IPG Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Instituto Politécnico da Guarda (IPG), located in Portugal, typically follows a two-semester structure, common among European higher education institutions. The academic year is divided into a fall semester, starting in mid-to-late September, and a spring semester, beginning in mid-February. Each semester generally spans around 15 weeks of instruction, followed by examination periods. The calendar also includes breaks for major holidays such as Christmas and Easter, aligning with national observances in Portugal. While specific dates may vary year to year, IPG often incorporates a summer break from late June to early September, allowing for internships, research, or personal development.

• Fall Semester Start: September 15–20, 2025 (classes typically begin in the third week of September).
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (includes national holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day).
• Fall Semester Exams: January 15–31, 2026 (assessment period following the fall term).
• Spring Semester Start: February 15–20, 2026 (classes resume after a short inter-semester break).
• Easter Break: April 10–20, 2026 (aligned with national Easter holidays).
• Spring Semester Exams: June 1–20, 2026 (end-of-year assessments).
• Summer Break: June 25 – September 10, 2026 (extended break for internships or vacation).

• Application Period Start: March 1–April 30, 2025 (first phase for national and international applicants for the 2025–2026 cycle).
• Regular Decision Deadline: June 30, 2025 (final phase for most undergraduate programs).
• Admission Results Notification: July 15–31, 2025 (decisions typically released in late summer).
• Enrollment Deadline: August 15–30, 2025 (final date to confirm enrollment and pay fees).
• International Student Deadline: May 15, 2025 (earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing).

The academic calendar at Instituto Politécnico da Guarda aligns closely with Portugal’s national education framework, incorporating public holidays and seasonal breaks that reflect cultural norms. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, with clear semester divisions and extended summer periods for professional or personal pursuits. For international applicants, the admissions timeline provides ample time for visa arrangements, though early application is encouraged. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Portuguese university schedules, prospective students are advised to consult official IPG announcements for confirmed timelines.