UCLouvain Academic Calendar

The Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), located in Belgium, follows a structured academic calendar based on a two-semester system, typical of many European universities. The academic year generally begins in mid-September and concludes in late June or early July, with the first semester running from September to December and the second semester from February to June. A notable feature of UCLouvain’s calendar is the inclusion of examination periods at the end of each semester, as well as a mid-year break in January for students to prepare for exams or engage in research. Additionally, the university observes several Belgian public holidays and incorporates breaks around Christmas and Easter, aligning with cultural and regional traditions.

• First Semester Start: Mid-September 2025 (typically around September 15) – Classes begin for all students.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025, to January 5, 2026 – University closure for the holiday season.
• First Semester Exams: Mid-to-late January 2026 – Assessment period following the winter break.
• Second Semester Start: Early February 2026 (typically around February 1) – Resumption of classes.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (dates vary) – A one-to-two-week break aligned with Easter holidays.
• Second Semester Exams: June 2026 – Final assessments for the academic year.
• Commencement: Late June or early July 2026 – Graduation ceremonies for completing students.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 – Start of the application period for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 28, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate program applications.
• International Student Deadline: April 30, 2025 – Earlier deadline for non-EU students due to visa processing times.
• Admission Decisions Released: May to June 2025 – Notifications sent on a rolling basis depending on the program.
• Enrollment Confirmation: July 15, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit required documents.
• Financial Aid Application: March 31, 2025 – Recommended date to apply for scholarships or funding, if available.

The academic calendar at UCLouvain aligns closely with national norms in Belgium, incorporating public holidays such as All Saints’ Day and Armistice Day, which may provide additional days off for students. This structure offers flexibility for international students, as the semester breaks allow time for travel or visa-related arrangements. A unique consideration is the university’s emphasis on research and project work, often integrated into the academic schedule, which may require students to plan independent study periods. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact timelines through official university communications for the most accurate information.