UBC Academic Calendar

The University of British Columbia (UBC), located in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia, operates on a semester-based academic calendar with two main terms: Winter Session (September to April) and Summer Session (May to August). The Winter Session is divided into two terms—Term 1 (September to December) and Term 2 (January to April)—allowing for a structured academic year with a significant winter break. Classes typically begin in early September for Term 1 and early January for Term 2, with final exams concluding by late December and late April, respectively. UBC’s calendar includes extended breaks around major holidays like Christmas and statutory holidays unique to British Columbia, such as Family Day in February. The Summer Session offers optional condensed courses over two terms, catering to students seeking flexibility or accelerated learning.

• Winter Session Term 1 Start: September 2, 2025 (first week of September, subject to confirmation). Classes begin after Labour Day.
• Thanksgiving Holiday: October 13, 2025. A statutory holiday with no classes.
• Term 1 Final Exams: December 8–19, 2025 (estimated). End of first term assessments.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025–January 4, 2026 (estimated). Extended holiday period.
• Winter Session Term 2 Start: January 5, 2026 (first week of January, subject to confirmation).
• Family Day Holiday: February 16, 2026. A provincial holiday with no classes.
• Term 2 Final Exams: April 13–24, 2026 (estimated). End of academic year assessments.
• Commencement Ceremonies: Late May to early June 2026 (exact dates TBD). Graduation events for eligible students.

• Application Opening Date: October 1, 2024 (estimated). Applications for the 2025–2026 cycle typically open for domestic and international students.
• Early Admission Deadline: December 1, 2024 (estimated). For students seeking early consideration; notifications often by February 2025.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2025 (estimated). Final deadline for most undergraduate programs; decisions typically released by April 2025.
• Scholarship and Financial Aid Deadline: December 1, 2024 (estimated, alongside early admission). Separate applications may be required for merit-based awards.
• International Student Document Deadline: March 15, 2025 (estimated). Submission of transcripts and test scores; earlier deadlines may apply for specific programs.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated). Accepted students must confirm intent to enroll and pay deposits.

UBC’s academic calendar aligns closely with other Canadian universities, adhering to a semester system that accommodates national and provincial holidays like Thanksgiving and Family Day, ensuring students have adequate breaks. The extended winter break offers flexibility for international students to travel or engage in personal commitments, while the Summer Session provides opportunities for accelerated study or catching up on credits. UBC’s scheduling also reflects its research-intensive nature, with exam periods and breaks structured to support both academic rigor and student well-being. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, prospective students and current enrollees are encouraged to check official UBC announcements for confirmed timelines.