The University of Delaware, located in Newark, Delaware, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar, consisting of a fall semester, a spring semester, and optional summer and winter sessions. The fall semester typically begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the spring semester starts in late January or early February and ends in mid-May. A distinctive feature of the university’s calendar is the Winter Session, a short, intensive term in January that allows students to earn additional credits or focus on specialized coursework. This structure provides flexibility for students to accelerate their studies or balance academic and personal commitments.
- Fall Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 26–28), marking the beginning of the academic year with orientation for new students.
- Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025, aligning with the national holiday and providing a mid-semester break.
- Fall Final Exams: Mid-December 2025 (approximately December 10–15), concluding the fall term.
- Winter Session: Early January 2026 (typically January 5–30), an optional term for intensive study.
- Spring Semester Start: Late January or early February 2026 (around January 27–February 3), following the winter break.
- Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (approximately March 15–22), offering a week-long recess.
- Spring Final Exams: Mid-May 2026 (around May 10–15), ending the academic year.
- Commencement: Late May 2026 (typically May 27–29), celebrating graduating students.
- Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025, for prospective students seeking priority consideration, with decisions typically released by mid-December 2025.
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 15, 2026, the standard application cutoff, with notifications generally sent by early April 2026.
- Financial Aid Priority Deadline: February 1, 2026, for submitting FAFSA and other aid applications to maximize funding opportunities.
- Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026, the national deadline for confirming enrollment for admitted students.
- International Student Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (same as Regular Decision), with additional time recommended for visa processing and documentation.
The University of Delaware’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for semester-based institutions in the United States, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic region, with breaks corresponding to major holidays like Thanksgiving and spring recess. The inclusion of optional Winter and Summer Sessions offers notable flexibility, especially for international students or those pursuing accelerated programs. Additionally, the admissions timeline adheres to standard cycles, ensuring accessibility for both domestic and international applicants, though early planning is advised for visa-related processes. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, they reflect the university’s consistent scheduling approach.
