h_da Academic Calendar

Hochschule Darmstadt (h_da), a prominent university of applied sciences in Germany, follows a structured academic calendar typical of German higher education institutions. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester, which generally runs from early October to mid-February, and the Summer Semester, spanning from mid-April to mid-July. This biannual structure includes lecture periods, examination phases, and semester breaks, allowing students ample time for internships or self-study during the non-lecture periods. A notable feature of h_da’s calendar is its alignment with regional holidays and the inclusion of a longer break between semesters, particularly after the Winter Semester, to accommodate personal and professional development.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Winter Semester Exams: January 20 – February 7, 2026 – Examination period following the lecture phase.
• Semester Break (Winter): February 8 – April 13, 2026 – Extended break for internships or independent study.
• Summer Semester Start: April 14, 2026 – Lectures resume for the second semester.
• Summer Semester Exams: July 1 – July 18, 2026 – Final exams before the summer break.
• Summer Break: July 19 – September 30, 2026 – Break period, often used for internships or research projects.

• Application Period Start (Winter Semester): May 1, 2025 – Applications open for undergraduate programs starting in October 2025.
• Application Deadline (Winter Semester): July 15, 2025 – Final date for most programs; international students are encouraged to apply earlier due to visa processing times.
• Application Period (Summer Semester): November 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025 – For programs starting in April 2026.
• Admission Notification: August 2025 (Winter) and January 2026 (Summer) – Approximate notification periods for acceptance or rejection.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 (Winter) and March 15, 2026 (Summer) – Final date to confirm enrollment and submit required documents.

The academic calendar at Hochschule Darmstadt aligns closely with the standard German university schedule, incorporating national holidays such as Christmas and Easter into its breaks, which offers predictability for students planning their studies. This structure provides flexibility for international students, as the extended semester breaks allow time for travel or additional language training. Additionally, the university’s focus on applied sciences means that breaks are often utilized for practical training or industry placements, a key consideration for prospective students. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on typical German academic cycles, they reflect the general rhythm of h_da’s scheduling practices.