CUCA Academic Calendar

Concordia University College of Alberta, located in Edmonton, Alberta, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar, which is common among Canadian universities. The academic year is typically divided into two main semesters: Fall (September to December) and Winter (January to April), with an optional Summer term (May to August) for additional coursework or intensive programs. The Fall semester often begins in early September, aligning with the post-Labour Day start common in Canada, while the Winter semester starts in early January after a holiday break. This structure provides students with a balanced schedule, including breaks for major holidays like Christmas and statutory holidays unique to Alberta, such as Family Day in February.

• Fall Semester Start: September 2, 2025 (first week of September, post-Labour Day).
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 (second Monday in October, a national holiday in Canada).
• Midterm Exams (Fall): Mid-to-late October 2025 (specific dates vary by program).
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (approximately two weeks over Christmas and New Year’s).
• Winter Semester Start: January 5, 2026 (first full week of January).
• Family Day Break: February 16, 2026 (third Monday in February, an Alberta statutory holiday).
• Final Exams (Winter): Mid-to-late April 2026 (specific dates depend on course schedules).
• Commencement Ceremony: Late May or early June 2026 (typically after the Winter semester ends).

• Early Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 (for Fall 2025 entry; recommended for competitive programs and scholarship consideration).
• Regular Admission Deadline: March 1, 2025 (final deadline for most undergraduate programs for Fall 2025).
• International Student Deadline: February 1, 2025 (earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing times).
• Decision Notification (Early): Mid-December 2024 (for early applicants; notifications may vary by program).
• Decision Notification (Regular): April to May 2025 (rolling basis for regular applicants).
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 15, 2025 (to align with admission decisions and funding allocation).

The academic calendar at Concordia University College of Alberta aligns closely with regional and national norms for Canadian post-secondary institutions, particularly in its adherence to a semester system and recognition of provincial holidays like Family Day. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, with breaks strategically placed to accommodate cultural and statutory observances. Additionally, the university’s admissions timeline provides flexibility, with early and regular deadlines catering to a diverse applicant pool. International students benefit from earlier deadlines to ensure sufficient time for visa and travel arrangements, reflecting Concordia’s commitment to accessibility. Note that the above dates are estimates based on typical Canadian university schedules, as specific 2025–2026 dates may not yet be publicly available.