AKBILD Academic Calendar

The Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, located in Austria, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured into two main semesters: the winter semester and the summer semester. The winter semester typically begins in early October and runs through late February, while the summer semester starts in early March and concludes in late June. This structure allows for an extended winter break around the holiday season and a longer summer break from July to September, aligning with many other European institutions. A distinctive feature of the Academy’s calendar is its emphasis on intensive studio work and exhibitions, often integrated into the semester schedules, providing students with practical, hands-on learning opportunities.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes and studio work commence.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 20–28, 2026 – Final assessments and project submissions.
• Summer Semester Start: March 1, 2026 – Classes resume with a focus on exhibitions and critiques.
• Easter Break: April 10–18, 2026 – Short break aligning with national holidays.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: June 25–30, 2026 – Final evaluations and commencement events for graduating students.
• Summer Break: July 1 – September 30, 2026 – Extended break for research or internships.

• Application Period Opens: November 1, 2024 – Online applications for the Class of 2030 become available.
• Portfolio Submission Deadline: February 15, 2025 – Required for all undergraduate fine arts programs; late submissions not accepted.
• Entrance Exam Registration: March 1, 2025 – Mandatory for program-specific assessments.
• Entrance Exams: June 15–20, 2025 – Conducted in Vienna; includes interviews and practical tests.
• Admission Decisions Released: July 1, 2025 – Notifications sent via email; international students advised to check visa requirements.
• Enrollment Deadline: August 15, 2025 – Final date to confirm acceptance and submit fees.

The academic calendar of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna aligns closely with Austria’s national holiday schedule, incorporating breaks for Christmas, Easter, and other public holidays, which offers predictability for both domestic and international students. The extended summer break provides flexibility for students to engage in internships, travel, or independent projects, a common practice in art-focused institutions. For international applicants, the admissions timeline is structured to allow sufficient time for visa processing, though early application is recommended. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Austrian university schedules, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications as they become available.