StFX Academic Calendar

St. Francis Xavier University, located in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: Fall and Winter, with an optional Summer term for additional coursework. Typically, the Fall semester begins in early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Winter semester runs from early January to late April. This structure includes standard breaks for holidays and reading weeks, providing students with opportunities for rest and focused study. A notable feature of St. Francis Xavier’s calendar is its alignment with Canadian public holidays, ensuring extended breaks during significant periods like Christmas and Easter.

• Fall Semester Start: September 3, 2025 (first week of September), marking the beginning of classes after Labour Day.
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025, a long weekend to observe the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday.
• Fall Reading Week: Mid-October 2025 (exact dates TBD), a short break for study and relaxation.
• Fall Semester End/Exams: December 8–18, 2025 (approximate), including final exams before the winter break.
• Winter Break: December 19, 2025–January 5, 2026, an extended holiday period.
• Winter Semester Start: January 6, 2026 (first week of January), resuming classes post-holiday.
• Winter Reading Week: Mid-February 2026 (exact dates TBD), often coinciding with Family Day in some provinces.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: April 6–16, 2026 (approximate), concluding with final exams.
• Commencement: Early May 2026 (exact date TBD), celebrating graduating students.

• Early Action Deadline: December 1, 2024 (approximate), for early consideration with notifications by late January 2025.
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2025 (approximate), the standard deadline for most applicants with decisions by mid-April 2025.
• Scholarship Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 (approximate), for merit-based awards consideration alongside admissions.
• Financial Aid Deadline: March 15, 2025 (approximate), ensuring timely processing for need-based support.
• International Student Deadline: February 1, 2025 (approximate), allowing extra time for visa processing and documentation.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (approximate), to secure a spot in the incoming Class of 2030.

The academic calendar at St. Francis Xavier University aligns closely with other Canadian universities, following a semester system that accommodates national holidays like Thanksgiving and statutory breaks. This structure offers predictability for students planning their academic and personal schedules. For international students, the extended winter break provides flexibility for travel, while the early admissions deadlines ensure sufficient time for visa applications. Additionally, the university’s scheduling considers the needs of a diverse student body, balancing academic rigor with adequate downtime during reading weeks and holidays. Note that the dates provided are estimates based on typical Canadian university calendars, as specific 2025–2026 dates may not yet be publicly available.