MSU Academic Calendar

Moscow State University (MSU), one of Russia's most prestigious institutions, follows a traditional academic calendar structured around two main semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester typically begins in early September and runs through late December, while the spring semester starts in early February and concludes in late June. This structure aligns with many European and Russian universities, incorporating extended breaks for national holidays and a significant summer recess from July to August. A unique feature of MSU’s calendar is its alignment with Russian cultural observances, such as the extended winter break around New Year’s and Orthodox Christmas, providing students with ample time for rest and celebration.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes commence for all students, often marked by a ceremonial opening event.
• Winter Break: December 30, 2025 – January 10, 2026 – Includes New Year’s and Orthodox Christmas holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: February 9, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Spring Break: Early May 2026 (approximately May 1–9) – Coincides with national holidays like Victory Day.
• Final Exams: Late June 2026 – End-of-year assessments for most programs.
• Summer Break: July 1 – August 31, 2026 – Extended break for research, internships, or personal time.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 – Applications for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030) become available.
• Early Admission Deadline: February 15, 2025 – For select programs and international students; notifications typically by late March.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 20, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, with decisions released by late July.
• Entrance Exams: July 1–15, 2025 – Required for many programs, especially for Russian and international applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation: August 1–10, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit final documents.

The academic calendar at Moscow State University reflects broader Russian educational norms, with its semester structure and holiday breaks closely tied to national traditions and public holidays like Victory Day and New Year’s. This alignment offers predictability for students but may require international applicants to adjust to unique timing, especially around the extended winter break. Additionally, the admissions cycle accommodates a wide range of applicants, with early and regular deadlines providing flexibility. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for both academic and admissions events may vary slightly year to year, and specific program requirements, particularly for international students, may involve additional steps or earlier deadlines.