Universidad de Santiago de Compostela Academic Calendar

The Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured into two main semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. The fall semester typically begins in early September and runs through late December or early January, encompassing the Christmas break. The spring semester generally starts in late January or early February and concludes in late May or early June, followed by a summer break. USC also incorporates exam periods at the end of each semester, with potential resit opportunities in June or July. This structure aligns with many European universities, though USC often integrates regional holidays and cultural events, such as the Feast of Saint James, into its scheduling, reflecting its deep historical and cultural ties to Galicia.

• Fall Semester Start: Early September 2025 (typically the first or second week) – Orientation for new students often occurs during this period.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 – Includes national holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Spring Semester Start: Late January or early February 2026 – Follows the winter exam period.
• Easter Break: March or April 2026 (dates vary based on the lunar calendar) – Aligns with national and regional observances.
• Spring Semester End/Exams: Late May to early June 2026 – Includes final assessments and project submissions.
• Resit Exam Period: Late June to early July 2026 – Opportunity for students to retake failed exams.

• Application Period Opens: Early February 2025 – Initial phase for undergraduate programs, including pre-registration for Spanish and EU students.
• Regular Admission Deadline: Mid-June 2025 – Deadline for most undergraduate programs via the Spanish university access system (PAU/EBAU results required).
• International Student Deadline: Late April 2025 (estimated) – Earlier cutoff to allow for visa processing and credential validation.
• Admission Results Notification: Early July 2025 – Students are informed of acceptance and enrollment procedures.
• Enrollment Period: Mid to late July 2025 – Final registration and payment of fees for admitted students.

The academic calendar at Universidad de Santiago de Compostela closely mirrors the standard Spanish and European university timelines, with semesters aligned to national holidays and regional traditions, such as extended breaks during Christmas and Easter. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the latter should note the earlier admissions deadlines to accommodate visa and documentation processes. Additionally, USC’s calendar provides flexibility for summer research or internships during the extended break, reflecting its commitment to balancing academic rigor with cultural engagement. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, students are encouraged to consult official university communications for confirmed schedules.