UC San Diego Academic Calendar

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), operates on a quarter system, which divides the academic year into three main terms—Fall, Winter, and Spring—along with an optional Summer Session. This structure allows for a dynamic and intensive learning pace, with each quarter typically spanning 10 weeks of instruction followed by a finals week. The academic year generally begins in late September for the Fall Quarter and concludes in mid-June with the end of the Spring Quarter. UCSD’s calendar includes standard breaks such as a winter recess in December and a spring break in March, aligning with many other institutions in California. This system offers flexibility for students to accelerate their studies or engage in research and internships during the summer.

• Fall Quarter Start: Late September 2025 (typically the last week); marks the beginning of the academic year with orientation for new students.
• Winter Quarter Start: Early January 2026 (usually the first week after New Year’s Day); follows a winter break from mid-December to early January.
• Spring Quarter Start: Late March or early April 2026; includes a one-week spring break in mid-March.
• Final Exams: Vary by quarter, typically mid-December 2025 (Fall), mid-March 2026 (Winter), and mid-June 2026 (Spring).
• Commencement: Mid-June 2026; celebrates graduating students with multiple ceremonies by college.

• Application Period Opens: August 1, 2025; UC system-wide application portal opens for the Class of 2030.
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2025; final date to submit applications for freshman admission.
• Decision Notifications: Mid-to-late March 2026; applicants are informed of admission decisions.
• Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) Deadline: May 1, 2026; deadline for admitted students to confirm enrollment.
• Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 2, 2026; recommended date to submit FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application for aid consideration.

UCSD’s quarter system aligns with other University of California campuses, offering a fast-paced academic rhythm that differs from the semester systems common in many other U.S. regions. The calendar accommodates significant holidays like Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, often integrating them into scheduled breaks. For international students, the quarter system provides multiple entry points for summer programs and flexibility in course planning, though the intensive pace may require adjustment. Additionally, UCSD’s academic scheduling supports its strong emphasis on research, with summer sessions often dedicated to specialized projects or internships. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, they reflect typical timelines for California public universities.