IEP BORDEAUX Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Bordeaux, commonly known as Sciences Po Bordeaux, typically follows a semester-based structure, aligning with many European universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the fall semester, which generally begins in early September and runs through mid-December, and the spring semester, spanning from mid-January to late May or early June. This structure includes breaks for major holidays such as Christmas and Easter, as well as a summer break from June to August. A distinctive feature of Sciences Po Bordeaux is its emphasis on intensive study periods and interdisciplinary modules, often incorporating internships or research projects, which may vary slightly depending on the specific program or year of study.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 (approximate, pending official confirmation). Classes typically begin in the first week of September.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (approximate). This period includes national holidays in France.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (approximate). Students return for the second semester after the winter break.
• Easter Break: April 10 – April 20, 2026 (approximate). Dates may vary based on the national holiday calendar.
• Final Exams: Late May to early June 2026. Specific dates depend on the program and course schedule.
• Commencement Ceremony: Mid-June 2026 (approximate). Graduation events are typically held at the end of the academic year.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 (approximate). The admissions portal for the Class of 2030 generally opens in late fall.
• Early Admission Deadline: January 15, 2025 (approximate). Early applications may receive priority consideration, especially for competitive programs.
• Regular Admission Deadline: March 31, 2025 (approximate). This is the standard deadline for most undergraduate applicants.
• Decision Notification: May 15, 2025 (approximate). Applicants are typically informed of admission decisions by mid-spring.
• Financial Aid Deadline: April 30, 2025 (approximate). Students seeking scholarships or aid should submit materials alongside their application.
• Enrollment Confirmation: June 30, 2025 (approximate). Accepted students must confirm their intent to enroll by this date.

The academic calendar at Sciences Po Bordeaux aligns closely with the standard French university system, incorporating national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Bastille Day into its breaks. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the intensive nature of certain programs may require additional flexibility in scheduling. International students, in particular, benefit from the clear semester framework, which facilitates visa planning and travel arrangements. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for academic and admissions events may vary annually and are subject to official publication by the university. It is advisable to monitor updates directly from Sciences Po Bordeaux for the most accurate and current information.