Acadia Academic Calendar

Acadia University, located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, follows a traditional semester-based academic calendar, typically divided into Fall and Winter semesters, with an optional Summer term. The Fall semester generally begins in early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Winter semester runs from early January to late April. This structure includes standard breaks for holidays and reading weeks, aligning with many Canadian universities. A notable feature of Acadia’s calendar is its emphasis on providing ample time for experiential learning opportunities, such as co-op placements and research projects, often integrated into the academic schedule.

• Fall Semester Start: September 3, 2025 (first week of September, subject to confirmation), marking the beginning of classes for most programs.
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 (second Monday in October), a national holiday with no classes.
• Fall Reading Week: Mid-October 2025 (typically one week), offering a break for study and rest.
• Fall Semester End/Exams: December 8–18, 2025 (approximate), including final exams and project submissions.
• Winter Semester Start: January 6, 2026 (first week of January), resuming classes after the holiday break.
• Winter Reading Week: Mid-February 2026 (typically one week), often coinciding with Family Day in some provinces.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: April 6–16, 2026 (approximate), concluding with final assessments.
• Commencement: Mid-May 2026 (exact date TBD), celebrating graduating students.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025 (approximate), for early consideration with notification by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2026 (typical for many Canadian universities), with decisions released by late April.
• Scholarship Application Deadline: February 15, 2026 (estimated), required for merit-based financial aid consideration.
• International Student Deadline: April 1, 2026 (approximate), allowing additional time for visa processing.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (common date), to secure a spot in the incoming class.

Acadia University’s academic calendar aligns closely with regional and national norms in Canada, particularly in its observance of statutory holidays like Thanksgiving and Family Day, which are integrated into semester breaks. The structure offers flexibility for international students, with extended application timelines and optional summer terms that can accommodate varying start dates. Additionally, the university’s focus on co-op and experiential learning may influence scheduling, providing unique opportunities for students to balance academics with practical experience. Note that the dates provided are based on typical Canadian university cycles and historical patterns at Acadia; official calendars for 2025–2026 may vary and should be confirmed closer to the academic year.