UoC Academic Calendar

The University of Crete, located in Greece, follows a traditional academic calendar structured around two main semesters: the Fall Semester and the Spring Semester. The Fall Semester typically begins in late September or early October and runs through January, culminating in a winter exam period. The Spring Semester generally starts in mid-February and extends until June, followed by a summer exam session. A notable feature of the university’s calendar is its alignment with Greek public holidays, such as Ochi Day and Easter, which often result in extended breaks. Additionally, there are resit exam periods in September for students needing to retake exams before the new academic year begins.

• Fall Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 29) – Classes begin for all students.
• Ochi Day Holiday: October 28, 2025 – National holiday with no classes.
• Winter Break: December 24, 2025, to January 6, 2026 – Holiday closure for Christmas and New Year.
• Fall Semester Exams: Mid-January 2026 (approximately January 15–31) – End-of-term assessments.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-February 2026 (around February 16) – Classes resume.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (aligned with Orthodox Easter, typically a 2-week break) – Extended holiday period.
• Spring Semester Exams: June 1–30, 2026 – Final assessments for the academic year.
• Resit Exams: Early September 2026 (approximately September 1–15) – Opportunity for retakes before the new year.

• Application Period Opens: Early May 2025 – Start of applications for undergraduate programs, primarily through the Greek national exams system (Panhellenic Exams).
• Panhellenic Exams: Late May to Early June 2025 – National entrance exams for Greek students; results impact admissions.
• Results and Placement Announcement: Late August 2025 – Official placement lists released by the Ministry of Education.
• International Student Application Deadline: Early July 2025 – Separate process for non-EU/EEA students; specific requirements apply.
• Enrollment Period: Early September 2025 (approximately September 1–15) – Final registration and document submission for admitted students.

The University of Crete’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms in Greece, reflecting the country’s cultural and religious observances, such as the significant Easter break tied to Orthodox traditions. This structure may pose unique scheduling considerations for international students unfamiliar with extended holiday closures or the national admissions system, which heavily relies on Panhellenic Exam results for domestic applicants. However, the university offers some flexibility through dedicated application processes for international students and resit exam opportunities, ensuring accessibility. Students are encouraged to plan around these key dates, especially for travel during long breaks or preparation for the intensive exam periods.