WWU Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, located in Münster, Germany, follows the traditional European semester system, which is common among German universities. The year is divided into two main semesters: the Winter Semester, typically running from early October to late March, and the Summer Semester, generally spanning from mid-April to mid-July. Lecture periods are shorter, with breaks for holidays and self-study, while examination periods often extend beyond the lecture times. A notable feature of the university’s calendar is the semester break, or "semesterferien," which provides extended periods for research, internships, or independent study, particularly between February and April, and August to September.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Lectures typically begin in mid-October, following an orientation week for new students.
• Christmas Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – No lectures, with university facilities often closed for the holidays.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: February 15 – March 31, 2026 – Examination period follows the lecture end in early February.
• Summer Semester Start: April 1, 2026 – Lectures commence around mid-April after the semester break.
• Summer Semester End/Exams: July 15 – September 30, 2026 – Lectures end by mid-July, with exams extending into late July or early August.

• Application Period for Winter Semester: May 1 – July 15, 2025 – Deadlines may vary by program, especially for restricted-admission courses (Numerus Clausus).
• Application Period for Summer Semester: November 1 – January 15, 2026 – Primarily for advanced students or specific programs; check program-specific requirements.
• Notification of Admission: Late August 2025 (Winter) / Late February 2026 (Summer) – Applicants are typically informed a few weeks after the deadline.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 30, 2025 (Winter) / March 31, 2026 (Summer) – International students are advised to complete visa processes early.

The academic calendar at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster aligns with the standard German university schedule, incorporating national holidays such as Christmas and Easter into its breaks, which offers predictability for students planning their studies. The extended semester breaks are particularly beneficial for international students, providing ample time for travel or additional academic pursuits. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for lectures, exams, and admissions can vary by faculty or program, and flexibility in scheduling may be required to accommodate research or practical training components unique to certain disciplines.