UPorto Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Universidade do Porto (U.Porto), one of Portugal's leading institutions, typically follows a two-semester structure, aligning with many European universities. The academic year generally begins in mid-September with the Fall Semester, running through late January or early February, including a break for winter holidays. The Spring Semester usually starts in mid-February and concludes in late June or early July, followed by a summer break. This structure often incorporates periods for exams at the end of each semester and may include short breaks around national holidays such as Easter. U.Porto’s calendar is designed to balance academic rigor with cultural observances, reflecting Portugal’s academic traditions.

• Fall Semester Start: Mid-September 2025 (typically around September 15) - Orientation and welcome events for new students often occur during this week.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 5) - Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Fall Semester Exams: Late January to early February 2026 (typically last two weeks of January) - Assessment period for first-semester courses.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-February 2026 (around February 15) - Resumption of classes after winter exams.
• Easter Break: Early to mid-April 2026 (dates vary based on the holiday) - A short break aligning with national observances.
• Spring Semester Exams: Late June to early July 2026 (typically last two weeks of June) - Final assessments before summer break.

• First Phase Application Deadline: Late June 2025 (typically around June 25) - Primary application period for national and EU students via the national access system; results announced in July.
• Second Phase Application Deadline: Mid-August 2025 (approximately August 10) - For remaining vacancies; often relevant for late applicants or international students.
• International Student Application Deadline: Early May 2025 (typically first week of May) - Specific deadlines may vary by program; early submission is advised for visa processing.
• Enrollment Period: Late August to early September 2025 (typically last week of August) - Final registration and tuition payment for admitted students.
• Decision Notification (International): Mid-June to early July 2025 - Notifications for international applicants, allowing time for visa arrangements.

The academic calendar at Universidade do Porto aligns closely with Portugal’s national academic norms, often incorporating public holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Republic Day into its breaks, which provides predictability for students and faculty. This structure offers some flexibility for international students, with extended summer breaks allowing for travel or internships. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle may not yet be publicly available; the above timelines are estimates based on historical patterns and typical Portuguese university schedules. Applicants are encouraged to monitor U.Porto’s official communications for precise updates and program-specific deadlines, especially for competitive courses or international admissions.