UoC Academic Calendar

The Universität zu Köln, located in Cologne, 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 break for the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Summer Semester generally starts in mid-April and concludes in late July, with a shorter break in between semesters. This structure allows for a clear division of academic activities and aligns with many other German universities, providing ample time for lectures, exams, and research. A notable feature is the lecture-free period during semester breaks, which students often use for internships, independent study, or travel.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – First day of lectures for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – University closure for holiday celebrations.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 10 – February 28, 2026 – Examination period following lectures.
• Summer Semester Start: April 14, 2026 – Lectures resume after the spring break.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: July 20 – July 31, 2026 – End of lectures and final exams.

• Application Period Start for Winter Semester: May 1, 2025 – Opening of applications for undergraduate programs (Class of 2030).
• Application Deadline for Restricted Programs: July 15, 2025 – Deadline for programs with limited spots, such as Medicine or Law.
• Application Deadline for Non-Restricted Programs: August 31, 2025 – Final date for most other undergraduate programs.
• Admission Notification: Mid-August to Early September 2025 – Decisions released, with earlier notifications for restricted programs.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 30, 2025 – Final date to accept offers and complete enrollment for Winter Semester start.

The academic calendar at Universität zu Köln aligns closely with national norms in Germany, where the two-semester system is standard, and key holidays like Christmas and Easter are integrated into breaks. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating planning for travel or visa processes. Additionally, the university’s adherence to centralized admissions timelines through platforms like uni-assist for international applicants ensures transparency, though students are encouraged to apply early due to processing times. The semester breaks also provide flexibility for research or internships, which is particularly beneficial for students in research-intensive fields.