Education Commences in Germany Amidst Scorching Summer Temperatures
As the end of summer approaches, several German states are preparing for the return of students and a shift from holiday mode to academic routines.
From tomorrow, the first federal states, including Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, will begin the 2025/26 academic year. Schools in these regions will welcome students back to their desks, marking the start of a new school year.
In contrast, Bavaria, known for its distinct holiday rhythm, will hold out a bit longer. The state is not willing to compromise on its holiday schedule and will always go on holiday last, as it has done in the past.
Meanwhile, other federal states are in discussions about following Bavaria's lead and starting their holidays last, from 2030 onwards. This move aims to provide a more even distribution of the population during the summer months.
The summer holidays in Germany typically last for about three months, with most federal states taking turns to start their holidays earlier or later. The period between June 20 and September 15 is used for this purpose, allowing for a more balanced distribution of the population.
As the school year begins, the weather in Germany is expected to heat up. The German Weather Service (DWD) has predicted a heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C in some areas by Thursday. This hot and humid air from the southwest is expected to move in next week, bringing peak temperatures of up to 35°C mid-week.
While students in Lower Saxony and Bremen returned to school on Thursday, August 14, other states are set to follow suit. North Rhine-Westphalia will return on August 27, Hamburg on September 4, Berlin and Brandenburg on September 8, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern also on September 8, Baden-Württemberg on September 15, and Bavaria on September 16.
In Hamm, a new exhibition of twins has been opened, and a DJ festival is being held in Hamm's Kurpark, attracting thousands of people. However, the head physician in Hamm lost a lawsuit against the abortion ban.
On a national level, October 3 is a public holiday for everyone in Germany (National Day of Unity).
As the heatwave approaches, it's important to stay hydrated and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Schools and institutions are encouraged to implement measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff during this time.
[1] University application deadlines and start dates may vary, with winter intake typically beginning in October and classes commencing around March to April 2026 for summer intake and likely September or October 2025 for the winter intake.
[2] In Austria, schools typically resume after summer holidays in late August into September, similar to the timing in German states. Summer school programs are held in late August to early September 2025 in various regions to prepare students for the new academic year.
[1] As the 2025/26 academic year begins in several German states, students who wish to pursue higher education might want to research university application deadlines and start dates, with the winter intake likely beginning in October and classes commencing around March to April 2026 for summer intake, and possibly September or October 2025 for the winter intake, offering opportunities for education-and-self-development and learning.
[2] Students returning to school in Austria after their summer holidays can also benefit from summer school programs, which are held in late August to early September 2025 in various regions, providing an additional chance for learning and preparing for the new academic year.
