NUI Academic Calendar

The National University of Ireland (NUI), with its constituent colleges and recognized institutions, follows a structured academic calendar typically based on a two-semester system. The academic year generally begins in late September or early October and concludes in May or June, with a significant winter break around December and a shorter spring break in March or April. This structure aligns with many European universities, emphasizing a balance between teaching periods and examination sessions. Unique to NUI’s calendar is the integration of modular terms within semesters at some of its colleges, allowing for flexible course delivery and assessment schedules tailored to specific programs.

• Autumn Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 22–29), marking the beginning of lectures and tutorials.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20–January 5), coinciding with Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 12–19), resuming academic activities.
• Spring Break: Late March to early April 2026 (typically around March 30–April 6), often aligned with Easter holidays.
• Examination Periods: Early December 2025 for Autumn Semester and late April to mid-May 2026 for Spring Semester, with specific dates varying by college.
• Commencement Ceremonies: June 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed), celebrating graduating students across NUI institutions.

• Application Opening: October 1, 2024, for the 2025–2026 cycle, marking the start of undergraduate admissions via the Central Applications Office (CAO) system.
• Early Application Deadline: February 1, 2025, for discounted CAO application fees and priority consideration for certain programs.
• Regular Decision Deadline: May 1, 2025, the final date for most undergraduate applications through CAO.
• Offer Notification: August 2025 (typically mid-to-late August), following the release of Irish Leaving Certificate results.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: June 30, 2025, for Irish and EU students applying for grants via SUSI; international students should check specific college deadlines.
• International Student Deadline: Varies by college, often around June 1, 2025, with earlier submission encouraged due to visa processing times.

The academic calendar at the National University of Ireland generally aligns with national norms in Ireland, reflecting public holidays such as Christmas and Easter, which are integrated into semester breaks. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, with sufficient breaks to accommodate travel or personal commitments. Additionally, the flexibility of modular terms at some NUI colleges supports diverse learning paces, which can be particularly beneficial for international students adjusting to a new academic environment. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, students are encouraged to consult individual NUI colleges for precise schedules and any updates to deadlines or events.