Kevadsemester

Kevadsemester is the Estonian term for the spring semester, the second major term of the academic year in Estonia. It follows the sügissemester (autumn semester) and usually runs from February to May, with an examination period in May or June. The exact dates depend on the institution and study program.

During kevadsemester, students attend lectures and seminars, complete assignments, and earn academic credits as part of their degree. Courses are offered in Estonian and, in many universities, in English as well. The term is aligned with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

The kevadsemester is typically the main period of teaching before the summer break. Students complete assessments, such as exams, projects, and coursework, which contribute to their final grades. In many programs, the spring term accounts for a substantial portion of the annual workload.

While kevadsemester is a standard designation in Estonian higher education, similar terms exist in other languages for the spring term or spring semester, and the exact calendar can differ between universities. The concept also has parallels in university systems across Europe and North America.

Etymology: "kevad" means spring in Estonian, and "semester" is borrowed from Latin and used internationally to denote a half-year academic period.