LMU Academic Calendar

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich), located in Munich, Germany, follows a traditional European academic calendar divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester typically begins in early October and runs through mid-February, with a break for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Summer Semester usually starts in mid-April and concludes in late July. A notable feature of LMU Munich’s calendar is the lecture-free period between semesters, which allows students to focus on research, internships, or exam preparation. This structure aligns with many German universities, emphasizing a balance between intensive study periods and extended breaks for personal or academic development.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures, following orientation events for new students.
• Christmas Break: December 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – University closure for holiday celebrations.
• Winter Semester End: February 14, 2026 – End of lectures, followed by an exam period typically lasting until mid-March.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Lectures begin after the spring break.
• Summer Semester End: July 31, 2026 – Lectures conclude, with exams often extending into late August.

• Application Period for Winter Semester: May 1 – July 15, 2025 – Deadline for most undergraduate programs, with earlier cutoffs for restricted-admission programs.
• Application Period for Summer Semester: November 1 – January 15, 2026 – Applicable for select programs; check specific course requirements.
• Admission Notification: Late August 2025 (Winter) / Late February 2026 (Summer) – Applicants are typically informed of decisions within 4–6 weeks after deadlines.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 (Winter) / March 15, 2026 (Summer) – Final date to confirm enrollment and submit required documents, with special considerations for international students regarding visa processing.

The academic calendar at LMU Munich aligns closely with national norms in Germany, where the two-semester system is standard, and significant breaks coincide with public holidays like Christmas and Easter. This structure offers flexibility for international students, as the extended lecture-free periods provide opportunities to travel or engage in additional academic pursuits. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle may vary slightly, as LMU Munich typically publishes finalized calendars closer to the academic year. International applicants are encouraged to apply early to accommodate visa processing times and language proficiency requirements, ensuring a smooth transition into the university’s rigorous academic environment.