Harvard Academic Calendar

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among many prestigious institutions in the United States. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: the fall semester, typically beginning in late August or early September and concluding in mid-December, and the spring semester, running from late January to mid-May. A unique feature of Harvard’s calendar is the inclusion of a January Term (J-Term), a short, intensive period between semesters where students can engage in focused study, internships, or research projects. Additionally, the university observes significant breaks, including a winter recess and a spring break, aligning with national holidays and providing students with opportunities for rest or travel.

• Fall Semester Start: Late August to Early September 2025 (exact date to be confirmed), marking the beginning of the academic year with orientation for new students.
• Thanksgiving Break: Late November 2025 (typically around November 26–30), a short recess for the national holiday.
• Fall Semester End/Exams: Mid-December 2025 (approximately December 10–20), including final exams and project submissions.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to Mid-January 2026, a longer break encompassing holiday celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: Late January 2026 (around January 20–25), following the J-Term period.
• Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (typically one week), offering a mid-semester pause.
• Commencement: Late May 2026 (often the last week of May), celebrating graduation with university-wide ceremonies.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025, for prospective students seeking an early admissions decision, with notifications typically released by mid-December 2025.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 1, 2026, the standard application deadline for the Class of 2030, with decisions announced by late March or early April 2026.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: Early February 2026 (often aligned with Regular Decision), critical for students seeking need-based aid.
• Commitment Deadline: May 1, 2026, the national deadline for accepted students to confirm enrollment and submit deposits.

Harvard’s academic calendar aligns closely with regional and national norms for U.S. universities, particularly in the Northeast, where semesters are structured around major holidays like Thanksgiving and winter festivities. The inclusion of the J-Term offers flexibility, especially for international students who may use this period for travel or specialized academic pursuits. Additionally, the university’s scheduling considers the intense academic demands of its programs, ensuring breaks are strategically placed to support student well-being. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, they reflect Harvard’s commitment to a predictable and structured timeline that accommodates a diverse student body.