NOVA Academic Calendar

Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NOVA), located in Lisbon, Portugal, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is standard among many European universities. The academic year is typically divided into two main semesters: the fall semester, which generally begins in mid-September and runs through late January, and the spring semester, spanning from early February to late June. This structure includes periods for lectures, exams, and breaks, with a notable winter break around late December to early January and a shorter Easter break in the spring. NOVA’s calendar often aligns with national holidays in Portugal, providing students with additional time off during significant cultural and religious observances.

• Fall Semester Start: Mid-September 2025 (typically around September 15) – Classes begin for most programs.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 – Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Fall Semester Exams: Late January 2026 (typically last two weeks of the month) – Assessment period for fall courses.
• Spring Semester Start: Early February 2026 (around February 3) – Second semester coursework begins.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (approximately April 10-17) – Aligns with national Easter holidays.
• Spring Semester Exams: Late June 2026 (typically mid to late June) – Final assessments and project submissions.
• Commencement Ceremony: Early July 2026 – Graduation events for completing students.

• First Round Application Deadline: Late February 2025 (around February 28) – For national and EU students; results typically announced by April.
• Second Round Application Deadline: Late May 2025 (approximately May 31) – Additional opportunity for applicants; decisions by July.
• International Student Application Deadline: Early April 2025 (around April 15) – Specific window for non-EU applicants, with extra time for visa processing.
• Enrollment Period: Late July to Early August 2025 – Accepted students confirm registration and pay fees.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: Mid-May 2025 (approximately May 15) – For scholarships and grants, both national and institutional.

The academic calendar at Universidade Nova de Lisboa aligns closely with the broader European university framework, particularly in Portugal, where semesters are structured to accommodate national holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Dia da Liberdade (Freedom Day) on April 25. This alignment offers predictability for students planning their schedules. For international students, NOVA’s calendar provides sufficient breaks for travel or visa-related needs, though the intensive exam periods may require careful time management. Additionally, the university’s scheduling reflects a balance between academic rigor and cultural integration, ensuring students experience Portugal’s rich traditions while pursuing their studies.