HKU Academic Calendar

The Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht (HKU), a leading arts university in the Netherlands, follows a structured academic calendar typically divided into two main semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. The fall semester generally begins in early September and runs through late January, while the spring semester starts in early February and concludes in late June or early July. This structure aligns with many European universities, incorporating breaks for national holidays and a modular approach to coursework, allowing for intensive project-based learning periods that are particularly suited to arts and design programs. Students at HKU often benefit from flexible scheduling within these semesters to accommodate exhibitions, performances, and collaborative projects.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Orientation and first day of classes.
• Autumn Break: October 20–24, 2025 (approximate) – A short mid-semester break for students and staff.
• Winter Break: December 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026 – Extended holiday period including Christmas and New Year’s.
• Spring Semester Start: February 2, 2026 – Classes resume after winter break.
• Spring Break: April 27–May 1, 2026 (approximate) – Coincides with national holidays like King’s Day.
• End of Academic Year: June 26, 2026 (approximate) – Includes final assessments and graduation exhibitions.

• Application Opening: October 1, 2024 – Start of applications for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Early Application Deadline: January 15, 2025 (approximate) – Recommended for international students needing visa processing time.
• Regular Application Deadline: May 1, 2025 (approximate) – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, including portfolio submissions.
• Admission Decisions Released: June 15, 2025 (approximate) – Notifications sent to applicants, with earlier decisions for early applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: July 1, 2025 (approximate) – Deadline to accept offers and submit final documents.

The academic calendar at HKU aligns closely with the Dutch national education system, incorporating breaks around significant public holidays such as King’s Day and Christmas, which provides a familiar rhythm for local students. For international students, the semester structure offers ample time during breaks to travel or engage in cultural immersion, while the early application deadlines ensure sufficient processing time for visas and relocation. It should be noted that specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Dutch university schedules, as official HKU calendars may not yet be published. Students are encouraged to check the university’s official communications for the most accurate and updated information.