ISU Academic Calendar

Irkutsk State University (ISU), 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 and includes extended breaks, notably a winter holiday period in January and a summer break from July to August. Unique to ISU, the academic year may incorporate intensive modular courses or research periods, especially for programs in natural sciences and humanities, reflecting the university’s strong regional focus on Siberian studies.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes begin for all students, often marked by an opening ceremony.
• Winter Break: December 30, 2025 – January 10, 2026 – A holiday period coinciding with New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 9, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Final Exams (Spring): June 1 – June 20, 2026 – End-of-year assessments for most programs.
• Commencement Ceremony: Late June 2026 – Graduation events for completing students, typically held on campus.

• Application Opening: December 1, 2024 – Start of the application period for the Class of 2030, including international applicants.
• Early Admission Deadline: March 15, 2025 – For priority consideration, with decisions notified by late April 2025.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate applications, including required entrance exams.
• International Student Deadline: May 15, 2025 – Earlier cutoff to allow for visa processing and additional documentation.
• Enrollment Confirmation: August 1 – August 15, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit final documents.

The academic calendar at Irkutsk State University aligns closely with national norms in Russia, where the two-semester system and extended winter break accommodate cultural holidays like New Year and Orthodox Christmas. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the early September start may require adjustment for those accustomed to later academic cycles. Additionally, ISU’s admissions timeline provides flexibility with early and regular deadlines, ensuring accessibility for a diverse applicant pool. International students, in particular, benefit from tailored deadlines to navigate visa requirements, though they should plan for potential delays due to regional bureaucratic processes.