Imperial College Academic Calendar

Imperial College London, a prestigious institution based in London, UK, operates on a structured academic calendar divided into three main terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The academic year typically begins in late September or early October and concludes in June, with each term lasting approximately 10-11 weeks. A notable feature of Imperial’s calendar is its alignment with the UK higher education system, incorporating extended breaks during Christmas and Easter, alongside a shorter summer term often dedicated to exams, research, or placements. This structure supports the university’s focus on intensive, research-driven learning and accommodates both undergraduate and postgraduate schedules.

• Autumn Term Start: Early October 2025 (typically first week); marks the beginning of the academic year with induction activities for new students.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026; a three-to-four-week holiday period aligning with national festivities.
• Spring Term Start: Mid-January 2026; includes coursework and mid-year assessments for many programs.
• Easter Break: Late March to mid-April 2026; a two-to-three-week break coinciding with the Easter holiday.
• Summer Term Start: Late April 2026; often focused on final projects and preparation for exams.
• End of Academic Year/Exams: Late May to mid-June 2026; includes final examinations and graduation ceremonies for some cohorts.

• UCAS Application Deadline: Late January 2025 (typically January 31); primary deadline for most undergraduate programs, including international applicants.
• Interview Period (if applicable): February to March 2025; for select programs requiring interviews, with notifications sent post-application.
• Offer Notification: March to April 2025; decisions typically released during this period via UCAS.
• Confirmation Deadline: Early May 2025; deadline to accept offers and secure a place, subject to meeting conditions.
• Clearing Opens (if applicable): Mid-August 2025; for students who did not receive offers or meet conditions, subject to availability.

Imperial College London’s academic calendar aligns closely with the standard UK university system, featuring term dates that correspond to national holidays like Christmas and Easter, ensuring compatibility with regional norms. This structure offers some flexibility for international students, with breaks allowing for travel or cultural observances, though the intensive nature of programs may require careful planning around coursework and exams. Additionally, the university’s research-intensive focus means that summer periods are often utilized for internships or projects, particularly for STEM students, distinguishing its scheduling from more traditional liberal arts institutions.