NAIT Academic Calendar

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), located in Edmonton, Alberta, operates on a semester-based academic calendar tailored to its focus on applied education and technical training. The academic year typically consists of two main semesters—Fall and Winter—with an optional Spring/Summer term for select programs. The Fall semester generally begins in early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Winter semester runs from early January to late April. The Spring/Summer term, if applicable, often spans May to August with shorter, intensive modules. NAIT’s calendar includes designated breaks, such as a winter holiday period and a reading week in February, to support student well-being and academic planning.

• Fall Semester Start: September 2, 2025 (first week of September, subject to confirmation), marking the beginning of the academic year.
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025, aligning with the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday.
• Winter Holiday Break: December 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026, encompassing Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
• Winter Semester Start: January 5, 2026 (first week of January, subject to confirmation).
• Reading Week: February 16–20, 2026 (mid-February, a common break for Canadian institutions).
• Final Exams (Winter): April 13–24, 2026 (late April, varying by program).
• Convocation: Early June 2026 (specific dates to be announced, typically held for graduating students).

• Application Opening Date: October 1, 2024 (typical start for applications for the 2025–2026 cycle).
• Early Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (for competitive programs, with decisions often released by March).
• Regular Application Deadline: June 30, 2025 (final deadline for most undergraduate programs, subject to program availability).
• International Student Deadline: May 1, 2025 (earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing times).
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 (recommended to align with early funding opportunities).
• Admission Decision Notifications: Rolling basis, typically from March to July 2025, depending on application date and program.

NAIT’s academic calendar aligns closely with other post-secondary institutions in Alberta and across Canada, with semesters mirroring national norms and breaks corresponding to major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The inclusion of a reading week in February offers flexibility for students, including international learners, to manage academic workloads or travel. Additionally, NAIT’s focus on technical and applied programs means some schedules may vary by department, with certain trades or apprenticeship programs following unique timelines. Prospective students are encouraged to verify specific dates as they may shift slightly year to year based on institutional planning or regional considerations.