UniNE Academic Calendar

The University of Neuchâtel, located in Switzerland, follows a traditional European academic calendar divided into two main semesters: the Autumn Semester and the Spring Semester. The Autumn Semester typically begins in mid-September and runs through late December or early January, while the Spring Semester usually starts in mid-February and concludes in late May or early June. This structure includes breaks for major holidays such as Christmas and Easter, as well as a summer break from June to September. A distinctive feature of the university’s calendar is its alignment with Swiss public holidays and its emphasis on intensive exam periods at the end of each semester, allowing students focused time for assessments.

• Autumn Semester Start: Mid-September 2025 (typically around September 15) - Classes begin for all programs.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 20 to January 5) - University closure for holiday season.
• Autumn Semester Exams: Late January 2026 (typically last two weeks of January) - Assessment period for fall courses.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-February 2026 (around February 15) - Second semester begins.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (dates vary based on Easter calendar) - Short break for holiday observance.
• Spring Semester Exams: Late May to early June 2026 - Final assessments and project submissions.
• Summer Break: June to September 2026 - Extended break with opportunities for internships or research.

• Application Opening: Early November 2024 (typically November 1) - Start of applications for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Late April 2025 (around April 30) - Final date for most undergraduate program applications.
• International Student Deadline: Late February 2025 (approximately February 28) - Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing.
• Admission Decisions Released: Mid-June 2025 (rolling basis for some programs) - Notifications sent to applicants.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: Early July 2025 (typically July 1) - Deadline to accept offers and pay deposits.

The University of Neuchâtel’s academic calendar aligns closely with other Swiss and European institutions, adhering to national holidays and seasonal breaks common in the region. This structure offers predictability for students planning their studies or travel. For international students, the calendar provides ample time during breaks for cultural immersion or return trips home, while the early admissions deadlines ensure sufficient processing time for visas and relocation. Additionally, the university’s scheduling reflects a balance between academic rigor and personal downtime, with exam periods strategically placed to avoid overlap with major holidays. Note that specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, as official calendars may not yet be published.