UniPa Academic Calendar

The Università degli Studi di Palermo (UNIPA), located in Palermo, Sicily, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among Italian universities. The academic year is typically divided into two main semesters: the first semester runs from late September or early October to late January, while the second semester spans from late February or early March to late June. Exam sessions are often scheduled at the end of each semester, with additional sessions in the summer for retakes or supplementary exams. A notable feature of UNIPA’s calendar is its alignment with national and regional holidays, including extended breaks during Christmas and Easter, reflecting the cultural and religious traditions of Italy. This structure provides students with clear periods for coursework, assessments, and rest.

• First Semester Start: Late September to early October 2025 (typically around October 1) – Classes begin for most programs.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 6) – University closure for national holidays.
• First Semester Exams: Late January to mid-February 2026 – Assessment period for fall courses.
• Second Semester Start: Late February to early March 2026 (typically around March 1) – Spring term begins.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (dates vary based on the holiday) – Short closure for religious observances.
• Second Semester Exams: Late June to mid-July 2026 – End-of-year assessments.
• Summer Break: Late July to early September 2026 – Main holiday period for students and faculty.

• Application Period Opens: Early April 2025 – Initial registration for undergraduate programs begins, often with specific deadlines for EU and non-EU students.
• Early Admission Deadline: Mid-June 2025 – For competitive programs or early placement tests, particularly for international applicants.
• Regular Admission Deadline: Late July to early August 2025 (typically around July 31) – Final date for most undergraduate applications.
• Entrance Exams: Early September 2025 – Required for certain degree programs like medicine or engineering.
• Decision Notification: Mid-September to early October 2025 – Applicants are informed of admission status.
• Enrollment Confirmation: Mid-October 2025 – Deadline to confirm acceptance and pay initial fees, with earlier dates for non-EU students due to visa processing.

The academic calendar at Università degli Studi di Palermo aligns closely with the standard Italian university system, incorporating national holidays and regional traditions into its scheduling. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though non-EU applicants must account for earlier deadlines to accommodate visa and residency requirements. Additionally, the university’s exam-focused periods and summer retake opportunities provide flexibility for students managing academic challenges. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are not yet publicly confirmed, the above timelines are based on typical patterns observed in Italian higher education and past UNIPA calendars. Students are encouraged to monitor official announcements for precise updates as the academic year approaches.