LMU Academic Calendar

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), 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 until mid-February, including a lecture-free period over the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Summer Semester generally starts in mid-April and concludes in late July, with a break in August and September. This structure aligns with many German universities, emphasizing a balance between intensive study periods and extended breaks for research or internships. LMU’s calendar also accounts for public holidays in Bavaria, which may affect lecture schedules and campus operations.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of the academic year, with lectures beginning mid-October.
• Christmas Break: December 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – No lectures, campus facilities may have limited hours.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 10 – February 28, 2026 – Examination period following the lecture phase.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Lectures commence after the spring break.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: July 20 – August 7, 2026 – End of lectures and examination period.

• Application Deadline for Winter Semester: July 15, 2025 – For programs starting in October 2025, with earlier deadlines for restricted-admission programs.
• Application Deadline for Summer Semester: January 15, 2026 – For programs starting in April 2026, applicable to select undergraduate courses.
• Admission Notification: August – September 2025 (Winter Semester); February – March 2026 (Summer Semester) – Applicants are informed of decisions via email or online portals.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 30, 2025 (Winter); March 31, 2026 (Summer) – Final date to accept offers and complete registration, with special considerations for international students requiring visas.

The academic calendar at LMU München adheres to the standard German university framework, with semesters aligned to national and regional holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Bavarian-specific observances. This structure offers predictability for students planning their studies or travel. For international students, the extended breaks between semesters provide flexibility for visa processing or returning home, though application timelines are strict and require early preparation. Additionally, LMU’s focus on research may influence scheduling, with some programs offering intensive blocks or independent study periods during breaks. Students are encouraged to check specific faculty calendars, as slight variations may occur across disciplines.