UCC Academic Calendar

University College Cork (UCC), located in Cork, Ireland, follows a structured academic calendar based on a semester system, typical of many Irish universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters: Autumn (first semester) and Spring (second semester). The Autumn semester generally begins in early September and runs through mid-December, while the Spring semester typically starts in mid-January and concludes in late May or early June. UCC also incorporates a modular teaching structure, allowing for intensive study periods, and includes designated breaks such as the Christmas holiday and Easter recess, aligning with national holiday schedules. Additionally, exam periods are scheduled at the end of each semester, with potential supplementary assessments in late summer for certain programs.

• Autumn Semester Start: Early September 2025 (typically the first or second week); marks the beginning of the academic year with orientation for new students.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026; a significant holiday period with campus closure.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (often the second or third week); includes teaching and project work.
• Easter Break: Late March to early April 2026; aligns with national Easter holidays, typically lasting two weeks.
• Spring Semester Exams: Late April to mid-May 2026; main examination period for most undergraduate programs.
• Graduation Ceremonies: June and October 2026; specific dates vary by program, celebrating student achievements.

• CAO Application Opening: Early November 2024; the Central Applications Office (CAO) system opens for undergraduate applications in Ireland.
• Early CAO Deadline: Late January 2025 (typically January 20); discounted fee deadline for early applicants.
• Regular CAO Deadline: February 1, 2025; standard closing date for most undergraduate applications to UCC.
• Late Application Deadline: Early May 2025 (typically May 1); late applications accepted with additional fees, subject to availability.
• Offer Notification: Mid-August 2025; CAO issues first-round offers post-Leaving Certificate results, with subsequent rounds if needed.
• International Student Deadline: Early July 2025 (estimated); recommended for non-EU applicants to account for visa processing times.

The academic calendar at University College Cork aligns closely with national norms in Ireland, reflecting the standard semester structure and holiday periods such as Christmas and Easter, which are consistent with public holidays. This scheduling offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating travel and family planning. UCC’s modular system provides some flexibility, particularly for students balancing coursework with research or internships. For international students, the early application deadlines and structured offer notification timeline via the CAO system ensure ample time for visa arrangements and relocation planning. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, UCC’s calendar remains student-focused, balancing academic rigor with cultural and personal considerations.