TU Ilmenau Academic Calendar

Technische Universität Ilmenau, located in Thuringia, Germany, follows a traditional European academic calendar divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester typically begins in early October and runs through mid-February, including a break for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Summer Semester usually starts in early April and concludes in mid-July, with a shorter break in between. This structure aligns with many German universities, providing ample time for lectures, exams, and research activities. A notable feature of TU Ilmenau’s calendar is its emphasis on integrating practical training and project work, often scheduled during semester breaks, allowing students to balance academic and hands-on learning experiences.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures and academic activities.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – University closure for holiday celebrations.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 1 – February 15, 2026 – Examination period for Winter Semester courses.
• Summer Semester Start: April 1, 2026 – Beginning of lectures for the second semester.
• Summer Semester Exams: July 1 – July 15, 2026 – Examination period, followed by the summer break.

• Application Period for Winter Semester: May 1 – July 15, 2025 – Deadline for most undergraduate programs, with earlier submission recommended for international students due to visa processing.
• Application Period for Summer Semester: November 1 – January 15, 2026 – Applicable for select programs with summer intake.
• Admission Notification: August 2025 (Winter) / February 2026 (Summer) – Approximate dates for decision announcements.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 (Winter) / March 15, 2026 (Summer) – Final date to confirm enrollment and submit required documents.

The academic calendar at Technische Universität Ilmenau aligns closely with national norms in Germany, where the dual-semester system is standard, and breaks often coincide with major public holidays like Christmas and Easter. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating planning for travel or internships. Additionally, the university provides some flexibility during semester breaks for research projects or industry placements, which is particularly beneficial for students in engineering and technical fields. International students should note that application deadlines are often earlier to accommodate visa processing times, and the university’s schedule ensures sufficient preparation periods before each semester begins.