NATFA Academic Calendar

The National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts (NATFA) "Krastyo Sarafov," located in Sofia, Bulgaria, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured around two main semesters: fall and spring. The academic year typically begins in early October and concludes in late June, with a significant winter break aligning with the holiday season and a shorter spring break around Easter. This structure allows for intensive coursework and practical training, which are central to NATFA’s focus on theatre and film arts. Unique to the academy, the calendar often incorporates extended periods for project-based assessments and performances, reflecting the hands-on nature of its programs.

• Fall Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes begin for all students, often preceded by an orientation week.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 – A holiday break covering Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 10, 2026 – Classes resume after winter exams and break.
• Easter Break: April 10–17, 2026 – A week-long break aligned with Orthodox Easter celebrations.
• End of Academic Year: June 30, 2026 – Includes final exams and performance evaluations.
• Graduation Ceremony: Early July 2026 – A celebratory event for graduating students.

• Application Opening: January 15, 2025 – Applications for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030) become available.
• Early Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 – Recommended for international students needing visa processing time.
• Regular Decision Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, including portfolio submissions.
• Entrance Exams: July 10–20, 2025 – Specific dates vary by program; includes auditions and interviews for theatre and film applicants.
• Admission Decisions: August 1–15, 2025 – Notifications sent to applicants, with enrollment confirmation deadlines shortly after.
• Financial Aid Deadline: August 20, 2025 – Submission of scholarship or aid applications for eligible students.

The academic calendar at NATFA aligns closely with other Bulgarian and European universities, particularly in its semester structure and holiday breaks, which are influenced by national and Orthodox Christian traditions. This synchronization facilitates collaboration with regional institutions and accommodates international students accustomed to similar timelines. However, the academy’s emphasis on practical training and performance schedules may result in unique scheduling considerations, such as intensive rehearsal periods or extended project deadlines. Note: Specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical university calendars in Bulgaria, as official NATFA schedules may not yet be publicly available. Prospective students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications.