UMa Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Universidade da Madeira, located in Madeira, Portugal, typically follows a semester-based structure common to many European universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the fall semester, which generally begins in mid-September and runs through late January, and the spring semester, starting in early February and concluding in late June. This structure includes periods for lectures, exams, and breaks, with a notable winter break around Christmas and New Year, as well as a shorter Easter break in the spring. While specific details may vary year to year, the university often aligns its calendar with national holidays and regional events unique to Madeira, providing students with opportunities to engage in local cultural celebrations.

• Fall Semester Start: Mid-September 2025 (typically around September 15) - Classes begin for all students.
• Midterm Exams (Fall): Late October to early November 2025 - Assessment period for first-semester courses.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025, to January 5, 2026 - Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Early February 2026 (around February 3) - Second semester lectures commence.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (typically one week) - Coincides with national Easter holidays.
• Final Exams (Spring): Late June 2026 - End-of-year assessments for all students.
• Commencement Ceremony: Early July 2026 - Graduation events for completing students.

• Application Period Start: Early March 2025 - Online applications open for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• First Round Deadline: Late May 2025 - Priority deadline for national and EU students; results typically announced in June.
• Second Round Deadline: Early July 2025 - For remaining spots; often includes international applicants.
• International Student Deadline: April 30, 2025 - Specific deadline for non-EU students due to visa processing times.
• Enrollment Confirmation: Mid-August 2025 - Accepted students must confirm enrollment and submit final documents.
• Financial Aid Application: June 30, 2025 - Deadline for scholarship and grant applications, with notifications by late July.

The academic calendar of Universidade da Madeira generally aligns with the broader Portuguese higher education system, adhering to national holiday schedules and semester frameworks. This alignment ensures compatibility with other institutions for student transfers or collaborative programs. For international students, the calendar offers sufficient breaks to accommodate travel or visa-related needs, though early application deadlines are critical due to additional administrative requirements. A unique aspect of the university’s scheduling is its integration of regional holidays and events specific to Madeira, which may influence academic breaks or campus activities. While exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are not yet publicly confirmed, the above timelines are based on typical patterns observed in previous years and regional norms for Portuguese universities.