ThFP Academic Calendar

The Theologische Fakultät Paderborn, located in Paderborn, Germany, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured around 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 generally starts in mid-April and concludes in mid-July, with a short break around Pentecost. This structure aligns with many German universities, allowing for a balance between intensive study periods and extended breaks for research or personal development. Unique to theological studies, the faculty may incorporate special periods for spiritual retreats or ecclesiastical events within the calendar.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes begin for the academic year, often preceded by an orientation week for new students.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – A holiday period aligning with national observances of Christmas and New Year.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 10 – February 28, 2026 – Final exams and assessments typically occur during this period.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Classes resume after a brief inter-semester break.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: July 10 – July 31, 2026 – Includes final exams and often a graduation ceremony for completing students.

• Application Period Start: May 1, 2025 – Applications for undergraduate programs for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030) typically open for both domestic and international students.
• Application Deadline (Winter Semester): July 15, 2025 – Final date to submit applications for programs starting in October 2025; international students are encouraged to apply earlier due to visa processing times.
• Admission Decisions Released: August 15 – September 1, 2025 – Notifications of acceptance are generally sent during this period.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 – Accepted students must confirm enrollment and submit required documentation by this date.

The academic calendar of Theologische Fakultät Paderborn aligns closely with regional and national norms in Germany, adhering to the semester system common across the country. Breaks often coincide with major public holidays such as Christmas and Easter, providing students with predictable periods for rest or travel. For international students, the extended inter-semester breaks offer flexibility for visa renewals or returning home. Additionally, the faculty’s focus on theological education may result in unique scheduling considerations, such as integration of church-related events or retreats, which enrich the academic experience but require careful planning. Note that specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical German university calendars, as exact details may not yet be publicly available.