UniFe Academic Calendar

The Università degli Studi di Ferrara, located in Ferrara, Italy, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured into two main semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. The fall semester typically begins in late September or early October and runs through January, culminating in an exam period. The spring semester usually starts in late February or early March and extends until June, followed by another exam session. A notable feature of the university’s calendar is the inclusion of extended breaks around major Italian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, allowing students ample time for rest and cultural engagement. Additionally, summer sessions may be offered for specific courses or exams, typically in July.

• Fall Semester Start: Late September to early October 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed), marking the beginning of lectures for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026, aligning with national holidays and providing a significant pause in academic activities.
• Fall Exam Period: January to mid-February 2026, dedicated to assessments for fall semester courses.
• Spring Semester Start: Late February to early March 2026, initiating the second half of the academic year.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (dates vary based on the lunar calendar), offering a short holiday period.
• Spring Exam Period: June to early July 2026, concluding the academic year with final assessments.

• Application Opening: Early March 2025, when prospective students can begin submitting applications for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• Early Application Deadline: Mid-June 2025, primarily for international students requiring visa processing time.
• Regular Admission Deadline: Late July to early August 2025, the final date for most undergraduate program applications.
• Admission Notification: Late August to early September 2025, when decisions are typically communicated to applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: Mid-September 2025, requiring accepted students to confirm their place and submit necessary documentation.

The academic calendar at Università degli Studi di Ferrara aligns closely with national norms in Italy, reflecting the standard two-semester structure common across European universities. Breaks are strategically placed around significant public holidays like Christmas and Easter, ensuring cultural integration for both domestic and international students. The university offers some flexibility for international students through early application deadlines, accommodating visa processing and travel arrangements. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are subject to confirmation, as specific schedules are typically published closer to the academic year. This calendar structure supports a balance between rigorous academic periods and opportunities for rest or research-intensive activities during breaks.