UPB Academic Calendar

Universität Paderborn, located in Paderborn, 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 holiday break around Christmas and New Year’s. The Summer Semester generally starts in early April and concludes in mid-July, with a shorter break in between semesters. This structure aligns with many German universities, emphasizing a balance between intensive study periods and breaks for research or internships. A notable feature is the lecture-free period during semester breaks, which allows students to focus on exams, projects, or personal development.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures, with orientation events for new students in late September.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – University closure for holiday celebrations.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 10 – February 28, 2026 – Lecture-free period with scheduled examinations.
• Summer Semester Start: April 1, 2026 – Lectures begin, often preceded by re-registration deadlines.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: July 10 – July 31, 2026 – End of lectures followed by exam period.

• 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 – Applicable for select programs; check specific course requirements.
• Admission Notification: August 2025 (Winter) / February 2026 (Summer) – Approximate dates for decision announcements.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 (Winter) / March 15, 2026 (Summer) – Final date to confirm acceptance and complete registration.
• International Student Deadline: Typically 2–3 months earlier than standard deadlines – Additional time required for visa processing and document verification.

The academic calendar at Universität Paderborn aligns closely with national norms in Germany, adhering to the semester structure common across the country. Breaks often coincide with major public holidays like Christmas and Easter, providing predictable downtime for students. For international students, the extended lecture-free periods offer flexibility for travel or additional academic pursuits, though early application deadlines are critical due to visa processing times. Additionally, the university’s focus on research may influence scheduling, with opportunities for intensive project work during breaks. While exact dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on typical German university cycles, students are encouraged to verify specifics closer to the academic year.