UniPD Academic Calendar

The Università di Padova, one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious universities, follows a structured academic calendar typically divided into two main semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. The fall semester generally begins in late September or early October and runs through January, while the spring semester starts in late February or early March and concludes in June. This biannual structure aligns with many European universities, allowing for extended breaks during the winter holidays in December and a summer break from July to August. Additionally, the university incorporates exam sessions at the end of each semester and sometimes during mid-term periods, providing students with multiple opportunities to complete assessments.

• Fall Semester Start: Early October 2025 (typically first or second week), marking the beginning of lectures and academic activities.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026, coinciding with Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Fall Exam Session: Late January to mid-February 2026, for assessments following the fall semester.
• Spring Semester Start: Late February or early March 2026, resuming academic activities.
• Spring Exam Session: June to early July 2026, concluding the academic year for most programs.
• Summer Break: July to August 2026, with limited academic activities except for specific summer courses or research.

• Application Period Opens: November 2024 to January 2025, for most undergraduate programs, with early submission encouraged for international students.
• Early Admission Deadline: February 2025, often applicable to specific programs or for non-EU applicants requiring visa processing.
• Regular Admission Deadline: May 2025, the standard deadline for most undergraduate applications for the 2025–2026 cycle.
• Decision Notifications: June to July 2025, with rolling notifications depending on the program and applicant category.
• Enrollment Confirmation: July to August 2025, requiring accepted students to finalize registration and submit necessary documentation.

The academic calendar at Università di Padova aligns closely with national and regional norms in Italy, reflecting the typical European university structure with significant breaks during winter and summer months. These extended holidays often coincide with Italian public holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, providing students with ample time for rest or travel. For international students, the calendar offers flexibility through multiple exam sessions and a clear semester structure, though early application is crucial due to visa processing times. Additionally, the university’s scheduling accommodates research-intensive periods, particularly for students in science and humanities programs, ensuring a balance between coursework and independent study.