NDA Academic Calendar

The National Defence Academy of Latvia, located in Latvia, follows a structured academic calendar typically divided into two main semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester generally begins in early September and concludes in late December, while the spring semester runs from late January or early February through to late May or early June. This structure aligns with many European universities, incorporating breaks for major holidays and a longer summer recess for research, internships, or military training, which is a unique feature given the academy’s focus on defence and security studies. The calendar may also include intensive short courses or modular training sessions tailored to military education needs.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes commence for all students, often preceded by an orientation week.
• Autumn Break: October 27–31, 2025 (approximate) – A short break aligning with regional school holidays.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 – Extended holiday period covering Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 2, 2026 (approximate) – Return to classes after winter exams.
• Final Exams and Commencement: May 25 – June 5, 2026 (approximate) – End-of-year assessments and graduation ceremonies for completing cadets.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 – Start of the application period for the Class of 2030.
• Early Admission Deadline: January 15, 2025 (approximate) – Priority deadline for early consideration, with notifications by mid-February.
• Regular Admission Deadline: March 1, 2025 (approximate) – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, including international applicants.
• Decision Notification: April 1–15, 2025 (approximate) – Applicants informed of admission status.
• Enrollment Confirmation: May 1, 2025 (approximate) – Deadline to accept offers and submit deposits, with additional requirements for military fitness tests.

The academic calendar of the National Defence Academy of Latvia generally aligns with national and regional norms in Europe, featuring standard semester breaks and holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Its scheduling also reflects the unique demands of military training, often incorporating intensive periods for practical exercises. For international students, the calendar offers some flexibility with application timelines, though strict adherence to deadlines and additional requirements like physical fitness assessments are critical. As specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle may not yet be publicly available, the above timelines are estimates based on typical university calendars in Latvia and the academy’s focus on structured military education.