NBU Academic Calendar

New Bulgarian University (NBU), located in Sofia, Bulgaria, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among European higher education institutions. The academic year is typically divided into two main semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester generally begins in early October and runs through late January, including a winter break around the Christmas and New Year holidays. The spring semester usually starts in mid-February and concludes in late June, with a short break around Easter. NBU may also offer summer sessions or intensive courses for students seeking additional credits or specialized programs, though these are often optional and program-specific.

• Fall Semester Start: October 1, 2025 (approximate, based on typical regional schedules). Classes begin for most undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (approximate). Includes Christmas and New Year holidays, with campus activities paused.
• Fall Semester Exams: January 15 – January 31, 2026 (approximate). End-of-term assessments for fall courses.
• Spring Semester Start: February 15, 2026 (approximate). Second semester coursework begins.
• Easter Break: April 10 – April 20, 2026 (approximate). Short holiday aligned with Orthodox Easter celebrations in Bulgaria.
• Spring Semester End: June 30, 2026 (approximate). Includes final exams and commencement ceremonies for graduating students.

• Early Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 (approximate). For prospective students seeking priority consideration; notifications typically sent by late December.
• Regular Admission Deadline: February 28, 2025 (approximate). Standard deadline for most undergraduate programs; decisions expected by April.
• International Student Deadline: January 15, 2025 (approximate). Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing and additional documentation.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 15, 2025 (approximate). Submission of scholarship or aid requests, with decisions often aligned with admission notifications.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, 2025 (approximate). Accepted students must confirm intent to enroll and submit deposits.

The academic calendar at New Bulgarian University generally aligns with national and regional norms in Bulgaria and broader European standards, particularly in its adherence to a two-semester structure and recognition of major holidays like Christmas and Easter. This scheduling offers some flexibility for international students, as breaks provide opportunities for travel or visa-related arrangements. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for academic terms and admissions deadlines may vary year to year and should be verified directly with the university. Additionally, NBU’s calendar may reflect Bulgaria’s cultural and public holiday observances, which could influence scheduling for exams or campus events.