KIT Academic Calendar

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), located in Karlsruhe, Germany, operates on a semester-based academic calendar typical of many European universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester, which generally begins in early October and runs through mid-February, and the Summer Semester, spanning from mid-April to late July. This structure includes lecture periods, examination phases, and semester breaks, with a notable winter break around Christmas and New Year. KIT’s calendar also accounts for public holidays in the state of Baden-Württemberg, often extending breaks during these times. This setup supports a balance between intensive study periods and opportunities for research or internships during non-lecture phases.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 (lecture period typically begins mid-October, following orientation events for new students).
• Winter Break: December 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026 (aligned with Christmas and New Year holidays).
• Winter Semester Exams: February 10 – February 28, 2026 (exact dates depend on individual programs).
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 (lecture period usually starts after the Easter holidays).
• Summer Semester Exams: July 20 – August 7, 2026 (followed by a semester break through September).

• Application Period for Winter Semester: May 1 – July 15, 2025 (for most undergraduate programs; international students are advised to apply early due to visa processing).
• Application Period for Summer Semester: November 1 – January 15, 2026 (limited programs may offer summer intake).
• Admission Notification: Late August 2025 for Winter Semester; late February 2026 for Summer Semester (notifications may vary based on program and applicant status).
• Enrollment Deadline: September 30, 2025 for Winter Semester; March 31, 2026 for Summer Semester (exact dates to be confirmed upon admission offer).

KIT’s academic calendar aligns closely with the standard German university schedule, reflecting national and regional holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and German Unity Day. This synchronization facilitates coordination with other institutions for student exchanges and collaborative research. For international students, the semester breaks offer flexibility for travel or additional language training, though the application timelines require early planning due to visa and document processing. Additionally, KIT’s focus on research-intensive programs means that some academic schedules may include unique periods for project work or lab commitments outside traditional lecture times, providing a dynamic learning environment.