Heidelberg Academic Calendar

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, located in Heidelberg, Germany, follows a traditional European academic calendar divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester typically begins in early October and runs through mid-February, with a break for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Summer Semester usually starts in mid-April and concludes in late July, followed by a longer summer break. This structure aligns with many German universities and includes lecture periods, examination phases, and semester breaks, offering students time for research, internships, or personal projects during non-lecture periods.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of the academic year, with lectures beginning mid-October.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – University closure for holiday celebrations.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 10 – February 28, 2026 – Examination period following the lecture phase.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Lectures commence after the spring break.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: July 20 – July 31, 2026 – End of lectures and final examination period.
• Summer Break: August 1 – September 30, 2026 – Extended break for internships or research.

• Application Deadline for Winter Semester (Restricted Programs): July 15, 2025 – Deadline for programs with limited spots, especially for international students.
• Application Deadline for Winter Semester (Non-Restricted Programs): August 31, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate programs.
• Notification of Admission: Mid-August to Early September 2025 – Applicants are informed of decisions for the Winter Semester.
• Application Deadline for Summer Semester: January 15, 2026 – Deadline for programs starting in the summer, with earlier deadlines for international applicants requiring visas.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 30, 2025 (Winter) / March 31, 2026 (Summer) – Final date to confirm enrollment and pay fees.

The academic calendar at Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg aligns closely with national norms in Germany, adhering to the standard semester system observed across most German higher education institutions. The extended summer break offers flexibility for international students to travel or engage in professional development, while the timing of holidays like Christmas and Easter integrates with regional public holidays. Students are encouraged to plan around the distinct lecture and examination periods, as well as early application deadlines, particularly for restricted programs or those requiring additional visa processing time.