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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10 September – 4 October 2024 | Hamburg Welcome Weeks |
7 October 2024 | Start of classes |
31 October 2024 | Public holiday |
21 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 | Christmas holidays |
24 January 2025 | Classes end ** |
27 January – 15 February 2025 | Exam period |
16 February – 31 March 2025 | Semester holidays |
Summer semester 2025
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17. March-6. April 2025 | Hamburg Welcome Weeks (Plan) |
7. April 2025 | Start of classes |
18.-21. April 2025 | Easter |
1. May 2025 | Public holiday |
29. May 2025 | Public holiday |
9. June 2025 | Public holiday |
11. July 2025 | End of classes** |
14. July–1. August 2025 | Exam weeks |
2. August–30. September 2025 | Semester holidays |
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.