mdw Academic Calendar

The Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien (University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna), located in Vienna, Austria, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured into two main semesters: the winter semester and the summer semester. The winter semester typically begins in early October and runs through late January or early February, while the summer semester starts in early March and concludes in late June or early July. This structure includes breaks for major holidays such as Christmas and Easter, as well as a longer summer break from July to September, allowing students and faculty time for research, performances, and personal projects. Unique to this university, given its focus on music and performing arts, the calendar often accommodates intensive workshops, masterclasses, and performance schedules that may extend beyond standard semester dates.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes and rehearsals begin for all programs.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – University closure for holiday celebrations.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: January 26 – February 6, 2026 – Final assessments and performances scheduled.
• Summer Semester Start: March 2, 2026 – Classes resume after the semester break.
• Easter Break: April 10 – April 20, 2026 – Break aligned with national holidays.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: June 22 – July 3, 2026 – Final exams and end-of-year performances.
• Summer Break: July 4 – September 30, 2026 – Extended break for rest and preparation.

• Application Period Opens: November 1, 2024 – Online applications become available for the 2025–2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• Entrance Exam Registration Deadline: Mid-February 2025 (exact date TBD) – Required for all undergraduate programs due to the performance-based nature of studies.
• Entrance Exams: Late March to early April 2025 – Specific dates vary by department; includes auditions and interviews.
• Admission Decision Notification: Mid-May 2025 – Applicants are informed of acceptance or waitlist status.
• Enrollment Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Deadline to confirm acceptance and submit required documents.
• International Student Visa Application Note: Recommended to apply immediately after admission notification due to processing times.

The academic calendar at the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien aligns closely with other Austrian and European universities, particularly in its adherence to national holidays such as Christmas and Easter, which are significant cultural observances in the region. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the performance-heavy curriculum may require additional flexibility for rehearsals and events outside standard semester dates. International students should note that the admissions process, especially the entrance exams, demands early preparation and travel planning, as auditions are typically held in person in Vienna. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical schedules, prospective students are encouraged to monitor official university announcements for confirmed timelines.