COTR Academic Calendar

The College of the Rockies, located in British Columbia, Canada, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, typically divided into three main terms: Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer. The Fall semester generally begins in early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Winter semester runs from early January to late April. The Spring/Summer term, often optional for many programs, spans from May to August and may include shorter, intensive courses. This structure aligns with many Canadian post-secondary institutions and accommodates a balance of academic study and seasonal breaks, with notable pauses during the winter holidays in December and a reading break in February.

• Fall Semester Start: September 2, 2025 (first week of September, marking the beginning of the academic year).
• Thanksgiving Holiday: October 13, 2025 (a statutory holiday in Canada, often a long weekend for students).
• Fall Semester Exams: December 8–19, 2025 (approximate dates for final assessments).
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025–January 4, 2026 (extended holiday period).
• Winter Semester Start: January 5, 2026 (first week of January).
• Reading Break: February 16–20, 2026 (mid-semester break, often tied to Family Day in BC).
• Winter Semester Exams: April 13–24, 2026 (approximate dates for final exams).
• Commencement Ceremony: Late June 2026 (specific date TBD, typically for graduating students).

• Application Opens: October 1, 2024 (for Fall 2025 intake, early applications encouraged).
• Priority Deadline: February 1, 2025 (for competitive programs, with decisions notified by late March).
• Regular Admission Deadline: June 30, 2025 (final date for most undergraduate programs).
• International Student Deadline: April 30, 2025 (earlier deadline to account for visa processing times).
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: May 15, 2025 (for scholarships and bursaries, notifications by mid-summer).
• Enrollment Confirmation: July 15, 2025 (deadline to accept offers of admission and pay deposits).

The academic calendar at College of the Rockies aligns closely with regional norms in British Columbia, incorporating statutory holidays like Thanksgiving and Family Day, which provide natural breaks for students. The semester system offers flexibility for international students, with clear application timelines and extended summer terms for those seeking accelerated learning. Additionally, the college’s scheduling considers the needs of students in rural communities, often balancing academic periods with local seasonal demands. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on typical cycles, prospective students are encouraged to check official announcements for confirmed schedules.