GITIS Academic Calendar

The Russian Academy of Theatre Arts (RATA), located in Moscow, 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 incorporates extended breaks, notably a winter holiday period in January and a summer break from July to August. Unique to RATA, the calendar often includes intensive workshop periods and performance schedules integrated into the semesters, reflecting its focus on theatre and performing arts education.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes commence for all students, often preceded by an orientation week.
• Winter Break: December 30, 2025 – January 10, 2026 – A holiday period coinciding with New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 7, 2026 – Return to classes after the winter break.
• Final Exams (Spring): June 15 – June 30, 2026 – End-of-year assessments and performance evaluations.
• Summer Break: July 1 – August 31, 2026 – Extended break with optional summer workshops or productions for some programs.

• Application Opening: December 1, 2024 – Start of the application period for the Class of 2030, including auditions for theatre programs.
• 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.
• Decision Notification: July 15 – August 1, 2025 – Applicants receive admission decisions and enrollment instructions.
• Enrollment Confirmation: August 15, 2025 – Deadline to confirm enrollment and submit required documents, with special considerations for international student visa processing.

The academic calendar at the Russian Academy of Theatre Arts aligns closely with national norms in Russia, particularly with its semester structure and holiday breaks reflecting cultural observances like Orthodox Christmas. The extended summer break offers flexibility for international students to travel or participate in global theatre projects, while the intensive performance schedules during semesters cater to the academy’s specialized curriculum. Note that specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Russian university timelines, as official calendars may not yet be publicly available. Prospective students are encouraged to check for updates directly with the academy for the most accurate information.