAW Hamburg aligns closely with national norms in Germany, where the two-semester system is standard across higher education institutions. This structure accommodates public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and German Unity Day, often integrated into semester breaks. For international students, the calendar offers some flexibility, with extended application periods and support for visa processing timelines. However, students are encouraged to plan ahead, as the German academic system emphasizes punctuality in enrollment and semester fee payments. Additionally, HAW Hamburg’s focus on applied sciences means that some programs may include mandatory internships or project phases, which could influence individual scheduling outside the standard lecture periods.