Hey everyone! I’ve just received my offer and I’m getting ready to study in Spain this year, but I’m a bit confused about the exact start dates. After some research, I found that the academic calendar in Spain is quite different from what many of us are used to. I’m sharing my findings about when Spanish universities start here, and feel free to add your own insights!
The official academic year in Spain typically begins in late September or early October and runs until June or July of the following year. It’s much more flexible; the opening dates vary by autonomous community, and even different programs within the same university might have different start dates. The entire academic year is divided into two semesters, with a long Christmas break in between.
Semesters and Exam Periods
The first semester generally runs from late September/early October to the end of January, followed by final exams. The second semester starts in early or mid-February and lasts until early June, which is then followed by another round of final exams. But the most important thing to remember is: The specific dates vary for each university and even each program
! So, you must check the ‘Calendario Académico’ on your university’s official website for the most accurate information. I’ve put together a general timeline for your reference:
General Start Dates for Major Universities (for reference)
| University | Approximate Start Date |
|---|
| Complutense University of Madrid | Around September 10th |
| Autonomous University of Madrid | Mid-September |
| University of Barcelona | Around September 12th |
| Polytechnic University of Valencia | Around September 9th |
Besides class schedules, you should also pay close attention to the exam period, known as the ‘convocatoria’. There are usually two main exam periods each year: the first in late January/early February and the second in June. If you fail a course, there’s a resit opportunity, usually held in late June/early July, though some universities may schedule it in early September before the new academic year begins. Also, don’t forget about the two long holidays, Christmas and Holy Week (Semana Santa), which are perfect opportunities to go back home or travel and party around Europe!
While most universities start around mid-to-late September, the final, accurate date must be confirmed through your official admission letter and the academic calendar on the university’s website. Please don’t book your flights based on assumptions! So, which university are you all going to? Have this year’s start dates been announced for your school? Feel free to leave a comment below to discuss and provide a reference for future students!
