Semmelweis Academic Calendar

Semmelweis University of Medical Sciences, located in Budapest, Hungary, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured around two main semesters: the Fall Semester and the Spring Semester. The Fall Semester typically begins in early September and runs through mid-December, followed by a winter break. The Spring Semester generally starts in early February and concludes in late May or early June, with a short spring break often aligned with Easter holidays. As a leading medical university, Semmelweis incorporates intensive clinical training and examination periods into its calendar, alongside theoretical coursework, making its schedule particularly rigorous for students in health sciences programs.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – First day of classes for most programs, preceded by an orientation week for new students.
• Winter Exam Period: December 15–22, 2025 – End-of-semester exams before the winter break.
• Winter Break: December 23, 2025 – January 5, 2026 – Holiday period including Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 2, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Spring Break: April 3–7, 2026 – Short break typically aligned with Easter holidays.
• Spring Exam Period: May 25 – June 5, 2026 – Final exams for the academic year.
• Commencement Ceremony: Late June 2026 – Graduation for completing students, exact date to be confirmed.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 – Start of applications for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Early Application Deadline: February 15, 2025 – Recommended for international students to allow time for visa processing.
• Regular Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate medical and health sciences programs.
• Entrance Exam Dates: March – June 2025 – Specific dates vary by program and location; exams may be held online or in-person.
• Admission Decision Notification: Rolling basis, typically within 4–6 weeks after entrance exams or application submission.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: July 31, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit required documents, especially critical for international applicants.

The academic calendar at Semmelweis University aligns closely with European norms, particularly in Hungary, where semesters are structured to accommodate national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and other public observances. This schedule offers some flexibility for international students, with extended breaks providing opportunities to travel or focus on clinical placements. However, the intensive nature of medical training means that students must adhere to strict examination and clinical rotation schedules, with limited room for deviation. As specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle may not yet be finalized, the above timelines are estimates based on historical patterns and typical university calendars in the region. Students are encouraged to monitor official university announcements for confirmed dates and any updates to policies or deadlines.