At universities, the academic year begins on 1 August and ends on 31 July. Instruction is offered in two
semesters, usually from mid-September to mid-May. Holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, Easter
and summer holidays, have been defined separately. Instruction at polytechnics starts in August or
September and ends in May.
Instruction at polytechnics generally starts in August or September and ends in May. According to the
legislation (352/2003) the polytechnics have autonomy in organising the instruction during the
academic year 1 August to 31 July. The instruction must be organised so that the students can pursue
their studies efficiently.
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