UMB Academic Calendar

Matej Bel University (UMB) in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured into two main semesters: the winter semester and the summer semester. The winter semester typically begins in late September and runs through mid-February, including a holiday break in December and January. The summer semester generally starts in mid-February and concludes in late June, with a focus on coursework and final examinations. This structure aligns with many Central European universities, incorporating extended breaks around major holidays like Christmas and Easter, as well as a longer summer recess from July to August for research, internships, or personal development.

• Winter Semester Start: September 22, 2025 (approximate, based on typical academic cycles in Slovakia). Classes commence for all faculties.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (approximate). No classes or exams during this period due to national holidays.
• Winter Semester Exams: January 12 – February 13, 2026 (approximate). Assessment period following coursework completion.
• Summer Semester Start: February 16, 2026 (approximate). Second semester begins for continuing and new students.
• Easter Break: April 3 – April 7, 2026 (approximate). Short break aligned with national holidays.
• Summer Semester Exams: May 25 – June 26, 2026 (approximate). Final assessments and project submissions.
• Graduation Ceremonies: Late June 2026 (approximate). Commencement events for graduating students.

• Application Period Opens: November 1, 2024 (approximate). Start of undergraduate admissions for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Early Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 (approximate). Recommended for international students needing visa processing time.
• Regular Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 (approximate). Final date for most undergraduate programs.
• Entrance Exams (if applicable): May – June 2025 (approximate). Specific dates depend on faculty requirements.
• Admission Decisions Released: June 30, 2025 (approximate). Notifications sent to applicants via email or postal mail.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: July 15, 2025 (approximate). Accepted students must confirm their intent to enroll.

The academic calendar at Matej Bel University aligns closely with regional norms in Slovakia and broader Central Europe, emphasizing structured semester breaks that coincide with national holidays such as Christmas and Easter. This scheduling offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the latter may need to account for earlier application deadlines to accommodate visa processing. Additionally, UMB’s summer break provides ample opportunity for students to engage in internships or research, reflecting a balance between academic rigor and personal growth. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are not yet publicly confirmed, the above timelines are based on typical patterns observed in Slovak higher education institutions.