MGIMO Academic Calendar

The Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO-University), a prestigious institution under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, follows a structured academic calendar based on a two-semester system. The academic year typically begins in early September and concludes in late June, with the fall semester running from September to December and the spring semester from February to June. A notable feature of MGIMO’s calendar is the extended winter break, which aligns with Russian national holidays and often spans from late December to mid-January. This break allows students to recharge before the spring term, which includes intensive exam periods and research opportunities. The university also incorporates short breaks around public holidays, reflecting its alignment with Russian cultural and academic traditions.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes begin for all students, often preceded by an orientation week for new enrollees.
• Fall Semester Exams: Mid to Late December 2025 – Assessment period before the winter break.
• Winter Break: December 30, 2025, to January 12, 2026 – Extended holiday period including New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 1, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Spring Semester Exams: Late May to Mid-June 2026 – Final assessments for the academic year.
• Graduation Ceremony: Late June 2026 – Commencement events for graduating students.

• Application Opening for Undergraduate Programs: November 1, 2024 – Start of the application period for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• Early Admission Deadline: March 15, 2025 – Recommended for international students requiring visa processing; notifications typically sent by late April.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, with decisions expected by mid-July.
• Entrance Examinations (if applicable): July 1–15, 2025 – Specific programs may require additional testing for Russian and international applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation: August 1–15, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit final documents, including visa-related paperwork for international students.

MGIMO’s academic calendar aligns closely with the norms of Russian higher education, particularly in its observance of national holidays such as New Year and Defender of the Fatherland Day, which often result in additional days off. The extended winter break offers flexibility for international students to travel or engage in cultural immersion, though it requires careful planning for academic commitments. Additionally, the university’s scheduling accommodates the needs of its diverse student body, with early admissions processes designed to support international applicants navigating visa and language requirements. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Russian university timelines, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications as they become available.