SWU Academic Calendar

South-West University "Neofit Rilski", located in Bulgaria, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured into two main semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester typically begins in early October and runs through late January, including a winter break for the holiday season. The spring semester generally starts in mid-February and concludes in late June, with a short break around Easter. This structure aligns with many universities in the region, offering students a balanced academic year with ample time for exams and research. Notably, the university may incorporate intensive study periods or modular courses for certain programs, providing flexibility for both domestic and international students.

• Fall Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes begin for most undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 – Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Fall Semester Exams: January 15 – January 31, 2026 – Final assessments and project submissions.
• Spring Semester Start: February 15, 2026 – Second semester coursework begins.
• Easter Break: April 10 – April 17, 2026 – Short holiday aligned with Orthodox Easter celebrations.
• Spring Semester Exams: June 1 – June 20, 2026 – End-of-year evaluations.
• Commencement Ceremony: Late June 2026 – Graduation for completing students (exact date to be confirmed).

• Early Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 – For priority consideration, especially for competitive programs; decisions typically notified by late December.
• Regular Admission Deadline: February 1, 2025 – Standard deadline for most undergraduate applicants; decisions expected by mid-March.
• International Student Deadline: January 15, 2025 – Earlier cutoff to accommodate visa processing and document verification.
• Financial Aid Application: March 1, 2025 – Deadline for scholarship and grant applications, with notifications by early April.
• Enrollment Confirmation: May 1, 2025 – Deadline to accept admission offers and submit deposits for the Class of 2030.

The academic calendar at South-West University "Neofit Rilski" aligns closely with national and regional norms in Bulgaria, incorporating public holidays such as Orthodox Easter and Christmas into its breaks. This structure offers predictability for students planning their academic and personal schedules. For international students, the university provides some flexibility with early admissions deadlines and extended processing times to ensure compliance with visa requirements. Additionally, the semester system supports research-intensive periods, particularly during the summer months, allowing students in certain disciplines to engage in fieldwork or internships. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, prospective students are encouraged to check official university announcements for confirmed schedules.