Merz Akademie Academic Calendar

Merz Akademie, Hochschule für Gestaltung, Kunst und Medien Stuttgart, staatlich anerkannt, follows a semester-based academic calendar typical of many German 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 breaks for major holidays such as Christmas and Easter, as well as a longer summer break to accommodate internships, research, or personal projects. A notable feature of Merz Akademie’s calendar is its alignment with the practical, project-based learning approach, often incorporating intensive workshops or exhibition periods within the semester timelines.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes begin for the new academic year.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Campus closure for holiday celebrations.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 10–14, 2026 – Final assessments and project presentations.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Return for the second semester with introductory sessions.
• Easter Break: April 3–6, 2026 – Short break aligned with national holidays.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: July 20–24, 2026 – Conclusion of classes and final evaluations.

• Application Period Opens: November 1, 2024 – Start of applications for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Priority Deadline: February 15, 2025 – Early submission encouraged for portfolio reviews and interviews.
• Regular Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate programs; international students advised to apply earlier for visa processing.
• Admission Decisions Released: June 30–July 15, 2025 – Notifications sent to applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: August 15, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit required documents.

The academic calendar at Merz Akademie aligns closely with the standard German university schedule, reflecting national holidays and regional academic norms. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, with semester breaks providing ample time for travel or additional professional development. International students may find the early application deadlines and structured visa processing timelines particularly accommodating, though they should account for potential delays in documentation. Additionally, the university’s focus on design and media often results in unique scheduling for exhibitions or collaborative projects, which may extend beyond standard class periods, offering a dynamic academic experience.