UCF Academic Calendar

The University of Central Florida (UCF), located in Orlando, Florida, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among many U.S. universities. The academic year typically consists of three main terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer. The Fall semester generally begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester runs from early January to late April or early May. The Summer term, often split into multiple shorter sessions, spans from May to August, offering flexibility for students seeking accelerated coursework or additional credits. UCF’s calendar includes standard breaks such as a winter holiday period and a spring break, aligning with national holidays and providing students with opportunities for rest or travel.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated based on typical schedules). Classes begin for the new academic year.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025. University closed for the federal holiday.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated). No classes, with campus services limited.
• Fall Semester End/Final Exams: December 8–13, 2025 (estimated). End of term assessments.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (estimated). Classes resume after winter break.
• Spring Break: March 16–22, 2026 (estimated). Mid-semester break for students.
• Spring Semester End/Final Exams: April 27–May 2, 2026 (estimated). Includes commencement ceremonies for graduating students.
• Summer Term Start: May 11, 2026 (estimated). Multiple sessions available through August.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (estimated for Fall 2025 entry). Non-binding option with earlier decision notification, typically by late January 2025.
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2025 (estimated). Final deadline for most applicants, with decisions released by mid-April 2025.
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: December 1, 2024 (estimated). Recommended for students seeking maximum aid consideration.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated). Deadline to confirm intent to enroll for admitted students.
• International Student Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (estimated). Earlier processing recommended due to visa requirements.

UCF’s academic calendar aligns closely with regional and national norms for semester-based systems, particularly in the southeastern United States, where fall and spring terms mirror public school schedules and federal holidays like Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are observed. The university’s inclusion of multiple summer sessions offers notable flexibility, especially for international students or those balancing work and study. Additionally, the admissions timeline accommodates a broad range of applicants by offering both early and regular decision options, ensuring accessibility while maintaining structured deadlines for planning purposes. Students are encouraged to verify exact dates closer to the academic year, as schedules may shift slightly based on university policies or unforeseen circumstances.