Academic calendar

The academic year at HAW Hamburg is divided into two semesters. The classes in the winter semester run from October to the middle of February (incl. exam period), and the classes in the summer semester run from April to the end of July (incl. exam period). 

NOTE: This information is for international exchange students who plan to study for one or two semesters at HAW Hamburg. 

Winter semester 2024/25

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Summer semester 2025

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Hamburg Welcome Weeks: This is an orientation programme for international students to help you get to know Hamburg and the other new international students.

** First/last day of classes: In most departments the higher-level classes will start in the first week of the semester; in some departments the first week of the semester may just be an orientation week for the new freshmen. Some classes can run slightly longer because of this. Please check with your Student Exchange Coordinator for the exact dates.

Public holidays: On public holidays shops, banks and post offices are shut in Germany. These are good times to travel for short trips during the semester, but please be aware that there is increased traffic on roads, in trains and at airports as Germans use these days for long weekends or short breaks.