The academic year starts on September 1 and ends on August 31 the following year.

Degree programme curricula are organized in two semesters.  Each semester lasts at least 13 full-time teaching weeks and each is followed by a 2-3 week exam period.

Winter semester course period: late September- mid-January

Winter semester exam period: mid-January to mid February

Spring semester course period: mid- February – late May

Spring semester exam period: June

There is a third exam period in September for re-sits for courses in both semesters.

The exact dates of semesters are determined by the University Senate.

There are no classes in July and August, or on the following dates:

Winter semester 

  -  28 October National Holiday

  -  8 November (Rethymno) Local Holiday

  -  11 November (Heraklio) Local Holiday

  -  17 November University Holiday

  -  Christmas Holidays:  December 23 - January 7

  -  30 January Public Holiday

Spring semester

  -  25 March National Holiday (Independence Day)

  -  Easter holidays: No classes from Good Monday for two weeks.  The dates vary according to the Orthodox Easter calendar

  -   1 May Labour Day