Academic calendar

The academic year runs from September 1 through to July 30th. All faculties follow a semester calendar: the first semester lasts from September until December/January. The second semester courses start in January/February.

Important
The end date of your housing contract (if arranged through the university's housing office) does not necessarily correspond with the end date of the study semesters. Please ensure to check the terms and conditions and mentioned on the Housing website.  

University holidays

The University will be closed on the following days:

  • University Foundation Day, Dies Natalis: 8 February, from 1 pm
  • Easter: Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (Goede Vrijdag, eerste Paasdag and tweede Paasdag);
  • Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag): April 30th;
  • Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag): May 5th;
  • Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) and the day after;
  • Whit Sunday and Monday / Pentecost (eerste and tweede Pinksterdag);
  • Relief of Leiden (Leiden’s Ontzet): October 3rd;
  • Christmas Day and Boxing Day (eerste and tweede kerstdag) New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag): December 25th until January 1st.
For study purposes only, the Plexus building will have limited opening hours during this holiday.

Fall semester

For the Fall semester, most exams are scheduled in December. Re-takes of exams usually take place towards the end of January. For most students it will be possible to return home for Christmas.  
 

Fall September - December/January
Arrival date   No later than a few days before the start of classes, or your introduction programme preferably on a weekday.
Arrival date Intensive Dutch Language Course Early August
Student housing check-in Start dates of rental contract: 1 August / 16 August / 1 September
Introduction Programme (link to section introduction ) End August / beginning September
Information sessions (non-EU) To be announced (various days in August/September)
End date and departure The exact finishing date will depend on your individual course and exam schedule. Most students will be able to finish before Christmas.
   

Spring semester

For the Spring semester, most exams are scheduled in the course of June. However, re-takes of exams might not be scheduled until August.

Spring semester February-June
Arrival date 2nd semester No later than a few days before the start of classes, preferably on a weekday.
Arrival date Intensive Dutch Language Course Early January. Dates of intensive language course are to be announced.
Student housing check-in January / February
Introduction Programme (link to section introduction ) end January
End date and departure The exact finishing date will depend on your individual course and exam schedule.
   

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Last Modified: 27-03-2013