Brandeis University, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The university typically divides its academic year into two main semesters: Fall and Spring, with an optional Summer session. The Fall semester generally begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. A notable feature of Brandeis’ calendar is its emphasis on accommodating diverse student needs, including extended breaks for major holidays and a structured midterm period to support academic planning.
- Fall Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 25-28), marking the beginning of classes for the academic year.
- Thanksgiving Break: November 26-30, 2025, providing a short hiatus for students to observe the holiday.
- Fall Final Exams: Mid-December 2025 (approximately December 10-15), concluding the Fall semester.
- Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026, a longer break aligning with national holidays.
- Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 15-20), following the Winter break.
- Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (typically one week around March 15-22), offering a mid-semester rest period.
- Spring Final Exams: Early May 2026 (approximately May 5-10), ending the academic year.
- Commencement: Mid-May 2026 (around May 15-20), celebrating graduating students.
- Early Decision I Deadline: November 1, 2025, with decision notifications typically released by mid-December 2025.
- Early Decision II Deadline: January 1, 2026, offering a second early option with notifications by mid-February 2026.
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2026, for standard undergraduate applications, with decisions announced by early April 2026.
- Financial Aid Deadline: February 1, 2026, recommended for priority consideration alongside admissions applications.
- Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026, for admitted students to confirm their place in the Class of 2030.
The academic calendar at Brandeis University aligns closely with regional and national norms for higher education institutions in the United States, particularly in the Northeast, where semesters are structured around major holidays like Thanksgiving and winter festivities. This scheduling offers predictability for students and families, including international students who may need to plan travel. Additionally, Brandeis provides flexibility through optional Summer sessions and accommodates diverse cultural observances by incorporating breaks for significant holidays. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, they reflect typical timelines for universities in the region.
