INRS Academic Calendar

The Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), part of the Université du Québec network, follows a structured academic calendar typically divided into three main terms: Fall, Winter, and Summer. The Fall semester generally begins in late August or early September and runs through mid-December, while the Winter semester starts in early January and concludes in late April. The Summer term, often used for intensive research or shorter courses, spans from May to August. As a research-focused institution, INRS may offer flexible scheduling for graduate and undergraduate students engaged in fieldwork or lab-based projects, with some programs featuring modular or customized timelines to accommodate research demands.

• Fall Semester Start: September 1, 2025 (approximate, pending official confirmation), marking the beginning of the academic year with orientation activities.
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 (aligned with Canadian Thanksgiving, a national holiday).
• Fall Semester End/Exams: December 15–20, 2025 (approximate), including final exams and project submissions.
• Winter Semester Start: January 5, 2026 (approximate), following the holiday break.
• Winter Break: February 23–27, 2026 (approximate), often a reading week for students.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: April 20–25, 2026 (approximate), concluding with assessments.
• Summer Term: May 4–August 14, 2026 (approximate), with variable schedules for research or coursework.

• Application Opening: September 15, 2024 (approximate), for the 2025–2026 cycle, allowing early preparation for prospective students.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 (approximate), for most undergraduate programs, with decisions typically notified by late spring.
• International Student Deadline: January 15, 2025 (approximate), to account for visa processing times.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 15, 2025 (approximate), for scholarships and funding opportunities.
• Enrollment Confirmation: May 1, 2025 (approximate), requiring accepted students to confirm their intent to enroll.

The academic calendar at INRS aligns with broader Canadian university norms, particularly in Québec, where the trimester system and holiday breaks like Thanksgiving and reading weeks are standard. This structure offers predictability for students planning their studies or research. For international students, the calendar provides ample time during breaks for travel or visa-related arrangements, while the Summer term offers flexibility for accelerated learning or internships. As INRS emphasizes research, some programs may adjust schedules to prioritize intensive project periods, setting it apart from more traditional undergraduate-focused institutions. Specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical Québec university timelines, as official calendars may not yet be published.