RFH Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Rheinische Hochschule Köln (RH Köln), also known as the University of Applied Sciences Cologne, typically follows the standard German university structure with two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester generally begins in early October and runs through mid-February, including a holiday break in late December to early January. The Summer Semester usually starts in mid-March and concludes in late July, with a shorter break in between semesters. This structure aligns with most universities in Germany, allowing for a balance of coursework, exams, and vacation periods. Unique to RH Köln, some programs may incorporate practical training or project phases, which can slightly adjust individual schedules within the broader semester framework.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Winter Holiday Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Closure for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Winter Semester Exams: Late January to mid-February 2026 – Specific dates depend on individual programs.
• Summer Semester Start: March 15, 2026 – Lectures begin for the second semester.
• Summer Semester Exams: Late June to mid-July 2026 – End-of-term assessments and project submissions.
• Summer Break: Late July to late September 2026 – Extended break before the next academic year.

• Application Period Start for Winter Semester: May 1, 2025 – Applications open for undergraduate programs for the Class of 2030.
• Application Deadline for Winter Semester: July 15, 2025 – Final date for most programs; international students are encouraged to apply earlier due to visa processing times.
• Admission Notifications: Mid-August to early September 2025 – Applicants are informed of decisions, with time to confirm enrollment.
• Application Deadline for Summer Semester: January 15, 2026 – For programs starting in the second semester, if applicable.
• Financial Aid Deadlines: Aligns with application deadlines – Specific dates vary; students should check program-specific requirements.

The academic calendar at Rheinische Hochschule Köln adheres to the typical German higher education framework, aligning with national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and various regional observances, which are integrated into semester breaks. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating planning for travel or internships. For international applicants, the university’s admissions timeline provides ample processing time, though early application is advised to accommodate visa and documentation needs. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on standard practices, RH Köln’s scheduling generally reflects a commitment to balancing academic rigor with practical training, a hallmark of applied sciences institutions in Germany.