UCW Academic Calendar

The University Centre of the Westfjords, located in Iceland, operates on a semester-based academic calendar tailored to its unique coastal and research-focused environment. The academic year typically consists of two main semesters: fall and spring, with a shorter summer term for intensive courses or fieldwork. The fall semester generally begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the spring semester runs from early January to late May. A notable feature of the calendar is its alignment with Iceland’s seasonal rhythms, often incorporating extended breaks during the winter months to accommodate harsh weather conditions and cultural holidays like Christmas and New Year’s.

• Fall Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 25–30), marking the beginning of classes and orientation for new students.
• Midterm Exams: Mid-October 2025 (approximate), a key period for student assessments.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15–January 5), coinciding with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: Early January 2026 (around January 6–10), following the winter break.
• Final Exams: Late May 2026 (typically May 20–30), concluding the academic year for most programs.
• Commencement: Early June 2026 (approximate), celebrating graduating students with a formal ceremony.

• Early Application Deadline: November 1, 2024, for priority consideration and early decision notifications by mid-December 2024.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025, with decisions typically released by late March or early April 2025.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 1, 2025, for both domestic and international students seeking scholarships or grants.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, 2025, requiring accepted students to confirm their intent to enroll.
• International Student Deadline: January 15, 2025, to allow additional time for visa processing and travel arrangements.

The academic calendar at the University Centre of the Westfjords aligns closely with other Icelandic and Nordic institutions, emphasizing flexibility for international students through extended application timelines and breaks that accommodate travel. The scheduling also reflects regional norms, with significant pauses during national holidays like Þorrablót and Independence Day. Additionally, the university’s focus on marine and coastal studies often integrates fieldwork into the calendar, providing unique scheduling considerations for research-intensive periods, particularly during the summer term. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical patterns, prospective students are encouraged to check official university communications for finalized schedules.