SAIS Bologna Academic Calendar

Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Bologna Center, located in Bologna, Italy, operates on a semester-based academic calendar tailored to its graduate and pre-term programs in international affairs. While primarily focused on graduate education, the Bologna Center serves as a hub for students beginning their studies before transitioning to other SAIS campuses. The academic year typically consists of two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with a pre-term intensive session for incoming students. The Fall semester generally begins in late August or early September and runs through mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and concludes in late May. A notable feature of the SAIS Bologna Center is its pre-term program, which offers language training and foundational courses in late summer, ensuring students are well-prepared for the rigorous curriculum ahead.

• Pre-Term Start: Late August 2025 (exact dates TBD); an intensive preparatory period for new students focusing on language and academic skills.
• Fall Semester Start: Early September 2025 (approximately September 1–5); includes orientation and the start of regular coursework.
• Fall Break: Mid-October 2025 (typically a short break around October 15–20); aligns with regional holidays in Italy.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15–January 5); includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 10–15); resumption of classes after the winter break.
• Spring Break: Late March or early April 2026 (often tied to Easter holidays); a one-week break for students.
• End of Academic Year: Late May 2026 (approximately May 20–25); includes final exams and commencement activities.

• Application Opening: Early September 2025 (typically September 1); applications for the 2026–2027 cycle become available.
• Early Notification Deadline: Early November 2025 (around November 1); for applicants seeking early consideration, with decisions often released by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Early February 2026 (approximately February 1); standard deadline for most applicants, with notifications by late March or early April.
• Financial Aid Deadline: Mid-February 2026 (typically aligned with regular decision); submission of financial aid documents for scholarship consideration.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: Early May 2026 (around May 1); deadline for admitted students to confirm enrollment, with special considerations for international visa processing.

The academic calendar at Johns Hopkins SAIS Bologna Center aligns with many European and North American university schedules, incorporating breaks around major holidays like Christmas and Easter, which are significant in Italy. This structure offers flexibility for international students, many of whom transition between the Bologna Center and the Washington, D.C. campus, ensuring compatibility with visa timelines and travel needs. Additionally, the pre-term session reflects the program’s emphasis on intensive preparation, a unique feature that distinguishes SAIS from other institutions. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, students are encouraged to monitor official announcements for precise scheduling and any adjustments due to regional or institutional considerations.