NovSU Academic Calendar

Novgorod State University, located in Veliky Novgorod, Russia, 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 Russian universities and includes extended breaks, notably a winter holiday period in January and a summer break from July to August. The university may also incorporate shorter breaks around national holidays, providing students with opportunities to recharge during the academic year.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes begin for all students, often marked by an opening ceremony.
• Fall Midterm Exams: Mid-October 2025 – A period for assessments and progress evaluations.
• Winter Break: December 30, 2025, to January 10, 2026 – A holiday break coinciding with New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 9, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Final Exams: June 1 to June 20, 2026 – End-of-year assessments for most programs.
• Commencement Ceremony: Late June 2026 – Graduation events for completing students.
• Summer Break: July 1 to August 31, 2026 – Extended break before the new academic year.

• Application Opening: December 1, 2024 – Applications for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030) become available.
• Early Admission Deadline: March 15, 2025 – For priority consideration, with decisions typically notified by late April 2025.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, including international applicants.
• Entrance Exams: July 1 to July 20, 2025 – Required for many programs, often held on campus or online for international students.
• Admission Decisions: August 1 to August 15, 2025 – Final notifications for regular applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation: August 20, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit required documents.

The academic calendar at Novgorod State University reflects the broader norms of Russian higher education, with its semester structure and holiday breaks aligning closely with national public holidays such as New Year and Victory Day. This scheduling offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the latter may need to account for visa processing times when planning around admissions and enrollment dates. Additionally, the university’s extended summer break provides flexibility for research projects, internships, or travel, which can be particularly beneficial for students balancing academic and personal commitments. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Russian university timelines, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications as they become available.