SHU Academic Calendar

Smolensk Humanitarian University, located in Smolensk, 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 universities in Russia and includes extended breaks, such as a winter holiday period in January and a summer break from July to August. A notable feature of the university’s calendar is its alignment with national holidays, which often influence the scheduling of breaks and examination periods.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes commence for all students, often preceded by an orientation week for new students.
• 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 Examinations (Spring): June 1 – June 20, 2026 – End-of-year exams for most programs, followed by graduation ceremonies for completing students.
• Summer Break: June 21 – August 31, 2026 – A long break for students, with some programs offering optional summer courses or internships.

• Application Opening: December 1, 2024 – Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030) become available for undergraduate programs.
• Early Admission Deadline: March 15, 2025 – For applicants seeking priority consideration, with decisions typically notified by mid-April.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, with decisions expected by late July.
• International Student Deadline: May 1, 2025 – Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing and other requirements for non-Russian applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation: August 1, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers of admission and submit required deposits or documentation.

The academic calendar at Smolensk Humanitarian University reflects the broader norms of Russian higher education, with its semester structure and holiday breaks closely tied to national observances such as New Year and Victory Day. This alignment offers predictability for students and families planning around these dates. For international students, the university provides some flexibility with earlier admissions deadlines to ensure sufficient time for visa applications and travel arrangements. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical regional patterns, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact schedules through official university communications as they become available.