UAlg Academic Calendar

The Universidade do Algarve, located in the southern region of Portugal, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured into two main semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. Typically, the fall semester begins in mid-September and runs through late January, including a holiday break in December. The spring semester usually starts in early February and concludes in late June, with a short Easter break. This structure aligns with many other Portuguese and European universities, allowing for a balanced distribution of coursework, exams, and holidays. Notably, the university may offer intensive summer courses or research opportunities during July and August, catering to both local and international students seeking additional academic engagement.

• Fall Semester Start: Mid-September 2025 (typically around September 15) – Orientation week for new students often precedes classes.
• Midterm Exams (Fall): Late October to early November 2025 – Specific dates depend on individual programs.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025, to January 5, 2026 – Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Early February 2026 (around February 3) – Follows final exams for the fall semester.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (typically one week) – Aligns with national holidays in Portugal.
• Final Exams (Spring): Late June 2026 – Commencement ceremonies often follow for graduating students.

• Application Period Start: Early March 2025 – First phase for national and international applicants for the 2025–2026 cycle.
• Early Application Deadline: Late April 2025 – Recommended for international students needing visa processing time.
• Regular Application Deadline: Mid-June 2025 – Final phase for most undergraduate programs.
• Admission Decisions Released: Early July to late August 2025 – Notifications vary by application phase and program.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: Late August 2025 – Includes submission of final documents and tuition deposits.

The academic calendar at Universidade do Algarve aligns closely with national norms in Portugal, incorporating public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Republic Day into its breaks. This structure offers predictability for students planning their academic and personal schedules. For international students, the extended summer break provides flexibility for travel or internships, while the early application deadlines accommodate visa processing needs. Additionally, the university’s location in the Algarve region, known for its mild climate, may influence scheduling of outdoor or field-based academic activities during favorable weather periods. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Portuguese university timelines, prospective students are encouraged to check official university announcements for confirmed schedules.