Instituto Politécnico de Santarém Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, located in Portugal, typically follows a semester-based structure common to many European higher education institutions. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the fall semester, which generally begins in late September or early October and runs through January, and the spring semester, which starts in February and concludes in June. This structure includes periods for lectures, practical training, and examinations, with breaks aligned to national holidays such as Christmas and Easter. A notable feature of the calendar is the inclusion of intensive periods for project work or internships, reflecting the polytechnic’s focus on applied learning and professional skills development.

• Fall Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 25–30), marking the beginning of classes for the academic year.
• Midterm Exams (Fall): Mid-November 2025, often followed by a short break or project week.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026, coinciding with Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Early February 2026 (around February 3–7), with classes resuming after winter evaluations.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (typically a 1–2 week period), aligned with national holiday observances.
• Final Exams: Late May to mid-June 2026, concluding the academic year for most programs.
• Commencement Ceremony: Late June or early July 2026, celebrating graduating students.

• Application Period Start: Early March 2025, when applications for the 2025–2026 cycle typically open for undergraduate programs.
• Early Application Deadline: Mid-May 2025, for priority consideration, especially for competitive programs or international students.
• Regular Application Deadline: Late June 2025, the standard cutoff for most domestic and EU applicants.
• Admission Results Notification: Mid-July to early August 2025, with decisions released for regular applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: Late August 2025, requiring accepted students to confirm their spot and submit final documents.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: Early September 2025, for scholarships or grants, with separate requirements for international students.

The academic calendar of Instituto Politécnico de Santarém aligns closely with Portugal’s national education framework, incorporating public holidays and seasonal breaks that reflect cultural norms, such as extended closures during Christmas and Easter. This structure offers some flexibility for international students, with semester start dates allowing for travel and visa processing. However, prospective students should note that specific dates for academic periods and admissions may vary slightly year to year, and the polytechnic’s emphasis on practical training may require additional scheduling commitments outside traditional semester dates. As exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are not yet publicly available, the above timelines are estimates based on typical patterns for Portuguese polytechnic institutions.