UQAR Academic Calendar

The Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), located in Rimouski, Quebec, follows a traditional academic calendar structured around three main semesters: Fall, Winter, and Summer. The Fall semester typically begins in late August or early September and runs through mid-December, while the Winter semester starts in early January and concludes in late April. The Summer semester, often optional and focused on intensive courses or research, spans from May to August. This structure aligns with many other universities in Quebec and Canada, incorporating breaks for major holidays and providing flexibility for students engaged in fieldwork or co-op programs, which are particularly emphasized at UQAR due to its focus on regional and environmental studies.

• Fall Semester Start: September 2, 2025 (first week of classes, following Labor Day).
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 (Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, typically a long weekend).
• Fall Semester Exams: December 8–19, 2025 (approximate period for final assessments).
• Winter Semester Start: January 6, 2026 (classes resume after holiday break).
• Winter Break: March 2–6, 2026 (mid-semester break, often aligned with Quebec school calendars).
• Winter Semester Exams: April 13–24, 2026 (approximate exam period).
• Summer Semester: May 4–August 14, 2026 (optional term for intensive study or research).

• Application Opening: October 1, 2024 (applications for Fall 2025 typically open for undergraduate programs).
• Priority Deadline: February 1, 2025 (recommended for competitive programs and scholarship consideration).
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2025 (final deadline for most undergraduate programs).
• Decision Notifications: April 1–May 1, 2025 (approximate period for admission offers to be sent).
• Enrollment Confirmation: June 1, 2025 (deadline to accept offers and pay deposits, subject to program-specific dates).
• International Student Deadline: January 15, 2025 (earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing).

The academic calendar at UQAR aligns closely with regional norms in Quebec, incorporating breaks for significant public holidays like Thanksgiving and Quebec National Day. Its trimester system offers flexibility, particularly for international students who may benefit from the optional Summer semester to accelerate their studies or engage in research. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, UQAR’s scheduling reflects a balance between academic rigor and accommodation for diverse student needs, including those in field-based or interdisciplinary programs unique to the institution.