UniBwH Academic Calendar

The Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg, located in Hamburg, Germany, follows a structured academic calendar typical of many German universities, organized into two main semesters: the Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester generally begins in early October and runs until mid-February, while the Summer Semester starts in early April and concludes in late July. This biannual structure includes lecture periods, examination phases, and semester breaks, with a notable extended break over the winter holidays in December and January. A unique feature of this university, given its affiliation with the German Armed Forces, is the integration of military training and academic study, which may influence scheduling and term durations for certain programs.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Holiday period including Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 1 – February 15, 2026 – Examination period following the lecture phase.
• Summer Semester Start: April 1, 2026 – Lectures resume after the semester break.
• Summer Break: July 15 – September 30, 2026 – Extended break with opportunities for internships or research.

• Application Period Start: May 1, 2025 – Opening of applications for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• Application Deadline: July 15, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate programs; earlier deadlines may apply for restricted programs.
• Admission Notifications: August 15 – September 1, 2025 – Decisions typically released during this period.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and complete enrollment formalities, with special considerations for international students regarding visa processing.

The academic calendar at Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg aligns closely with national norms for German higher education, adhering to the standard semester framework observed across the region. Breaks often coincide with major public holidays such as Christmas and Easter, providing predictable downtime for students. For international students, the extended summer break offers flexibility for travel or additional training, though the military-affiliated nature of the university may require unique commitments. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical German university schedules, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact timelines through official university communications due to potential variations influenced by program-specific or military training requirements.