Universität Wien Academic Calendar

The Universität Wien, located in Vienna, Austria, 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 late January or early February, while the summer semester starts in early March and concludes in late June or early July. This structure allows for extended breaks, including a notable winter break around the Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as a longer summer break for research, internships, or travel. Unique to many Austrian universities, including Universität Wien, is the emphasis on flexibility within the semester for independent study and research, catering to both undergraduate and graduate students.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes and lectures commence for the academic year.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Includes Christmas and New Year holidays, with campus facilities often closed.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: Late January to mid-February 2026 – Exam period typically follows the end of lectures.
• Summer Semester Start: March 1, 2026 – Lectures resume after the semester break.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (exact dates TBD) – A short break aligned with Easter holidays.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: Late June to mid-July 2026 – Includes final exams and project submissions.

• Application Period Start for Winter Semester: Early February 2025 – Initial application window opens for undergraduate programs, with specific deadlines varying by program.
• Priority Deadline for International Students: April 30, 2025 – Recommended for non-EU/EEA applicants due to visa processing times.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs starting in the winter semester.
• Admission Notification: Mid-July to late August 2025 – Decisions typically released within this period, allowing time for enrollment confirmation.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: Early September 2025 – For scholarships or grants, if applicable, with separate requirements for international students.

The academic calendar at Universität Wien aligns closely with national and regional norms in Austria and much of Central Europe, emphasizing a clear division between winter and summer semesters. This structure accommodates public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Austrian National Day, often integrating them into scheduled breaks. For international students, the extended application periods and early priority deadlines provide flexibility to navigate visa processes and language requirements, though prospective students are encouraged to apply early. Additionally, the university’s focus on independent study periods within semesters offers unique scheduling considerations, particularly for research-intensive programs.