UBT Academic Calendar

The Universität Bayreuth, located in Bayreuth, Germany, operates on a semester-based academic calendar typical of many German universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester, which generally runs from early October to mid-February, and the Summer Semester, spanning from mid-April to late July. This structure includes lecture periods and examination phases, with significant breaks between semesters. A notable feature is the extended winter break, which often aligns with Christmas and New Year holidays, allowing students ample time for rest or independent study. The university’s calendar is designed to balance rigorous academic schedules with opportunities for research and internships, particularly during the summer break.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures, with orientation events for new students in late September.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Campus closure for Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 1 – February 15, 2026 – Examination period following the end of lectures.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Lectures begin, with a short break around Easter.
• Summer Semester Exams: July 15 – July 31, 2026 – Final exams and project submissions.

• Application Period for Winter Semester: May 1 – July 15, 2025 – Deadline for most undergraduate programs, with earlier deadlines for restricted-admission courses.
• Application Period for Summer Semester: November 1 – January 15, 2026 – Applicable for select programs starting in the summer.
• Admission Notifications: August 2025 (Winter) and February 2026 (Summer) – Decisions typically released 4-6 weeks after application deadlines.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 (Winter) and March 15, 2026 (Summer) – Final date to confirm enrollment and submit required documents, with special considerations for international students regarding visa processing.

The academic calendar at Universität Bayreuth aligns closely with national norms in Germany, where the semester system is standard across higher education institutions. The timing of breaks, particularly around major public holidays like Christmas and Easter, reflects regional cultural practices and provides predictability for students and faculty. For international students, the extended application and enrollment periods offer flexibility to accommodate visa processing and travel arrangements. Additionally, the university’s focus on interdisciplinary studies and research opportunities during non-lecture periods allows for a unique academic experience, though students are encouraged to plan ahead for intensive exam schedules at the end of each semester.