IPS Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal (IPS), located in Setúbal, 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 mid-September and runs through late January, and the spring semester, spanning from early February to late June. This structure includes periods for lectures, practical training, and examinations at the end of each semester. Additionally, IPS often incorporates breaks aligned with national holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, providing students with extended time for rest or independent study. The calendar may also feature specific periods for project work or internships, reflecting the polytechnic’s emphasis on applied learning and professional development.

• Fall Semester Start: Mid-September 2025 (typically around September 15) – Classes and orientation activities begin.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 5) – Includes national holidays.
• Fall Semester Exams: Late January 2026 (typically last two weeks of January) – Assessment period for fall courses.
• Spring Semester Start: Early February 2026 (around February 3) – Second semester coursework begins.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (approximately April 10-17) – Aligned with national Easter holidays.
• Spring Semester Exams: Late June 2026 (typically last two weeks of June) – Final assessments and project submissions.
• Commencement Ceremony: Early July 2026 (estimated) – Graduation events for completing students.

• First Phase Application Deadline: Late May 2025 (typically around May 25) – Initial application period for national and EU students via the national access system.
• Second Phase Application Deadline: Mid-August 2025 (approximately August 10) – Additional opportunity for remaining vacancies.
• International Student Application Deadline: Early April 2025 (estimated) – Specific deadlines for non-EU applicants, with earlier submission recommended for visa processing.
• Admission Results Notification: Early September 2025 (typically first week) – Results for first-phase applicants; later notifications for subsequent phases.
• Enrollment and Registration Deadline: Mid-September 2025 (around September 15) – Final date to confirm enrollment and pay fees.

The academic calendar at Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal aligns closely with Portugal’s national education framework, ensuring that breaks and key dates correspond with public holidays and regional norms, such as Carnival and Easter. This synchronization facilitates planning for both domestic and international students. The semester structure offers some flexibility, particularly for international students who may need to adjust to visa timelines or language preparation courses often offered before the fall semester. Additionally, IPS’s focus on practical training may result in unique scheduling for internships or industry placements, which can vary by program. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Portuguese polytechnic calendars, students are encouraged to consult official IPS resources for the most accurate and updated information.