UniVie Academic Calendar

The University of Vienna, one of Austria's leading academic institutions, operates on a semester-based academic calendar typical of many European universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the winter semester, which generally begins in early October and runs through late January, and the summer semester, spanning from early March to late June. This structure allows for a significant winter break around the Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as a longer summer break from July to September, accommodating both academic pursuits and personal downtime. Unique to the University of Vienna is its alignment with Austrian public holidays, which often influence lecture-free periods and campus closures, providing students with additional rest or research opportunities.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 - Official start of classes and orientation activities for new and returning students.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 - Campus closure for the holiday season, no classes or exams scheduled.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: January 25 – February 15, 2026 - Examination period following the conclusion of lectures.
• Summer Semester Start: March 1, 2026 - Classes resume after the semester break.
• Easter Break: April 10 – April 20, 2026 - Short break aligned with Easter holidays, no classes held.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: June 25 – July 15, 2026 - Final exams and project submissions for the academic year.

• Application Period Start for International Students: January 10, 2025 - Early opening for non-EU/EEA applicants requiring visa processing.
• General Application Deadline: May 5, 2025 - Final date for most undergraduate programs for the 2025–2026 academic year; late applications may not be considered.
• Admission Tests (if applicable): June 15 – July 15, 2025 - Specific programs may require entrance exams or interviews during this period.
• Decision Notification: Mid-July to early August 2025 - Applicants are informed of admission status, allowing time for visa and enrollment processes.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 - Final date to confirm enrollment and pay any required fees for the winter semester.

The University of Vienna’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms in Austria, incorporating public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Austrian National Day into its scheduling, which offers students predictable breaks. This structure is particularly accommodating for international students, as the extended summer break provides ample time for travel or internships, while the early application deadlines ensure sufficient processing time for visas and other documentation. Additionally, the semester system offers flexibility for research-intensive periods, especially for students in humanities and sciences, aligning with the university’s reputation as a hub for academic innovation in Europe.