Teaching in 2025-2026
Autumn Semester 2025: 1 Sept – 12 Dec
Spring Semester 2026: 7 Jan – 29 May
Teaching in 2026-2027
Autumn Semester 2026: 1 Sept – 11 Dec
Spring Semester 2027: 7 Jan – 28 May
The academic year is divided into two semesters: the autumn and spring semester. For the autumn semester the teaching starts in the beginning of September and finishes around mid-December before the Christmas break. The teaching for the spring semester starts right after the 6th of January and finishes around end of May. Note that the orientation webinars will be organized at the end of August.
The official academic year starts on 1 August and ends on 31 July.
In some study fields each semester is divided into two teaching periods.
According to the university’s rules of procedure, the results of a study attainment must be published in the university’s electronic student and study register within three (3) weeks of completion. This deadline does not apply during periods when teaching is not organised under the Rector’s decisions (Christmas and Easter holidays) or during the period from 15 June to 15 August.
Schedules and registration
You can find the teaching schedules, registration periods and examination dates for your degree programme in Peppi. Schedules vary between programmes, so always check the information for your own programme.
If you are a new student, you can find the orientation schedule in Kamu on the Welcome to start your studies with us page.
Exceptions to teaching
Teaching or tutoring is not held at the following times:
- during the university opening ceremony,
- on May Day Eve 30 April, and
- after 12 noon on sports afternoon (October and February).
The university opening ceremony is open to everyone – welcome to join!
Academic calendar
Academic year | 1 August 2025 - 31 July 2026 | 1 August 2026 - 31 July 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Registration for the academic year | ||
| Current students | 1 June 2025 - 15 September 2026 | 1 June 2026 - 15 September 2026 |
| New Bachelor's and Master's students Programmes taught in English | The registration period starts on 1 June. Online registration ends on 22 August and registration in person on campus ends on 15 September. | The registration period starts on 1 June 2026. Online registration ends on 21 August and registration in person on campus ends on 15 September 2026 |
| New Bachelor's and Master's students, study rights starting in the spring semester | 1 November 2025 - 15 January 2026 | 1 November 2026 - 15 January 2027 |
| Registration for spring term only, current students | 1 November 2025 - 15 January 2026 | 1 November 2026 - 15 January 2027 |
| Opening ceremony of the academic year | ||
| 4 September 2025 in Joensuu | 3 September 2026 in Kuopio | |
| Periods (used in some study fields) | ||
| Autumn semester, 1st period | 1 September - 24 October 2025 | 1 September - 23 October 2026 |
| Autumn semester, 2nd period | 27 October - 12 December 2025 | 26 October - 11 December 2026 |
| Spring semester, 3rd period | 7 January - 13 March 2026 | 7 January - 12 March 027 |
| Spring semester, 4th period | 16 March - 29 May 2026 | 15 March - 28 May 2027 |
| Orientations | ||
| Orientation for new students, Autumn Semester 2026 | 24 Aug, 25 Aug, 2 Sept, 1 Oct 2026 | - Pre-arrival webinars for new students on 10 June 2026 - Orientation webinars for new students on 24 Aug and 25 Aug 2026 - Information Market for New Students on campus on 2 September 2026 - Wellbeing Day 1 October 2026 |
| Orientation for new international students, Spring Semester 2027 | 7, 8 and 11 January 2027 | -Pre arrival webinar in Nov/Dec 2026 |
| Breaks and non-teaching days | ||
| Christmas break | 15 December 2025 - 6 January 2026 | 14 December 2026 - 6 January 2027 |
| Easter break | 2 - 8 April 2026 | 25 March – 31 March 2027 |
| Sports day starting 12.15 p.m. | 1 October 2025 17 February 2026 | 30 September 2026 16 February 2027 |