The academic year in Germany is divided into winter and summer semester. It begins with the winter semester.
Winter semester
- Teaching period begins two to three weeks after the 1st of October.
- There is a two week christmas and New Year break.
- Teaching period ends at the end of February.
- Exams take place at the end oft he teaching peroid or during the lecture-free period.
Summer semester
- Teaching period begins two to three weeks after the 1st of April.
- There is a one week Pentecost break.
- Teaching period ends at the end of July.
- Exams take place at the end oft he teaching peroid or during the lecture-free period.
Each winter and summer semester consists of lecture/teaching periods and lecture-free periods. The exact dates may vary depending on the semester and public holidays in the different federal states. They are announced on the university’s website.
During the lecture-free period, there are no regular events such as lectures, seminars and exercises. Instead, exams are often held, assignments are written or internships are completed. Depending on your study situation, there is of course also the opportunity to go on a trip or work – but it is not simply a long holiday.
Re-registration at the University of Freiburg
Re-registration is mandatory for all students who wish to continue their studies in the following semester. It is completed by paying the semester fee and any applicable tuition fees on time. The decisive factor is the date the payment is received by the university. Failure to re-register on time will result in automatic exmatriculation.
The re-registration period for the winter semester is from June 1 to August 15, and for the summer semester from January 15 to February 15. A late re-registration is possible until September 20 or March 20, but a late fee of € 10 will be charged.
You can find more information about fees here.