UPM Academic Calendar

The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), located in Madrid, Spain, follows a structured academic calendar typically divided into two main semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. The fall semester generally begins in late September or early October and runs through mid-February, including a winter break around late December to early January. The spring semester usually starts in mid-February and concludes in late June or early July, with a short Easter break in April. This structure aligns with many European universities, incorporating exam periods at the end of each semester and offering a summer break for research, internships, or resit exams. UPM’s calendar may also feature specific dates for practical training or project defenses, reflecting its strong emphasis on technical and engineering programs.

• Fall Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 29) – Classes begin for most programs.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Fall Semester Exams: Late January to mid-February 2026 – Specific dates vary by faculty.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-February 2026 (around February 16) – Second term begins.
• Easter Break: April 10–17, 2026 (approximate) – Coincides with Holy Week observances.
• Spring Semester Exams: Late June to early July 2026 – Includes final assessments and project defenses.
• Summer Break: Mid-July to late September 2026 – Period for internships or resit exams.

• Application Period Opens: Early February 2025 (approximate) – Initial phase for undergraduate admissions, often via centralized Spanish systems like Acceso a la Universidad.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Late June 2025 (typically around June 30) – Final date for submitting applications post-high school exams.
• Admission Test (if applicable): Mid-June 2025 – Dates for Spain’s university entrance exam (EBAU/Selectividad), required for most applicants.
• Decision Notification: Mid-July 2025 (approximate) – Results and enrollment instructions released.
• Enrollment Deadline: Late July to early August 2025 – Final date to confirm attendance and pay fees, with specific slots assigned.
• International Student Deadline: May 31, 2025 (estimated) – Earlier cutoff for non-EU applicants due to visa processing times.

The academic calendar at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid aligns closely with Spain’s national education framework, incorporating public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and local Madrid festivities. This structure offers predictability for students while providing flexibility through extended summer periods for practical training, a key component of UPM’s technical curriculum. For international students, the early admissions deadlines and structured enrollment process accommodate visa and relocation needs, though applicants are encouraged to monitor specific faculty deadlines due to program variations. Note that exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Spanish university schedules, as official calendars may not yet be published.