Sapienza Academic Calendar

Sapienza University of Rome, one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious institutions, follows a traditional academic calendar structured around two main semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. The fall semester typically begins in late September or early October and runs through January, culminating in an exam period. The spring semester generally starts in late February or early March and concludes in June, followed by another exam session. A notable feature of Sapienza’s calendar is the inclusion of additional exam periods in July and September, offering students flexibility to complete assessments outside the standard semester timeline. Breaks align with major Italian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, often extending for several weeks to accommodate cultural traditions.

• Fall Semester Start: Late September to early October 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed), marking the beginning of lectures and coursework.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026, aligning with national holidays and providing an extended pause for students.
• Fall Exam Period: January 2026, typically lasting 3-4 weeks for assessments and evaluations.
• Spring Semester Start: Late February to early March 2026, resuming academic activities post-winter break.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026, usually a 1-2 week break coinciding with national religious observances.
• Spring Exam Period: June 2026, followed by additional sessions in July and September for retakes or delayed exams.

• Application Opening for Undergraduate Programs: Early March 2025, when prospective students can begin submitting applications for the 2025-2026 cycle.
• Application Deadline for Non-EU Students: Late May 2025, with earlier deadlines to account for visa processing and pre-enrollment at Italian embassies.
• Application Deadline for EU Students: Late July 2025, offering a later window for submission compared to international applicants.
• Entrance Exam Dates (if applicable): Early September 2025, for programs requiring specific admission tests, such as medicine or architecture.
• Admission Notification: Mid to late September 2025, with decisions typically released a few weeks before the semester begins.

The academic calendar at Sapienza University of Rome aligns closely with national norms in Italy, reflecting the cultural significance of holidays like Christmas and Easter, which are observed with extended breaks. This structure offers some flexibility for international students, particularly with multiple exam sessions that accommodate diverse schedules. However, non-EU students must plan carefully due to earlier admissions deadlines and additional bureaucratic steps, such as visa applications. Sapienza’s calendar also supports research-intensive periods, especially during summer months, when faculty and students often engage in projects or additional coursework. While specific dates for the 2025-2026 academic year are not yet publicly available, the above timelines are based on historical patterns and typical university cycles in Italy, ensuring prospective students can prepare accordingly.