ISTU Academic Calendar

Irkutsk State Technical University (ISTU), located in Irkutsk, Russia, follows a traditional academic calendar structured around two main semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester typically begins in early September and runs through late December, while the spring semester starts in early February and concludes in late June. This structure aligns with many Russian universities, incorporating extended breaks to accommodate national holidays and seasonal weather conditions in Siberia. A notable feature of ISTU’s calendar is the inclusion of intensive exam periods at the end of each semester, alongside a lengthy winter break that often spans late December to mid-January, reflecting the region’s harsh winter climate.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes commence for all students, often marked by a ceremonial opening event.
• Winter Break: December 25, 2025 – January 15, 2026 – A long hiatus covering New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 10, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Spring Semester Exams: June 1 – June 20, 2026 – Final assessments and project submissions for the academic year.
• Graduation Ceremony: Late June 2026 – Specific date to be announced, typically held for graduating students.

• Application Opening: January 15, 2025 – Start of the application period for the Class of 2030, including international applicants.
• Early Admission Deadline: April 1, 2025 – For priority consideration, with decisions often notified by late May.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate program applications.
• Entrance Exams: July 1 – July 15, 2025 – Required for certain programs, especially for Russian and international students.
• Admission Decisions: August 1 – August 15, 2025 – Notification period for accepted students, including financial aid information.

The academic calendar at Irkutsk State Technical University adheres to norms observed across Russian higher education institutions, with semester timings and breaks closely aligned to national holidays such as New Year and Victory Day. The extended winter break offers flexibility for students, particularly international ones, to travel or engage in cultural immersion during significant Russian festivities. Additionally, the university’s scheduling accounts for the region’s extreme weather, ensuring that intensive academic periods avoid the coldest months. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns in Russian universities, prospective students are encouraged to check official university announcements for confirmed schedules and deadlines.