| Beginning of the academic year | September |
| Periods when there are teaching activities | Between September and December (autumn semester) and February and May (spring semester) |
| Periods of examination | Varies between institutions |
| End of the academic year | May |
| Breaks between the teaching activities excluding the examination period | Between January and mid-February |
The dates may vary depending on the type of higher education institution (see academic calendar of Swiss universities).