UG Academic Calendar

The Universität Greifswald, located in 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, while the Summer Semester starts in early April and concludes in mid-July. This structure includes lecture periods, examination phases, and semester breaks, with a notable extended break over the Christmas and New Year holidays. A unique feature of the university’s calendar is its alignment with regional holidays in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which may influence scheduling for certain academic and administrative activities.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures, following orientation events for new students.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – No lectures or exams, aligning with national holidays.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 1 – February 15, 2026 – Examination period before the semester break.
• Summer Semester Start: April 1, 2026 – Lectures begin after the spring break.
• Summer Semester Exams: July 1 – July 15, 2026 – Final exams before the summer break.

• Application Period for Winter Semester: May 1 – July 15, 2025 – Deadline for most undergraduate programs, with earlier cutoffs for restricted-admission courses.
• Application Period for Summer Semester: November 1 – January 15, 2026 – For programs starting in the summer, subject to specific course requirements.
• Admission Notification: August 2025 (Winter) / February 2026 (Summer) – Applicants are typically informed of decisions within 4–6 weeks after deadlines.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 (Winter) / March 15, 2026 (Summer) – Final date to confirm enrollment and submit required documents.

The academic calendar at Universität Greifswald aligns closely with national norms for German universities, adhering to the standard semester structure and incorporating public holidays such as Christmas and Easter into its breaks. This scheduling offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the early application deadlines and specific enrollment periods may require careful planning, especially for non-EU applicants who need additional time for visa processing. The university’s calendar also accommodates research-intensive periods during semester breaks, providing flexibility for students engaged in academic projects or internships.