Concordia University, located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, primarily consisting of three terms: Fall, Winter, and Summer. The Fall semester typically begins in early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Winter semester runs from early January to late April. The Summer term, often optional and shorter, spans from May to August, with various intensive courses and sessions available. A notable feature of Concordia’s calendar is its alignment with Canadian holidays, such as Thanksgiving in October and a significant winter break in December, allowing students ample time for rest and family engagements.
- Fall Semester Start: September 2, 2025 (first week of September, subject to confirmation), marking the beginning of the academic year with orientation events.
- Thanksgiving Holiday: October 13, 2025, a statutory holiday in Canada with no classes scheduled.
- Midterm Exams (Fall): Mid-October 2025 (exact dates vary by program), a critical assessment period for students.
- Winter Break: December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026, an extended holiday period covering Christmas and New Year’s Day.
- Winter Semester Start: January 6, 2026 (first week of January), resuming academic activities.
- Final Exams (Winter): Mid to late April 2026, concluding the main academic terms.
- Commencement Ceremony: Early June 2026, celebrating graduating students with formal convocations.
- Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (estimated for Fall 2025 entry), with decision notifications typically by late December 2024; ideal for students seeking early planning.
- Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 (estimated), the primary deadline for most undergraduate programs with notifications by mid-April 2025.
- International Student Deadline: February 1, 2025 (estimated), aligning with regular decision but with additional time recommended for visa processing.
- Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 15, 2025 (estimated), ensuring consideration for scholarships and bursaries alongside admissions decisions.
- Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated), requiring accepted students to confirm their intent to enroll for the Class of 2030.
Concordia University’s academic calendar aligns closely with other Canadian institutions, particularly in Quebec, with its semester structure and holiday observances reflecting regional norms such as the extended winter break for Christmas and New Year’s. This schedule offers flexibility for international students, providing clear breaks for travel or cultural observances. Additionally, the Summer term caters to those seeking accelerated learning or catch-up opportunities. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, students are encouraged to verify exact timelines through official university communications as they become available.