ZU Academic Calendar

Ilyas Zhansugurov Zhetysu State University, located in Kazakhstan, follows a structured academic calendar typically divided into two main semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester generally begins in early September and concludes in late December, while the spring semester starts in early January and ends in late May or early June. This structure aligns with many universities in the region, incorporating breaks for national holidays and a longer summer recess for students to engage in internships or research. A notable feature of the university’s calendar is its emphasis on accommodating both academic and cultural events, ensuring students participate in significant regional celebrations during scheduled breaks.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes commence for all students, marking the beginning of the academic year.
• Midterm Exams: Mid-October 2025 – A week dedicated to assessments and progress evaluations.
• Winter Break: December 25, 2025, to January 5, 2026 – Includes celebrations for New Year and other national holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: January 10, 2026 – Return to classes after the winter break.
• Final Exams: Late May to early June 2026 – End-of-year assessments for most programs.
• Commencement Ceremony: Mid-June 2026 – Graduation event for completing students.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 – Start of the application period for the Class of 2030.
• Early Admission Deadline: February 15, 2025 – For applicants seeking priority consideration; decisions typically notified by late March.
• Regular Admission Deadline: May 1, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate applications; decisions expected by mid-June.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: May 15, 2025 – Submission deadline for scholarships and grants, with notifications alongside admission decisions.
• Enrollment Confirmation: June 30, 2025 – Deadline for accepted students to confirm their intent to enroll, including deposit payments.

The academic calendar at Ilyas Zhansugurov Zhetysu State University reflects broader regional norms in Kazakhstan, with semesters aligned to accommodate national holidays such as Independence Day and Nauryz. This scheduling provides flexibility for both domestic and international students, allowing time for travel or cultural participation during breaks. Additionally, the university’s admissions timeline is designed to support a diverse applicant pool, with early and regular decision options catering to varying preparation timelines. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns in the region, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications for the most accurate and updated information.