ISAVE Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Instituto Superior de Saúde do Alto Ave (ISSA), 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 mid-February, and the spring semester, which starts in late February or early March and concludes in late June or early July. This structure includes periods for lectures, practical training (especially relevant for health sciences programs), and examination sessions at the end of each semester. Additionally, ISSA incorporates breaks for major holidays such as Christmas and Easter, aligning with national observances, and may offer intensive summer courses or clinical placements for certain programs.

• Fall Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 25–30), marking the beginning of lectures and practical sessions.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20–January 5), coinciding with national holidays.
• Fall Semester Exams: Mid-January to mid-February 2026, with specific dates depending on program schedules.
• Spring Semester Start: Late February 2026 (around February 23–28), following a short inter-semester break.
• Easter Break: Early to mid-April 2026 (aligned with national Easter holidays, typically a 1–2 week period).
• Spring Semester Exams: Mid-June to early July 2026, concluding the academic year.
• Commencement Ceremony: Late July 2026 (tentative), celebrating graduating students.

• Application Period Opens: Early January 2025, for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030), allowing prospective students to begin submissions.
• Early Application Deadline: Mid-April 2025 (around April 15), often prioritized for international students or competitive programs.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Late June 2025 (approximately June 30), the final date for most undergraduate applications.
• Admission Decisions Released: Mid-July to early August 2025, with notifications sent via email or online portals.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: Mid-August 2025 (tentative), requiring accepted students to confirm their spot and submit deposits.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: Early July 2025, aligned with regular decision timelines to ensure timely processing.

The academic calendar at Instituto Superior de Saúde do Alto Ave aligns closely with national norms in Portugal, particularly in its observance of public holidays like Christmas and Easter, which are integrated into semester breaks. This structure offers some flexibility for international students, as the extended holiday periods allow for travel or cultural immersion. However, specific calendar details and admissions dates for the 2025–2026 academic year may not yet be publicly available; the dates provided here are estimates based on typical Portuguese university schedules and should be verified with the institution closer to the time. Additionally, ISSA’s focus on health sciences may result in unique scheduling considerations, such as mandatory clinical rotations or intensive practical periods, which could affect individual student timelines.