SFU Academic Calendar

Simon Fraser University (SFU), located in British Columbia, Canada, operates on a trimester system, dividing the academic year into three terms: Fall (September to December), Spring (January to April), and Summer (May to August). This structure allows for flexible scheduling, enabling students to accelerate their studies or take lighter course loads during certain terms. Each term typically spans 13 weeks, with start and end dates aligned closely with other Canadian universities. A notable feature of SFU’s calendar is the availability of intersession and summer session courses, providing additional opportunities for academic progress during the warmer months.

• Fall Term Start: September 3, 2025 (first week of September, classes begin after Labour Day).
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 (Canadian Thanksgiving, university closed for the day).
• Fall Term Exams: December 8–19, 2025 (exam period typically spans two weeks at term’s end).
• Spring Term Start: January 6, 2026 (classes resume in early January).
• Reading Break: February 16–20, 2026 (mid-term break, often aligned with Family Day in BC).
• Spring Term Exams: April 13–24, 2026 (end-of-term assessments).
• Summer Term Start: May 4, 2026 (classes begin in early May).
• Commencement Ceremonies: June 9–12, 2026 (graduation events, dates approximate).

• Early Admission Deadline: December 15, 2024 (for Fall 2025 entry, priority consideration for competitive programs).
• Regular Admission Deadline: February 28, 2025 (final deadline for most undergraduate programs, international students encouraged to apply earlier due to visa processing).
• Admission Decision Notifications: March–May 2025 (rolling notifications, varies by program and applicant pool).
• Scholarship and Financial Aid Deadline: March 31, 2025 (submit applications for entrance awards alongside admission).
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: June 1, 2025 (confirm acceptance of offer, date approximate).

The academic calendar at Simon Fraser University aligns with typical Canadian post-secondary schedules, incorporating statutory holidays like Thanksgiving and Family Day, which provide natural breaks for students. The trimester system offers notable flexibility, particularly for international students who may benefit from multiple entry points throughout the year. Additionally, SFU’s emphasis on summer sessions caters to those balancing work or research commitments, distinguishing it from institutions with more rigid semester-based systems. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, they reflect standard scheduling norms for universities in British Columbia.