UniCT Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Università degli Studi di Catania, located in Catania, Sicily, Italy, typically follows a two-semester structure common to many European universities. The academic year is divided into a fall semester, starting in late September or early October, and a spring semester, beginning in February or March. Each semester generally spans around 14-16 weeks of teaching, followed by examination periods. The university often incorporates extended breaks, particularly during the winter holidays in December and January, as well as a summer break from late July to early September. Additionally, the calendar aligns with national and religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, which may influence scheduling and provide students with additional time for personal or academic pursuits.

• Fall Semester Start: Early October 2025 (typically the first or second week); classes commence after orientation activities.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 6); includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Late February 2026 (often the last week of February); follows the winter exam session.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (aligned with Easter week); a short pause in academic activities.
• Spring Exams: June to mid-July 2026; main examination period for the second semester.
• Summer Break: Late July to early September 2026; includes additional exam sessions for some students.

• Application Opening: March 2025; initial period for undergraduate applications for the 2025-2026 cycle (Class of 2030).
• Early Application Deadline: Late June 2025; for certain programs or international students requiring visa processing.
• Regular Admission Deadline: Mid-August 2025; final date for most undergraduate program applications.
• Admission Test Dates: July to September 2025; specific dates depend on the program, often required for competitive courses.
• Decision Notification: Late September to early October 2025; applicants are informed of acceptance prior to the fall semester start.
• Enrollment Confirmation: Mid-October 2025; deadline to confirm enrollment and submit required documentation.

The academic calendar of Università degli Studi di Catania aligns closely with regional and national norms in Italy, reflecting the broader European higher education framework. Breaks often coincide with significant public holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Italian national celebrations, offering predictability for students planning travel or personal commitments. For international students, the extended summer break provides flexibility for visa arrangements or returning home, while the structured semester system facilitates integration into academic life. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for academic and admissions events may vary annually and are subject to confirmation by the university. As specific details for the 2025-2026 academic year are not yet publicly available, the above dates are estimates based on typical scheduling patterns at Italian universities.