SSU Academic Calendar

Saratov State University (SSU), located in Saratov, 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, incorporating extended breaks for national holidays and a significant summer recess from July to August. A notable feature of SSU’s calendar is the inclusion of intensive exam periods at the end of each semester, alongside shorter breaks during major holidays like New Year and Victory Day, reflecting the cultural and historical context of the region.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes begin for all students, often marked by a ceremonial opening event.
• National Holiday Break (Unity Day): November 4, 2025 – A one-day break for the national holiday.
• Winter Break: December 30, 2025 to January 7, 2026 – Extended holiday period for New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 9, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Spring Break (Victory Day): May 9, 2026 – Observance of the national holiday with potential extended weekend.
• End of Academic Year: June 30, 2026 – Completion of classes and exams, followed by summer break.

• Application Opening: December 1, 2024 – Start of the application period for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• Early Admission Deadline: March 15, 2025 – For priority consideration, especially for competitive programs or international applicants.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate applications, with decisions typically notified by late July.
• Entrance Exams Period: July 1–15, 2025 – Required for many programs, particularly for domestic students.
• Enrollment Confirmation: August 1–10, 2025 – Deadline to confirm acceptance and submit final documents, including for international students requiring visa processing.

The academic calendar at Saratov State University aligns closely with national norms in Russia, emphasizing significant breaks during culturally important holidays like New Year and Victory Day. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the intensive exam periods may require careful planning. For international applicants, the admissions timeline provides some flexibility, with early deadlines accommodating visa processing needs. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Russian university schedules, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications as they become available.