UP Academic Calendar

The Universität Passau, located in Passau, 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 mid-April and concludes in late July, with a shorter break in between semesters. This structure aligns with many German universities and allows for intensive study periods, examination phases at the end of each semester, and flexibility for research or internships during breaks. The university also incorporates public holidays observed in Bavaria, which may affect lecture schedules.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures, with orientation events for new students in late September.
• Christmas Break: December 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – No lectures, university facilities may have limited access.
• Winter Semester Exams: February 3 – February 14, 2026 – Examination period, specific dates depend on individual programs.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Lectures begin, often preceded by a re-registration period.
• Summer Semester Exams: July 20 – July 31, 2026 – End-of-semester assessments, followed by a break until the next semester.

• Application Period Start for Winter Semester: May 1, 2025 – Initial opening for undergraduate applications, particularly for international students requiring visas.
• Application Deadline for Winter Semester: July 15, 2025 – Final date for most programs, with earlier deadlines for restricted-admission courses.
• Admission Notification: August 15 – August 31, 2025 – Applicants typically receive decisions during this period.
• Application Deadline for Summer Semester: January 15, 2026 – Deadline for programs starting in the summer, with limited intake for some courses.
• Enrollment Confirmation: September 1 – September 15, 2025 (Winter); March 1 – March 15, 2026 (Summer) – Final enrollment and fee payment deadlines.

The academic calendar at Universität Passau aligns closely with regional norms in Bavaria and broader German university traditions, incorporating significant breaks around national holidays like Christmas and Easter. This structure offers predictability for students planning their studies or travel. For international students, the extended application periods and early deadlines provide ample time to arrange visas and accommodations, though applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible due to processing times. Additionally, the semester-based system supports flexibility for exchange programs and interdisciplinary studies, a hallmark of the university’s international focus. Note that specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical German university schedules, as official calendars may not yet be published.