HSB Academic Calendar

Hochschule Bremerhaven, a renowned university of applied sciences in Germany, follows a structured academic calendar typical of many European institutions. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the winter semester, which generally begins in early October and runs through mid-February, and the summer semester, which starts in mid-March and concludes in late July. This biannual structure allows for focused study periods interspersed with breaks, including a notable winter break around the Christmas and New Year holidays. Additionally, the university often incorporates practical training or project phases, reflecting its emphasis on applied learning, which may slightly adjust semester timelines for certain programs.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes begin for most programs, with an orientation week for new students typically held in late September.
• Lecture Period (Winter): October 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026 – Core teaching phase, excluding holidays.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025, to January 6, 2026 – Campus closure for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 1 to February 15, 2026 – Assessment period following lectures.
• Summer Semester Start: March 15, 2026 – Classes resume after a short inter-semester break.
• Lecture Period (Summer): March 15 to June 30, 2026 – Main teaching phase.
• Summer Break: July 1 to September 30, 2026 – Extended break, often used for internships or research projects.

• Application Period Start (Winter Intake): May 1, 2025 – Applications open for most undergraduate programs, with early submission encouraged for international students.
• Application Deadline (Winter Intake): July 15, 2025 – Final date for submission, though some programs may have earlier cutoffs.
• Admission Notification (Winter): Late August to early September 2025 – Decisions typically released 4–6 weeks after the deadline.
• Application Deadline (Summer Intake): January 15, 2026 – For programs offering a summer start, particularly for transfer or specific courses.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: September 15, 2025 (Winter), or February 15, 2026 (Summer) – Accepted students must confirm their spot and submit required documents.

The academic calendar at Hochschule Bremerhaven aligns closely with the standard German university schedule, adhering to national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and German Unity Day, which often fall within semester breaks. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating travel and visa planning. The university’s focus on practical training may result in flexible scheduling for certain degree programs, allowing students to engage in industry placements during breaks. For international applicants, the early application windows and clear deadlines provide ample time to navigate admission requirements, though prospective students are advised to check specific program dates due to potential variations.