LUH Academic Calendar

Leibniz Universität Hannover, located in Hannover, Germany, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured around two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester typically begins in early October and runs through mid-February, including a break for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Summer Semester generally starts in early April and concludes in mid-July, with a short break around Easter. This biannual structure aligns with many German universities, allowing for focused study periods and extended breaks that accommodate research, internships, or personal projects. Lecture periods are often complemented by examination phases at the end of each semester, ensuring students have dedicated time for assessments.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – First day of lectures, marking the beginning of the academic year.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – University closure for holiday celebrations.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 1 – February 15, 2026 – Examination period following the lecture phase.
• Summer Semester Start: April 1, 2026 – Lectures resume after the semester break.
• Easter Break: April 10 – April 13, 2026 – Short holiday break around Easter weekend.
• Summer Semester Exams: July 1 – July 15, 2026 – Final assessments before the summer break.

• Application Period Start for Winter Semester: May 1, 2025 – Opening of applications for most undergraduate programs, including international student submissions.
• Application Deadline for Restricted Programs: July 15, 2025 – Deadline for programs with limited spots (Numerus Clausus), with earlier cutoffs for international applicants requiring visa processing.
• Application Deadline for Unrestricted Programs: September 15, 2025 – Final date for programs without enrollment limits.
• Admission Notification: August – September 2025 – Decisions typically released, allowing time for enrollment and visa arrangements.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 30, 2025 – Final date to confirm acceptance and complete registration for the Winter Semester.

The academic calendar at Leibniz Universität Hannover adheres to the standard German university framework, with semesters aligned to national holidays such as Christmas and Easter, ensuring consistency for students across the region. The extended breaks between semesters offer flexibility for international students to travel or engage in internships, while the structured application timeline accommodates the additional processing time often needed for visas. A notable aspect is the university’s emphasis on integrating research periods, particularly during the summer break, which supports its reputation as a research-intensive institution. Students are encouraged to plan ahead, especially for restricted programs, to navigate the competitive admissions process effectively.