Lyon II Academic Calendar

Université Lumière Lyon 2, located in Lyon, France, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured around two main semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. The academic year typically begins in early September and concludes in late June, with a significant winter break around late December to early January and a shorter spring break in April. This structure aligns with many French universities, emphasizing a balance between coursework, examinations, and holiday periods. A distinctive feature of Lyon 2’s calendar is its integration of intensive exam periods at the end of each semester, often accompanied by opportunities for cultural and academic events unique to the region.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes begin for most programs, with orientation events for new students.
• Mid-Semester Break: October 25–November 2, 2025 – A short break coinciding with the Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) holiday.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025–January 4, 2026 – Extended holiday period including Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 – Return to classes with a focus on second-semester coursework.
• Spring Break: April 11–19, 2026 – A week-long break often aligned with Easter holidays.
• Final Exams and Commencement: June 1–30, 2026 – End-of-year assessments and graduation ceremonies for completing students.

• Application Opening: November 1, 2024 – Start of applications for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Early Application Deadline: January 15, 2025 – Recommended for international students requiring visa processing.
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 31, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate program applications.
• Decision Notifications: Mid-May 2025 – Applicants are typically informed of admission decisions around this period.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit required documentation, including financial aid forms if applicable.

The academic calendar at Université Lumière Lyon 2 adheres closely to national norms in France, with semester breaks often coinciding with public holidays such as Toussaint and Easter, facilitating travel and family time for students. This structure offers flexibility for international students, as the extended winter break allows for potential visits home, while the early September start aligns with many global academic timelines. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for academic and admissions events may vary slightly year to year, and specific program schedules, especially for research-intensive or specialized tracks, might include additional considerations or modular sessions. As precise 2025–2026 dates are not yet publicly available, the above timelines are estimates based on typical French university cycles and past patterns at Lyon 2.