UC Berkeley Academic Calendar

The University of California, Berkeley operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is standard for many public universities in the United States. The academic year is divided into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer Session for additional coursework. The Fall Semester typically begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring Semester runs from mid-January to mid-May. UC Berkeley also features a brief Winter Break between semesters and shorter breaks during the academic year, such as Thanksgiving and Spring Break, aligning with national holidays. This structure allows for a balance of intensive study periods and necessary downtime for students and faculty alike.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated, based on historical trends). Classes begin, marking the start of the academic year.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025. Campus is closed for the federal holiday.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–28, 2025. A short break for the holiday, with classes resuming the following week.
• Fall Semester End: December 12, 2025 (estimated). Final exams typically occur during this week.
• Winter Break: December 13, 2025–January 18, 2026 (estimated). A longer break between semesters.
• Spring Semester Start: January 20, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after Winter Break.
• Spring Break: March 23–27, 2026 (estimated). A one-week break for students.
• Spring Semester End: May 8, 2026 (estimated). Includes final exams and commencement ceremonies.

• Application Opens: August 1, 2025 (estimated). UC system application portal typically opens for prospective students.
• Regular Decision Deadline: November 30, 2025 (estimated). Final date to submit applications for the Class of 2030; no early action or early decision options are available at UC Berkeley.
• Financial Aid Deadline: March 2, 2026 (estimated). Deadline for submitting FAFSA and California Dream Act applications for priority consideration.
• Admission Decisions Released: Late March to early April 2026 (estimated). Notifications are typically sent out during this period.
• Commitment Deadline: May 1, 2026 (estimated). National College Decision Day, when admitted students must confirm enrollment.

UC Berkeley’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for semester-based systems, particularly in its observance of major U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving and Labor Day. The extended Winter Break offers flexibility for international students to travel or engage in personal commitments, while the Summer Session provides opportunities for accelerated learning or research. Additionally, the admissions timeline reflects the University of California system’s standardized process, ensuring consistency across campuses. Students are encouraged to plan around these dates, especially for application submissions and financial aid, as deadlines are strictly enforced to accommodate the large volume of applicants each year.