PoliBa Academic Calendar

Politecnico di Bari, a leading technical university in Italy, follows a structured academic calendar typically divided into two main semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. The fall semester generally begins in late September or early October and runs through January, culminating in an exam period. The spring semester usually starts in late February or early March and extends until June, followed by another exam session. A notable feature of the university’s calendar is the inclusion of extended breaks during major Italian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, as well as a summer break from July to August, which often includes additional exam opportunities for students. This structure aligns with many European universities, balancing coursework, exams, and research activities.

• Fall Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 29) – Classes begin for most programs.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 6) – University closure for holiday celebrations.
• Fall Exam Period: Mid-January to mid-February 2026 – Assessment period for fall semester courses.
• Spring Semester Start: Late February 2026 (around February 23) – Second semester classes commence.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (approximately April 10-17) – Break aligned with national holidays.
• Spring Exam Period: June to early July 2026 – End-of-year assessments.
• Summer Break: Mid-July to late August 2026 – Includes optional summer exam sessions.

• Application Opening: Early March 2025 – Start of applications for the 2025-2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Early Admission Deadline: Mid-May 2025 (approximately May 15) – Priority deadline for certain programs, with decisions by late June.
• Regular Admission Deadline: Late July 2025 (around July 31) – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs.
• Entrance Exam Dates: Early September 2025 – Required for specific programs like engineering; exact dates vary by department.
• Decision Notification: Mid-September to early October 2025 – Applicants informed of admission status.
• Enrollment Deadline: Mid-October 2025 (approximately October 15) – Deadline to confirm enrollment and submit final documents, with special considerations for international students regarding visa processing.

The academic calendar at Politecnico di Bari aligns closely with national norms in Italy, incorporating significant breaks during public holidays like Christmas and Easter, which reflect the cultural and religious traditions of the region. This structure offers some flexibility for international students, as the extended summer break allows time for travel or internships, while multiple exam sessions provide opportunities to manage academic progress. However, prospective students should note that specific dates for academic periods and admissions may vary slightly each year, and exact schedules are typically published closer to the academic year. The university’s focus on technical and engineering disciplines also means that some programs may include intensive research or project periods, which could influence individual student schedules.