VTU Academic Calendar

Veliko Tarnovo University "St. Cyril and St. Methodius," located in Bulgaria, follows a traditional European academic calendar structured into two main semesters: fall and spring. The academic year typically begins in early October and concludes in late June, with a significant winter break around the Christmas and New Year holidays. This structure allows for a balanced distribution of coursework and examinations, with each semester lasting approximately 15 weeks, including lecture periods and final exams. A notable feature of the university’s calendar is its alignment with national holidays, providing extended breaks during significant cultural and religious observances in Bulgaria.

• Fall Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Classes begin for all students, marking the official start of the academic year.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 5, 2026 – A holiday period covering Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Fall Semester Exams: January 15 – February 5, 2026 – Final examinations and assessments for the fall term.
• Spring Semester Start: February 15, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter exam period.
• Spring Break: April 10 – April 20, 2026 – A short break often coinciding with Easter holidays.
• Spring Semester Exams: June 1 – June 25, 2026 – Final exams for the spring term, followed by summer break.
• Commencement Ceremony: Late June 2026 – Graduation events for completing students (exact date to be confirmed).

• Application Period Opens: January 15, 2025 – Start of applications for the 2025–2026 academic year (Class of 2030).
• Early Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 – Recommended for international students to allow time for visa processing.
• Regular Decision Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate program applications.
• Admission Decisions Released: Mid-July 2025 – Notifications sent to applicants, with rolling decisions for late submissions.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: August 15, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit required documents.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Coincides with regular decision deadline; limited scholarships available for international students.

The academic calendar at Veliko Tarnovo University aligns closely with regional norms in Bulgaria and much of Europe, emphasizing a semester-based system that accommodates national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Liberation Day. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the latter should note the importance of early application to navigate visa requirements. Additionally, the university’s scheduling provides flexibility during exam periods, often allowing for resits or extended study time, which can be particularly beneficial for students balancing research or internships. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Bulgarian university calendars, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications as they become available.