SSU Academic Calendar

Samara State University, located in Samara, Russia, 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 includes extended breaks, notably a winter holiday period in January and a summer break from July to August. Unique to the university’s calendar may be additional short breaks tied to national holidays, providing students with opportunities to engage in cultural events or independent study.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes begin 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 9, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Final Exams (Spring): June 1 – June 20, 2026 – End-of-year assessments for most programs.
• Commencement Ceremony: Late June 2026 – Graduation events typically held for completing students.
• Summer Break: July 1 – August 31, 2026 – Extended break for students and faculty.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 – Start of applications for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Early Admission Deadline: February 15, 2025 – For priority consideration, especially for competitive programs.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate applications, with decisions notified by late July.
• International Student Deadline: May 1, 2025 – Earlier cutoff to accommodate visa processing and document verification.
• Financial Aid Application: March 1, 2025 – Deadline for scholarship or grant applications, if available.

The academic calendar at Samara State University reflects the broader norms of Russian higher education, with its semester system and holiday breaks aligning closely with national public holidays such as New Year and Victory Day. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the early September start may require international applicants to plan travel and visa arrangements well in advance. Additionally, the university’s scheduling accommodates research-intensive periods during the summer for certain programs, providing flexibility for students engaged in academic projects or internships. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 year are estimates based on typical Russian university cycles, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact timelines through official university communications.