UoL Academic Calendar

The University of Lapland, located in Rovaniemi, Finland, follows a structured academic calendar typical of Finnish universities, divided into two main semesters: autumn and spring. The autumn semester generally begins in early September and runs through mid-December, while the spring semester starts in early January and concludes in late May. A notable feature of the calendar is the inclusion of intensive teaching periods within each semester, allowing for focused study modules, as well as extended breaks around Christmas and summer, reflecting the region’s cultural and seasonal rhythms. This structure provides students with ample time for research, internships, or personal projects during the long summer break from June to August.

• Autumn Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Orientation for new students typically occurs during the first week.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – A significant holiday period aligning with national traditions.
• Spring Semester Start: January 7, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Easter Break: April 3 – April 6, 2026 – A short break coinciding with national holidays.
• End of Academic Year: May 29, 2026 – Includes final exams and potential commencement ceremonies.
• Summer Break: June 1 – August 31, 2026 – Extended period for independent study or internships.

• Application Period for International Students: December 1, 2024 – January 15, 2025 – Early deadline for non-EU/EEA applicants due to visa processing times.
• Regular Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 – For most undergraduate programs, with notifications expected by late March.
• Confirmation of Study Place: July 15, 2025 – Deadline to accept admission offers and pay any required fees.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 – Recommended date for scholarship or funding applications, especially for international students.

The academic calendar at the University of Lapland aligns closely with other Finnish and European universities, particularly in its semester structure and holiday breaks, which are influenced by national observances like Christmas and Easter. The extended summer break offers flexibility for international students to travel or engage in professional development, while the intensive teaching periods cater to focused learning. However, students from outside the EU/EEA should note the early admissions deadlines to accommodate visa processing. As specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle may not yet be publicly available, the above timelines are estimates based on typical Finnish university schedules and past patterns at the University of Lapland.