Uni Bielefeld Academic Calendar

Universität Bielefeld, located in Bielefeld, Germany, follows a traditional European academic calendar divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester typically begins in early October and runs through mid-February, including a break for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Summer Semester generally starts in mid-April and concludes in mid-July, with a short break around Pentecost. This structure aligns with many German universities, offering a clear division for coursework, exams, and research periods. A notable feature of Universität Bielefeld’s calendar is its emphasis on integrating lecture periods with examination phases at the end of each semester, ensuring students have dedicated time for assessments.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures and academic activities.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – University closure for holiday celebrations.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 1 – February 15, 2026 – Primary examination period for the semester.
• Summer Semester Start: April 14, 2026 – Lectures and coursework commence.
• Pentecost Break: June 1 – June 3, 2026 – Short holiday break around the Pentecost weekend.
• Summer Semester Exams: July 1 – July 15, 2026 – End-of-semester assessments and evaluations.

• Application Period Start for Winter Semester: May 1, 2025 – Opening of applications for undergraduate programs (Class of 2030).
• Application Deadline for Winter Semester: July 15, 2025 – Final date for most programs; international students are encouraged to apply earlier due to visa processing times.
• Admission Decisions Released: August 15 – September 1, 2025 – Notification period for accepted students.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 – Deadline to confirm enrollment and submit required documents.

The academic calendar at Universität Bielefeld aligns closely with national norms in Germany, where the two-semester system is standard across higher education institutions. Breaks during Christmas and Pentecost often coincide with public holidays, providing students and faculty with consistent downtime. For international students, the calendar offers some flexibility, with application periods designed to accommodate visa processing and travel arrangements. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for academic and admissions cycles may vary slightly year to year, and they are advised to check the university’s official announcements for the most current information. Additionally, the university’s focus on interdisciplinary research may influence scheduling for certain programs, with potential intensive research periods integrated into the semester structure.