Carleton Academic Calendar

Carleton University, located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among Canadian universities. The academic year is typically divided into three main terms: Fall (September to December), Winter (January to April), and Summer (May to August). The Fall and Winter terms are the primary semesters for most undergraduate programs, with the Summer term offering a condensed schedule for select courses or catch-up opportunities. Classes generally begin in early September for Fall, early January for Winter, and early May for Summer, with breaks aligned to major holidays like Thanksgiving in October and the December holiday season. Carleton also features specific reading weeks, such as the Fall and Winter breaks, to provide students with time for study and rest.

• Fall Term Start: September 3, 2025 (estimated) - First day of classes for most programs, following Labour Day weekend.
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 - University closed for the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday.
• Fall Reading Week: October 20-24, 2025 (estimated) - A mid-term break for students to focus on studies.
• Winter Term Start: January 6, 2026 (estimated) - Classes resume after the holiday break.
• Winter Reading Week: February 16-20, 2026 (estimated) - A break period for rest and academic preparation.
• Final Exams (Winter): April 10-25, 2026 (estimated) - End-of-term assessments for Winter semester courses.
• Commencement: June 2026 (exact dates TBD) - Graduation ceremonies for completing students.

• Application Opens: October 1, 2024 (estimated) - Applications for Fall 2025 admission become available.
• Early Admission Deadline: February 1, 2025 (estimated) - Priority deadline for competitive programs; decisions typically released by late March.
• Regular Decision Deadline: June 1, 2025 (estimated) - Final deadline for most undergraduate programs for Fall 2025 entry.
• International Student Deadline: April 1, 2025 (estimated) - Earlier deadline to account for visa processing times.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 (estimated) - Recommended date to apply for scholarships and bursaries.
• Decision Notification: Rolling basis, March to July 2025 - Applicants are notified of admission decisions depending on application timing.

Carleton University’s academic calendar aligns closely with other Canadian institutions, particularly in Ontario, with its semester structure and holiday breaks reflecting national norms like Thanksgiving and the extended December break. The inclusion of reading weeks in both Fall and Winter terms offers flexibility, especially for international students who may use this time for travel or intensive study. Additionally, the university’s scheduling considers Ottawa’s cold winter climate, ensuring key academic periods avoid the harshest weather where possible. For undergraduate admissions, Carleton’s deadlines cater to a broad applicant pool, with earlier cutoffs for international students to accommodate visa and travel logistics, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility and diversity in its student body.