EPFL Academic Calendar

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), located in Lausanne, Switzerland, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, typical of many European universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the Fall Semester, which generally begins in mid-September and runs through late January, and the Spring Semester, starting in mid-February and concluding in late June. A notable feature of EPFL’s calendar is the inclusion of intensive exam periods at the end of each semester, as well as a structured break in late December for the winter holidays. This system allows for focused academic terms and accommodates research and project-based learning, which are central to EPFL’s mission as a leading technical university.

• Fall Semester Start: September 15, 2025 (approximate, based on typical schedules). Classes begin for all students.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (approximate). Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Fall Semester Exams: January 20 – February 7, 2026 (approximate). Intensive examination period.
• Spring Semester Start: February 16, 2026 (approximate). Second term begins.
• Spring Break: April 10 – April 17, 2026 (approximate). Often aligned with Easter holidays.
• Spring Semester Exams: June 1 – June 19, 2026 (approximate). End-of-year assessments.
• Commencement: Late June or early July 2026 (date to be confirmed). Graduation ceremonies for completing students.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 (approximate). Start of undergraduate admissions for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• Regular Decision Deadline: April 30, 2025 (approximate). Final date for most undergraduate applications, including international students.
• Decision Notification: June 15, 2025 (approximate). Applicants are typically informed of admission decisions by this date.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: July 15, 2025 (approximate). Accepted students must confirm their intent to enroll.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 (approximate). Recommended date for submitting financial aid requests, especially for international applicants.

EPFL’s academic calendar aligns closely with Swiss and broader European academic norms, particularly in its semester structure and holiday breaks, which often coincide with national holidays like Christmas and Easter. This scheduling offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating travel and family commitments. Additionally, the university’s focus on intensive exam periods and research opportunities reflects its emphasis on academic rigor, which may require international students to plan their schedules carefully to balance coursework and personal commitments. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are not yet publicly available, the above timelines are based on typical patterns observed in previous years at EPFL and similar institutions in Switzerland.