Lakehead Academic Calendar

Lakehead University, located in Ontario, Canada, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar, typically divided into Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer terms. The Fall semester generally begins in early September and concludes in December, while the Winter semester runs from January to April. The Spring/Summer term, often optional, spans May to August and includes shorter, intensive courses. This structure aligns with many Canadian universities, offering students a balance of academic rigor and seasonal breaks, including a notable winter holiday period in December. Lakehead also provides flexibility with intersession and modular course options during the summer for students seeking accelerated learning or catch-up opportunities.

• Fall Semester Start: September 2, 2025 (first week of September), marking the beginning of the academic year with orientation activities for new students.
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025, aligning with the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, typically a long weekend.
• Fall Semester Exams: December 8–19, 2025 (mid-to-late December), concluding the term before the winter holiday break.
• Winter Semester Start: January 5, 2026 (first week of January), following the holiday break.
• Reading Week: February 16–20, 2026 (mid-February), a break for students to recharge or catch up on studies.
• Winter Semester Exams: April 6–17, 2026 (early-to-mid April), ending the term.
• Commencement: Late May or early June 2026, celebrating graduating students with ceremonies in Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses.

• Early Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 (for Fall 2025 entry), recommended for competitive programs and early consideration for scholarships.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025, the standard deadline for most undergraduate programs with decision notifications by late spring.
• International Student Deadline: March 1, 2025, allowing additional time for visa processing and documentation.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: April 15, 2025, for consideration of university-specific bursaries and grants.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: June 1, 2025, to secure a spot in the incoming class with deposit payment.

The academic calendar at Lakehead University mirrors the standard Canadian post-secondary schedule, with semesters aligned to national holidays like Thanksgiving and seasonal breaks that accommodate the harsh Ontario winters. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, with reading weeks providing much-needed respite during long terms. Additionally, the university’s admissions timeline is designed to be accessible, with extended deadlines for international applicants to account for visa and travel logistics. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, Lakehead’s commitment to student success is evident in its structured yet flexible approach to scheduling.