UPCT Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT), located in Spain, typically follows a semester-based structure common to many European universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the first semester generally begins in late September or early October and runs through January, while the second semester starts in February and concludes in June. This structure includes periods for lectures, practical sessions, and examinations at the end of each semester. Additionally, UPCT often incorporates breaks aligned with national and regional holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, providing students with extended time for rest and research. The university may also offer intensive summer courses or modular programs for specific technical degrees, reflecting its focus on polytechnic and engineering education.

• First Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 25–30), marking the beginning of lectures and coursework.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20–January 6), coinciding with national holidays.
• First Semester Exams: Mid-to-late January 2026, following the holiday break.
• Second Semester Start: Early February 2026 (around February 1–5), initiating the spring term.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (aligned with Holy Week, typically a 7–10 day break), offering a mid-semester pause.
• Second Semester Exams: Late May to mid-June 2026, concluding the academic year.
• Commencement Ceremony: Late June or early July 2026, celebrating graduating students.

• Application Period Opens: Early March 2025, allowing prospective students to begin submitting materials for the 2025–2026 cycle.
• Regular Admission Deadline: Mid-June 2025 (typically around June 15–20), the standard cutoff for most undergraduate programs.
• Entrance Exam Registration (if applicable): April to May 2025, for programs requiring specific tests or the Spanish university entrance exam (Selectividad/EBAU).
• Admission Decisions Released: Early July 2025, with notifications sent to applicants shortly after entrance exam results.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: Mid-to-late July 2025, requiring accepted students to confirm their spot and submit deposits.
• International Student Deadline: Early May 2025, to accommodate visa processing and additional documentation requirements.

The academic calendar at Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena aligns closely with Spain’s national education framework, ensuring that major breaks correspond with public holidays like Christmas and Easter, which are widely observed across the region. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the latter should note earlier admissions deadlines to account for visa processing. UPCT’s focus on technical and engineering disciplines may also result in unique scheduling for practical training or internships, often integrated into the academic year or offered during summer periods. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Spanish university timelines, students are encouraged to consult official university announcements for precise information as it becomes available.