Unibo Academic Calendar

The University of Bologna, one of the oldest universities in the world, follows a structured academic calendar based on a two-semester system, typical of many European institutions. The academic year generally begins in late September or early October with the first semester, running through December or early January. The second semester typically starts in late February or early March and concludes in June or July. This structure includes breaks for major holidays such as Christmas and Easter, as well as a summer break for research, internships, or personal pursuits. Unique to the University of Bologna is its emphasis on integrating intensive exam periods at the end of each semester, allowing students flexibility in scheduling assessments.

• First Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 29) – Classes begin for most programs.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 6) – University closure for holiday celebrations.
• First Semester Exams: January to mid-February 2026 – Assessment period following the semester.
• Second Semester Start: Late February 2026 (around February 23) – Classes resume.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (approximately April 10-17) – Short break aligned with national holidays.
• Second Semester Exams: June to July 2026 – Final assessments and graduation ceremonies for many programs.
• Summer Break: Late July to mid-September 2026 – Extended break before the new academic year.

• Application Opening for Undergraduate Programs: Early February 2025 – Start of applications for the 2025-2026 cycle, with specific deadlines varying by program.
• Early Application Deadline (Restricted Programs): Late April 2025 – For competitive programs like Medicine, often with entrance exams.
• Regular Application Deadline: Late June 2025 – Final deadline for most undergraduate programs, especially for EU students.
• International Student Deadline (Non-EU): Early May 2025 – Earlier cutoff to accommodate visa processing.
• Admission Test Dates: May to July 2025 – Entrance exams for restricted programs, with results typically announced within a month.
• Decision Notification: July to August 2025 – Most applicants receive admission decisions during this period.
• Enrollment Confirmation: Late August to early September 2025 – Deadline to confirm enrollment and pay initial fees.

The academic calendar at the University of Bologna aligns closely with Italian and broader European norms, particularly in its observance of national holidays like Christmas and Easter, which are integrated into semester breaks. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, with ample time during the summer break for travel or professional development. Additionally, the university provides some flexibility in exam scheduling, which can be beneficial for international students navigating visa or travel constraints. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for the 2025-2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, as official calendars are typically published closer to the academic year. Early planning is advised, especially for non-EU applicants facing additional administrative steps.