In Poland, the academic year is divided into two semesters. In 2023/2024, they will  be:

1st semester:

2nd semester:

*Please note that due to the difference in academic calendars between sending university and JU, students from Study Abroad programme may either finish their 1st semester abroad in mid-December or stay till end of January to finish MA-level and other JU courses. IES courses dedicated to SA Students finish December 8th 2023, with exams following shortly after, however MA-level and other JU courses last until the end of January, with exams in late January and early February. Please notify IES staff of your preference, so that they may advise on courses as well as visas in due time.

**Re-sit exams for SA students are to be scheduled on individual basis.

Jagiellonian University academic holidays

On academic holidays, there are no classes or examinations. The main University offices are usually closed. Those offices that are open operate with reduced hours and staff. Instructors are usually unavailable for consultation during academic holidays.

Holiday breaks:

• 23 December 2023 – 7 January 2024
• 28 March – 2 April 2024

Additional days off from classes are:

• 2 November 2023
• 2 May 2024
• 31 May 2024
• Friday in the week when Student Carnival (Juwenalia) takes place (mid-May)

The Rector may declare additional academic holidays throughout the year. These are known as ‘Rector’s hours’ and are usually declared by the Rector relatively close in time to the holiday. They are often declared for half of a normal working day.

Polish national public holidays

All Saints’ Day - 1 November 2023

Independence Day - 11 November 2023

Christmas - 25 – 26 December 2023

New Year’s Day - 1 January 2024

Epiphany - 6 January 2024

Easter - 31 March - 01 April 2024

Labour Day - 1 May 2024

Constitution Day - 3 May 2024

Corpus Christi -  30 May 2024

1st Semester

• 13 – 27 September 2023: On-line Survival Polish course (highly recommended for BA and SA students)
• 28 September 2023: Orientation – administrative & academic issues
• 29 September 2023: Kraków Old Town Guided Tour, Orientation - non-academic issues
• 26-28 September 2023: On-line registration for 1st-semester courses
• 30 September 2023: Official inauguration ceremony of the academic year of the Jagiellonian University, city game “Discover Kraków”
• 2 October 2023: First day of IES 1st semester classes
• 21 October 2023: Study Trip to Nowa Huta (TBC)
• 1 November 2023: All Saints’ Day – no classes
• 11 November 2023: Independence Day – no classes
• 11 – 15 December 2023: Exam session for Study Abroad students
• 15 December 2023: Christmas Party
• 23 December 2023 – 7 January 2024: Christmas, New Year and Epiphany break – no classes
• 29 January – 11 February 2024: Regular examination session for all students
• 19 – 25 February 2024: Re-sit examination session

During each semester, there will be one study trip outside of Kraków (for SA students covered by the tuition fee). More information will be provided during each semester.

2nd semester

• 21 – 23 February 2024: On-line registration for 2nd-semester courses
• 23 February 2024: Orientation for new students
• 24 February 2024: City tour
• 26 February 2024: Start of spring semester classes
• 15 – 31 March 2024: Students may renew their legitymacja (student ID) for the spring semester by submitting it to the IES Administration Office
• 21 March 2024: Easter traditions workshop (TBC)
• 2 April 2024: Easter Holiday break – no classes
• 20 April 2024: Study Trip to Nowa Huta (TBC)
• 1 – 3 May 2024: May Day, Constitution Day – no classes
• Mid – May 2024: Juwenalia (student carnival – no classes on Friday)
• 16 June 2024: Last day of classes
• 17 – 30 June 2024: Final exam session
• 1 – 15 September 2024: Re-sit exam session

During each semester, there will be one study trip outside of Kraków (for SA students covered by the tuition fee). More information will be provided during each semester.