VSU Academic Calendar

Volgograd State University, located in Volgograd, Russia, follows a traditional academic calendar structured around two main semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester typically begins in early September and runs through late December, while the spring semester starts in early February and concludes in late June. This structure aligns with many Russian universities and includes extended breaks, notably a winter holiday period in January and a summer break from July to August. Unique to the region, the calendar often incorporates additional days off around national holidays like Victory Day in May, which may extend certain breaks or adjust exam schedules.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 – Classes commence for all students, often marked by a ceremonial opening event.
• Winter Break: December 30, 2025 – January 10, 2026 – A holiday period coinciding with New Year and Orthodox Christmas celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: February 9, 2026 – Classes resume after the winter break.
• Final Exams (Spring): June 1 – June 20, 2026 – End-of-year assessments for most programs.
• Summer Break: June 21 – August 31, 2026 – Extended break for students, with some graduate programs or research continuing.

• Application Opening: December 1, 2024 – Start of the application period for the Class of 2030, including international applicants.
• Early Admission Deadline: March 15, 2025 – For priority consideration, with decisions typically notified by late April.
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 – Final date for most undergraduate applications, including required entrance exams.
• International Student Deadline: May 15, 2025 – Earlier cutoff to accommodate visa processing and document verification.
• Enrollment Confirmation: August 1 – August 15, 2025 – Deadline to accept offers and submit final documents.

The academic calendar at Volgograd State University reflects broader Russian educational norms, with its semester system and holiday breaks aligning closely with national public holidays such as New Year and Victory Day. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the early September start may require adjustment for those accustomed to later academic year beginnings. Additionally, the admissions timeline provides flexibility with early and regular decision options, ensuring accessibility for a diverse applicant pool. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical regional patterns, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact deadlines as they may vary slightly year to year.