SFSU Academic Calendar

San Francisco State University (SFSU), located in San Francisco, California, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among many public universities in the United States. The academic year is divided into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer session for accelerated learning or additional coursework. Typically, the Fall semester begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in late January and ends in mid-May. SFSU also offers a brief Winter Intersession for intensive short courses between the main semesters, providing students with flexibility to earn credits outside the standard schedule.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated based on typical schedules). Classes begin for the academic year.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025. Campus closed for the national holiday.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–30, 2025 (estimated). No classes, with campus services limited.
• Fall Final Exams: December 15–19, 2025 (estimated). End-of-semester assessments.
• Spring Semester Start: January 26, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after winter break.
• Spring Break: March 30–April 3, 2026 (estimated). A week-long break for students.
• Commencement: Mid-to-late May 2026 (exact date TBD). Graduation ceremonies for eligible students.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (estimated for Fall 2025 admission). Recommended for priority consideration; notifications typically by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: December 15, 2024 (estimated). Final deadline for most undergraduate applicants; decisions released by early April.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 2, 2025 (estimated). Submit FAFSA for maximum aid consideration.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated). Deadline to accept admission offer and pay deposit.
• International Student Deadline: September 30, 2024 (estimated for Fall 2025). Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing.

The academic calendar at SFSU aligns closely with national norms for semester-based systems, incorporating standard breaks for major holidays like Thanksgiving and aligning commencement with the typical May graduation season. This structure offers predictability for students, including international ones, who benefit from clear timelines for visa applications and travel planning. Additionally, the optional Winter Intersession and Summer sessions provide flexibility for those needing to accelerate their studies or balance academic and personal commitments. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, SFSU’s scheduling generally reflects the broader California State University system’s approach to balancing academic rigor with accessibility.