SFedU Academic Calendar

Southern Federal University, located in Rostov-on-Don, 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, notably a winter holiday period in January and a summer break from July to August. Additionally, the university incorporates exam periods at the end of each semester and may offer short modular courses or intensive sessions during breaks for certain programs.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes begin for most undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Fall Exam Period: December 15–25, 2025 – End-of-semester assessments and evaluations.
• Winter Break: December 30, 2025 – January 10, 2026 – Includes New Year and Orthodox Christmas holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: February 9, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Spring Exam Period: June 15–30, 2026 – Final exams and project submissions.
• Commencement Ceremony: Late June 2026 – Graduation events for completing students.
• Summer Break: July 1 – August 31, 2026 – Extended break with optional summer courses or internships.

• Application Opening: December 1, 2024 – Start of applications for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Priority Deadline for International Students: March 15, 2025 – Early submission recommended for visa processing.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate program applications.
• Entrance Exams/Interviews: July 1–15, 2025 – Required for certain programs; dates vary by department.
• Admission Decisions Released: July 20–30, 2025 – Notifications sent to applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: August 15, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit deposits.

The academic calendar at Southern Federal University aligns closely with national norms in Russia, incorporating significant breaks around public holidays such as New Year and Orthodox Christmas. This structure offers flexibility for international students, with extended summer and winter breaks providing opportunities for travel or additional studies. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for academic and admissions events may vary slightly year to year and are subject to confirmation by the university. The admissions timeline also reflects a focus on accommodating international applicants through early priority deadlines, ensuring sufficient time for visa and travel arrangements.