UC Davis Academic Calendar

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), located in Davis, California, operates on a quarter system, which divides the academic year into three main terms: Fall, Winter, and Spring, with an optional Summer Session. This structure allows for intensive, focused study periods, with each quarter typically lasting about 10 weeks. The academic year generally begins in late September for the Fall Quarter and concludes in mid-June with the end of the Spring Quarter. UC Davis also features short breaks between quarters, including a notable winter break in December and a spring break in March, aligning with many other institutions in the region. This system offers flexibility for students to accelerate their studies or engage in internships during the summer.

• Fall Quarter Start: September 24, 2025 (estimated based on historical data). Instruction begins, marking the start of the academic year.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–28, 2025. A short holiday break for students and faculty.
• Winter Quarter Start: January 5, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after the winter break.
• Winter Break: December 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (estimated). A longer break encompassing major holidays.
• Spring Quarter Start: March 30, 2026 (estimated). The final quarter of the academic year begins.
• Commencement: Mid-June 2026 (exact dates TBD). Graduation ceremonies for eligible students.

• Application Opens: August 1, 2025 (estimated). UC application portal opens for the Class of 2030.
• Regular Decision Deadline: November 30, 2025 (estimated). Final date to submit applications for freshman admission.
• Decision Notification: March 1–31, 2026 (estimated). Applicants are notified of admission decisions.
• Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) Deadline: May 1, 2026 (estimated). Deadline for admitted students to confirm enrollment.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 2, 2026 (estimated). Recommended date to submit FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application for aid consideration.

The UC Davis academic calendar aligns closely with other University of California campuses and many public institutions in the region, particularly in its adherence to the quarter system and recognition of national holidays like Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This structure provides predictability for students, including international ones, who may need to plan travel or visa arrangements around breaks. Additionally, the quarter system’s shorter terms can be advantageous for research-intensive programs, allowing students and faculty to focus on specific projects within a condensed timeframe. However, students are encouraged to monitor official university announcements for exact dates, as they may vary slightly year to year due to scheduling adjustments or unforeseen circumstances.