Sügissemester

Sügissemester is the autumn semester, the first major term of the academic year in many Estonian-speaking educational institutions, including universities and colleges. The term denotes the period during which courses are taught in the autumn.

Timing and duration typically begin in September and run through December, with some courses and assessments extending into January. The exact calendar varies by institution, and the length of instructional weeks can differ between programmes.

Academic structure during the sügissemester involves students enrolling in courses, earning credits, and participating in lectures, seminars, and practical sessions. Assessments may include exams, essays, projects, and continuous assessment. Many institutions include a Christmas and New Year break between the sügissemester and the next term.

Relation to kevadsemester: sügissemester is followed by the kevadsemester (spring semester), together forming the standard academic year in many schools and universities. The two terms divide coursework and examinations across the year, allowing progression toward degree requirements.

Etymology and usage: The word combines sügis, meaning autumn, with semester, reflecting its position as the autumn half-year of study. The term is widely used in Estonian-language higher education contexts and is equivalent to the fall semester in English-language systems.