UQO Academic Calendar

The Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), located in Gatineau, 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 shorter, spans from May to late July or early August. This structure aligns with many other universities in Quebec and Canada, incorporating breaks for major holidays and providing flexibility for intensive courses or internships during the summer term. UQO’s calendar also accounts for regional considerations, such as Quebec’s statutory holidays, ensuring students and faculty have adequate downtime.

• 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 Break: December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, covering the holiday season.
• Winter Semester Start: January 5, 2026, resuming classes after the break.
• Reading Week: Mid-February 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed), a one-week break for students.
• Final Exams (Winter): Mid to late April 2026, concluding the semester.
• Summer Semester Start: May 4, 2026 (first week of May, subject to confirmation), for optional courses or intensive programs.

• Application Opening: October 1, 2024, for the 2025–2026 cycle, allowing early preparation for prospective students.
• Priority Deadline (Quebec Residents): March 1, 2025, for guaranteed consideration in most programs.
• Regular Decision Deadline: May 1, 2025, for general undergraduate admissions, with decisions typically notified by late June.
• International Student Deadline: February 1, 2025, to accommodate visa processing times and additional documentation.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: June 30, 2025, for scholarships and bursaries, with notifications often aligned with admission decisions.

The academic calendar at UQO adheres closely to the norms of Quebec’s higher education system, with semester timings and breaks mirroring those of other regional institutions. This alignment facilitates inter-university collaboration and transfer opportunities. For international students, the early admissions deadlines and structured breaks provide ample time for visa applications and travel planning. Additionally, UQO’s inclusion of a summer semester offers flexibility for students seeking to accelerate their studies or engage in research opportunities. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, prospective students and current enrollees are encouraged to consult official university communications for confirmed schedules and any updates to deadlines or events.