TUD Academic Calendar

Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), located in Dresden, Germany, operates on a semester-based academic calendar typical of many European universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester, which generally runs from early October to mid-February, and the Summer Semester, spanning from early April to mid-July. This structure includes lecture periods, examination phases, and semester breaks, with a notable winter break around Christmas and New Year. A unique feature of TU Dresden’s calendar is its alignment with German public holidays and regional observances, which often influence break schedules and provide extended time for research or internships during non-lecture periods.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of the academic year, with lectures typically beginning mid-October.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Includes Christmas and New Year holidays, with no lectures or exams.
• Winter Semester Exams: Late January to mid-February 2026 – Specific dates vary by faculty, often concluding by February 15.
• Summer Semester Start: April 1, 2026 – Lectures usually commence in mid-April after the Easter break.
• Summer Break: Mid-July to late September 2026 – A longer break allowing for internships, research, or travel.
• Summer Semester Exams: Late June to mid-July 2026 – Examination period before the summer break.

• Application Period for Winter Semester: May 15 – July 15, 2025 – Primary window for most undergraduate programs, with earlier deadlines for restricted programs.
• Application Period for Summer Semester: November 15 – January 15, 2026 – Applicable for select programs starting in the summer term.
• Admission Notification: Late August to early September 2025 (Winter Semester) – Applicants are typically informed of decisions a few weeks after the deadline.
• Enrollment Deadline: Mid-September 2025 (Winter Semester) – Final date to confirm acceptance and pay fees, with specific dates provided upon admission.
• International Student Deadlines: Typically 1-2 months earlier than standard deadlines – Additional time required for visa processing and document verification.

The academic calendar at TU Dresden aligns closely with the standard German university schedule, reflecting national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Reunification Day, which often extend breaks for students. This structure offers flexibility for international students, as the long summer break provides opportunities for travel or work, while the clear semester division aids in planning. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for exams and enrollment may vary by faculty, and application deadlines for competitive programs can be stricter, especially for non-EU applicants requiring visas. As specific 2025–2026 dates may not yet be published, the above timelines are estimates based on typical patterns at TU Dresden and similar institutions in Germany.