SSMU Academic Calendar

Saratov State Medical University (SSMU), located in Saratov, Russia, follows a structured academic calendar typical of many Russian universities, with two main semesters: fall and spring. The academic year generally begins in early September and concludes in late June, allowing for a significant summer break. The fall semester typically runs from September to January, while the spring semester spans from February to June. This structure includes periods for lectures, practical training, and examinations, with breaks aligned to national holidays such as New Year and Victory Day. A notable feature of SSMU’s calendar is its emphasis on intensive clinical training periods for medical students, often integrated into the semester schedules.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes begin for all students, marking the official start of the academic year.
• Fall Examinations: December 20, 2025 – January 10, 2026 – End-of-semester exams for fall courses.
• Winter Break: January 1 – January 7, 2026 – Break for New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 1, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Spring Examinations: June 1 – June 20, 2026 – Final exams and practical assessments for the year.
• Summer Break: June 21 – August 31, 2026 – Extended break, often used for internships or research by medical students.

• Application Opening: January 15, 2025 – Start of the application period for the Class of 2030, including international applicants.
• Early Admission Deadline: April 30, 2025 – Priority deadline for early consideration, with decisions typically notified by late May.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, especially for international students requiring visa processing.
• Entrance Examinations: July 1 – July 15, 2025 – Required tests for certain programs, often held in Saratov or online for international applicants.
• Admission Decisions: August 1 – August 15, 2025 – Final notifications sent, with enrollment confirmation deadlines shortly after.

The academic calendar at Saratov State Medical University aligns closely with national norms in Russia, incorporating public holidays like Defender of the Fatherland Day and International Women’s Day into its break periods. This structure offers some flexibility for international students, with extended summer breaks providing opportunities for travel or additional training. However, specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Russian university schedules, as official calendars may not yet be publicly available. Prospective students are encouraged to monitor university announcements for confirmed dates and any unique scheduling considerations, particularly for medical programs requiring clinical rotations.