Herzen Academic Calendar

Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, located in Saint Petersburg, follows a traditional academic calendar structured around two main semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester typically begins in early September and runs through late December, while the spring semester starts in early February and concludes in late June. This structure aligns with many Russian universities and incorporates extended breaks, notably a winter holiday period in January and a summer break from July to August. Unique to Herzen University, the calendar often includes additional short breaks around national holidays and may feature intensive modular courses or teaching practicums for pedagogical programs, reflecting its focus on teacher education.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes commence for all students, often marked by an opening ceremony.
• Winter Break: December 30, 2025 – January 10, 2026 – A holiday period coinciding with New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 9, 2026 – Return to classes after the winter break.
• Exam Periods: Late December 2025 (fall) and late June 2026 (spring) – Specific dates vary by program, typically spanning 2–3 weeks.
• Summer Break: July 1 – August 31, 2026 – Extended break with optional summer practicums or research opportunities.

• Application Opening: December 1, 2024 – Start of the application period for the 2025–2026 academic year, primarily for international students.
• Early Admission Deadline: March 15, 2025 – For priority consideration, especially for competitive programs or scholarship eligibility.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, with document submission required by this date.
• Entrance Exams: July 1 – July 20, 2025 – Specific dates depend on the program; required for many Russian universities including Herzen.
• Decision Notification: Late July to early August 2025 – Applicants are informed of admission status, with additional steps for international student visa processing.

The academic calendar at Herzen State Pedagogical University aligns closely with national norms in Russia, reflecting public holidays such as Defender of the Fatherland Day (February) and Victory Day (May), which often result in short breaks. For international students, the university offers some flexibility with application timelines and orientation programs scheduled before the fall semester. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for academic and admissions events may vary annually and are subject to confirmation. The calendar’s structure supports the university’s emphasis on pedagogical training, with designated periods for practical teaching experiences, making it distinct yet accommodating within the broader Russian higher education system.