Paris V Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Université René Descartes (Paris V), located in Paris, France, typically follows a semester-based structure common to many European universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the fall semester, which generally begins in late September or early October and runs through mid-January, and the spring semester, which starts in late January or early February and concludes in late May or early June. This structure includes breaks for major holidays such as Christmas and Easter, as well as a summer break from June to September. A notable feature of the university’s calendar is its alignment with the French academic system, which often incorporates intensive exam periods at the end of each semester and occasional modular short courses or workshops during the year.

• Fall Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 29) – Orientation and first day of classes.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 5) – University closure for the holidays.
• Fall Semester Exams: Mid-January 2026 (around January 10-20) – End-of-term assessments.
• Spring Semester Start: Late January 2026 (approximately January 27) – Classes resume.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (around April 10-20) – Spring holiday period.
• Spring Semester Exams: Late May to early June 2026 (approximately May 25 to June 5) – Final assessments.
• Commencement Ceremony: Mid-June 2026 (tentative) – Graduation for completing students.

• Application Opening: October 1, 2024 – Start of undergraduate admissions for the 2025-2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• Early Application Deadline: January 15, 2025 – For priority consideration; decisions typically notified by late February.
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2025 – Standard application cutoff; decisions expected by mid-April.
• Financial Aid Deadline: March 15, 2025 – Submission of funding requests alongside applications.
• Enrollment Confirmation: May 1, 2025 – Deadline to accept admission offers and pay deposits.
• International Student Deadline: February 1, 2025 – Earlier cutoff to accommodate visa processing and additional documentation.

The academic calendar at Université René Descartes (Paris V) aligns closely with national norms in France, adhering to the standard semester system observed across most French higher education institutions. Key holidays such as Christmas and Easter are integrated into the schedule, reflecting cultural and regional practices. For international students, the calendar offers some flexibility with extended summer breaks, allowing time for travel or internships, though the intensive exam periods may require careful planning. Additionally, the admissions timeline accommodates global applicants through early deadlines for international candidates, ensuring sufficient time for visa arrangements. While specific dates for the 2025-2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical French university schedules, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications as they become available.