WHZ Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau (WHZ), located in Zwickau, 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 beginning in early October and ending in mid-February, and the Summer Semester, running from mid-April to mid-July. This structure includes lecture periods, examination phases, and semester breaks, with a notable winter break around Christmas and New Year. WHZ also incorporates practical training and project work into its programs, which may influence scheduling for certain degree courses, offering students flexibility for internships or industry collaborations during non-lecture periods.

• Winter Semester Start: October 1, 2025 – Official start of lectures, preceded by orientation week for new students.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 6, 2026 – Holiday period aligning with Christmas and New Year celebrations.
• Winter Semester Exams: Late January to mid-February 2026 – Specific dates depend on individual programs.
• Summer Semester Start: April 15, 2026 – Lectures begin, often following a short spring break.
• Summer Semester Exams: Late June to mid-July 2026 – Culminating in the end of the academic term.

• Application Period for Winter Semester: May 1 – July 15, 2025 – Deadline for most undergraduate programs, with earlier submission recommended for international students due to visa processing.
• Application Period for Summer Semester: November 1 – January 15, 2026 – Applicable for select programs with summer intake.
• Admission Notification: Late August 2025 (Winter) and late February 2026 (Summer) – Applicants are typically informed of decisions within 4–6 weeks post-deadline.
• Enrollment Deadline: September 15, 2025 (Winter) and March 15, 2026 (Summer) – Final date to confirm acceptance and complete registration.

The academic calendar at WHZ aligns closely with regional and national norms in Germany, adhering to the standard semester structure observed across most higher education institutions. Breaks often coincide with public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and German Unity Day, providing predictable downtime for students. For international students, the calendar offers sufficient lead time for visa applications and travel arrangements, especially with semester starts in October and April. However, prospective students should note that exact dates for lectures, exams, and admissions may vary by faculty or program, and they are encouraged to monitor official university communications for updates, as the above dates are based on typical cycles and may be subject to change.