Massachusetts Institute of Technology Academic Calendar

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, operates on a unique academic calendar known as the 4-1-4 system. This structure includes two traditional semesters—Fall and Spring—each lasting approximately four months, separated by a one-month Independent Activities Period (IAP) in January. The Fall semester typically begins in early September and ends in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in early February and concludes in late May. The IAP offers students flexibility for short courses, research, internships, or personal projects, setting MIT apart from standard semester-based systems. Additionally, the university observes key holidays and provides breaks aligned with national and regional schedules.

• Fall Semester Start: September 2, 2025 (first week of September), marking the beginning of classes after Labor Day.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–30, 2025, aligning with the national holiday for family and travel time.
• Fall Semester End/Final Exams: December 15–19, 2025, concluding the term before winter break.
• Independent Activities Period (IAP): January 5–30, 2026, a unique inter-term for specialized learning or projects.
• Spring Semester Start: February 2, 2026 (first week of February), following the IAP.
• Spring Break: March 23–27, 2026 (mid-to-late March), a week-long recess for students.
• Spring Semester End/Final Exams: May 18–22, 2026, wrapping up the academic year.
• Commencement: May 29, 2026 (late May), celebrating graduating students.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025, for students seeking an early admissions decision, with notifications typically released in mid-December 2025.
• Regular Action Deadline: January 5, 2026, the final date for standard applications, with decisions announced in mid-March 2026.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: February 15, 2026 (approximate), required for need-based aid consideration, coinciding with admissions decisions.
• Enrollment Decision Deadline: May 1, 2026, the national deadline for accepted students to confirm their intent to enroll.

MIT’s academic calendar aligns with many U.S. institutions by following a semester-based structure with breaks for major holidays like Thanksgiving and spring recess. However, the IAP in January offers a distinctive opportunity for experiential learning, which may appeal to international students seeking flexibility in their schedules. The admissions timeline also adheres to national norms, with Early Action and Regular Decision deadlines mirroring those of other top-tier universities. Students should note that MIT’s rigorous academic pace and research focus may influence scheduling, particularly during IAP and exam periods, requiring careful planning for both domestic and international applicants.