TU Dortmund Academic Calendar

Technische Universität Dortmund (TU Dortmund), located in Dortmund, Germany, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, typical of many German universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester, which generally begins in early October and ends in late March, and the Summer Semester, running from mid-April to mid-July. A notable feature of TU Dortmund’s calendar is the inclusion of lecture-free periods, particularly around major holidays like Christmas and Easter, allowing students extended breaks for personal study or research. These semesters are often structured with intensive lecture periods followed by examination phases at the end of each term, ensuring a balance between coursework and assessment.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes typically begin in the first week of October, following an orientation period for new students.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – A lecture-free period aligning with national holidays.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 10 – March 15, 2026 – Examination period varies by faculty, with some programs offering re-sit opportunities.
• Summer Semester Start: April 14, 2026 – Includes introductory events for continuing and new students.
• Easter Break: April 3 – April 10, 2026 – A short lecture-free period around the Easter holiday.
• Summer Semester Exams: July 1 – July 31, 2026 – Final assessments and project submissions typically conclude the semester.

• Application Period for Winter Semester: May 15 – July 15, 2025 – Deadlines may vary for restricted programs (Numerus Clausus) and international applicants.
• Application Period for Summer Semester: November 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026 – Primarily for advanced students or specific programs; check faculty requirements.
• Admission Notification: August 2025 (Winter) / February 2026 (Summer) – Applicants are typically informed of decisions a few weeks after deadlines.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 (Winter) / March 15, 2026 (Summer) – Final date to confirm acceptance and pay semester fees.
• International Student Application: Deadlines often earlier, around May 1, 2025, for Winter Semester – Additional time required for visa processing.

The academic calendar at TU Dortmund aligns closely with national norms in Germany, where the Winter and Summer semesters are standard across higher education institutions. Breaks often coincide with public holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, providing predictability for students. For international students, the extended lecture-free periods offer flexibility for travel or additional preparation, though early application deadlines are critical due to visa and documentation requirements. Additionally, TU Dortmund’s focus on research-intensive programs may influence scheduling, with some faculties offering block seminars or project phases outside regular lecture times, catering to both academic and practical learning needs.