UCW Academic Calendar

University Canada West (UCW), located in Vancouver, British Columbia, operates on a unique academic calendar structured around four terms per year: Winter (January), Spring (April), Summer (July), and Fall (October). This quarterly system allows for flexible start dates and accelerated program completion, catering to both domestic and international students. Each term typically spans 12 weeks, with short breaks between terms, and includes intensive coursework designed for career-focused learning. UCW’s calendar also accommodates modular scheduling, enabling students to balance studies with professional commitments through online and on-campus delivery options.

• Winter Term Start: January 6, 2025 - Classes begin for the first term of the year.
• Spring Term Start: April 7, 2025 - Second term commences with new course offerings.
• Summer Term Start: July 7, 2025 - Mid-year term begins, often with lighter course loads.
• Fall Term Start: October 6, 2025 - Final term of the year starts, aligning with many graduate program intakes.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025 - January 4, 2026 - Extended holiday break for students and staff.
• Exam Periods: Typically the last week of each term (e.g., late March, late June, late September, late December) - Specific dates vary by program.
• Commencement Ceremony: Mid-June 2026 (tentative) - Annual graduation event for eligible students.

• Early Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 - Recommended for international students needing visa processing time; decisions by mid-December 2024.
• Regular Application Deadline (Winter Term): December 1, 2024 - Final date for January 2025 intake; notifications by mid-December 2024.
• Regular Application Deadline (Spring Term): March 1, 2025 - For April 2025 intake; decisions by late March 2025.
• Regular Application Deadline (Summer Term): June 1, 2025 - For July 2025 intake; decisions by mid-June 2025.
• Regular Application Deadline (Fall Term): September 1, 2025 - For October 2025 intake; decisions by mid-September 2025.
• Scholarship and Financial Aid Deadline: Varies by term, typically 30 days before term start - Early application encouraged for priority consideration.

UCW’s academic calendar aligns with many Canadian institutions by incorporating breaks around national holidays such as Christmas and Canada Day, though its four-term structure offers greater flexibility compared to the traditional semester system. This setup is particularly advantageous for international students, who can choose from multiple entry points throughout the year to align with visa processing timelines or personal schedules. Additionally, the condensed term format supports UCW’s focus on practical, career-oriented education, allowing students to complete degrees at an accelerated pace if desired. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on typical university cycles in British Columbia, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications as they become available.