HFG Academic Calendar

The University of Design Schwäbisch Gmünd, located in Germany, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured around 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 holiday break in late December to early January. The Summer Semester generally starts in mid-April and concludes in late July, with a shorter break in August. This structure aligns with many German universities, emphasizing intensive study periods and allowing for focused project work, which is particularly relevant for design students. Unique to this institution, there may be opportunities for workshops or exhibitions integrated into the calendar, reflecting its emphasis on practical, hands-on learning.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – First day of classes for the academic year.
• Winter Holiday Break: December 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Campus closure for Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 10 – February 28, 2026 – Final exams and project submissions.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Classes resume after the spring break.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: July 20 – July 31, 2026 – Conclusion of classes and final assessments.

• Application Period Start: December 1, 2024 – Applications open for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Priority Deadline: March 15, 2025 – Recommended deadline for international students to ensure visa processing time.
• Regular Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate program applications.
• Admission Decisions Released: Mid-July 2025 – Notifications sent to applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: August 15, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit required documents.

The academic calendar at the University of Design Schwäbisch Gmünd aligns closely with regional norms in Baden-Württemberg and broader German university systems, incorporating national holidays such as Christmas and Easter into its breaks. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the intensive semesters may require careful planning for those balancing studies with internships or personal commitments. For international applicants, the early priority deadline is particularly important to accommodate visa processing times. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimated based on typical German university cycles, prospective students are encouraged to check official university announcements for confirmed schedules and any unique considerations related to design-focused programs.