PTHM Academic Calendar

The Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule Münster (PTH Münster), located in Münster, Germany, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured around two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester typically begins in early October and runs through mid-February, including a break for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Summer Semester generally starts in mid-April and concludes in late July, with a shorter break in between semesters. This structure aligns with many German universities, emphasizing a balance between intensive study periods and reflective breaks, allowing students to engage deeply with theological and philosophical studies. Unique to PTH Münster is its focus on integrating academic learning with spiritual and pastoral formation, which may influence scheduling for retreats or special events during the academic year.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes begin for the new academic year.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – University closure for holiday observances.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 10–28, 2026 – Examination period and semester conclusion.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Classes resume after the inter-semester break.
• Summer Break: July 20 – September 30, 2026 – Extended break with potential for internships or research.

• Application Period Start: May 1, 2025 – Applications open for undergraduate programs for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• Application Deadline: July 15, 2025 – Final date to submit applications for most programs; international students are encouraged to apply earlier due to visa processing times.
• Admission Decisions Released: August 15–31, 2025 – Notifications sent to applicants regarding acceptance.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 – Deadline to confirm enrollment and submit required documents.

The academic calendar at PTH Münster aligns closely with regional and national norms in Germany, where the two-semester system is standard, and major breaks coincide with public holidays like Christmas and Easter. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the latter should note the importance of early application submission to accommodate visa processing. Additionally, the university’s emphasis on theological education may result in unique scheduling considerations, such as mandatory retreats or pastoral training sessions, which could occasionally adjust the typical academic timeline. As specific calendar details for 2025–2026 are not yet publicly available, the dates provided are estimates based on typical German university schedules and past patterns at PTH Münster.