VAMK Academic Calendar

Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK), located in Vaasa, Finland, follows a structured academic calendar typical of Finnish higher education institutions. The academic year is generally divided into two main semesters: the autumn semester and the spring semester. The autumn semester typically begins in late August or early September and runs through mid-December, while the spring semester starts in early January and concludes in late May or early June. VAMK often incorporates intensive study periods and project-based learning modules within these semesters, allowing for flexibility in course scheduling. Breaks are scheduled around major holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, with a notable summer break from June to August for most students.

• Autumn Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 25–30), marking the beginning of classes and orientation for new students.
• Autumn Break: Mid-October 2025 (approximately October 13–17), a short pause for students to recharge.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026), aligning with national holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Early January 2026 (around January 7–10), with classes resuming after the winter break.
• Easter Break: Early April 2026 (likely April 3–6), coinciding with Easter holidays.
• Spring Semester End: Late May 2026 (approximately May 25–30), including final exams and project submissions.
• Graduation Ceremony: Early June 2026, a celebratory event for completing students.

• Joint Application Period (First Round): Early January 2025 (typically January 8–22), the primary application window for most programs, including international applicants.
• Joint Application Period (Second Round): Mid-March 2025 (approximately March 15–30), a secondary opportunity for remaining study places.
• Entrance Exam Dates: April to May 2025, varying by program, often required for specific degree courses.
• Admission Results Notification: Late June to early July 2025, with decisions communicated to applicants.
• Acceptance Confirmation Deadline: Mid-July 2025 (around July 15), requiring students to confirm their study place.
• Tuition Fee and Financial Aid Deadline: Mid-July 2025, applicable especially to non-EU/EEA international students.

The academic calendar at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences aligns closely with national norms in Finland, where semesters are structured to accommodate public holidays like Christmas and Easter, ensuring students and staff can observe these cultural events. The extended summer break also reflects the regional emphasis on work-life balance. For international students, VAMK’s calendar offers flexibility with early application periods and clear deadlines, facilitating visa processing and travel planning. However, as exact 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. Students are encouraged to check official university communications for confirmed dates and any unique scheduling considerations, such as intensive study weeks or program-specific requirements.