IPCB Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco (IPCB), 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-September, and a spring semester, beginning in mid-February. Each semester generally spans around 15-16 weeks, including periods for lectures, practical sessions, and examinations. Breaks are scheduled around major national holidays such as Christmas and Easter, with a summer break extending from late June to early September. While IPCB does not feature modular terms or unique scheduling formats, its calendar aligns with the academic rhythms of other Portuguese polytechnic institutes, ensuring consistency for students and faculty.

• Fall Semester Start: Mid-September 2025 (typically around September 15) - Orientation for new students often occurs in the preceding week.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 5) - Includes national holidays.
• Fall Semester Exams: Late January to early February 2026 - Assessment period before the spring semester begins.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-February 2026 (around February 15) - Second semester coursework begins.
• Easter Break: Early to mid-April 2026 - Typically a one-week break aligned with national holidays.
• Spring Semester Exams: Late June 2026 - Final assessments for the academic year.
• Summer Break: July to early September 2026 - Extended break before the next academic year.

• Application Period Start: Early March 2025 - First phase for national and international undergraduate applicants for the 2025-2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• First Phase Deadline: Late June 2025 - Deadline for initial applications through the national access system.
• Second Phase Deadline: Mid-August 2025 - For remaining vacancies after the first phase results.
• Admission Results Notification: Early September 2025 - Decisions typically released for first-phase applicants; second-phase results follow later in September.
• Enrollment Deadline: Mid to late September 2025 - Final date to confirm enrollment and pay initial fees.
• International Student Deadline: May 2025 - Earlier deadline for non-EU applicants to accommodate visa processing.

The academic calendar at Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco adheres to the standard Portuguese higher education framework, with semesters and breaks closely aligned with national public holidays like Christmas and Easter. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating planning for travel or family commitments. Additionally, the admissions timeline, particularly for international applicants, provides ample lead time for visa applications and relocation, reflecting IPCB’s commitment to accessibility. While specific dates for the 2025-2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Portuguese polytechnic schedules, students are encouraged to consult official IPCB announcements for confirmed timelines as they become available.