U of Guelph Academic Calendar

The University of Guelph, located in Ontario, Canada, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, typically divided into three main terms: Fall, Winter, and Summer. The Fall semester generally begins in early September and concludes in December, followed by the Winter semester from January to April. The Summer term, often optional for many programs, runs from May to August and may include shorter, intensive courses or co-op placements. A notable feature of Guelph’s calendar is its emphasis on experiential learning, with many programs integrating co-op terms or field studies, which can influence individual student schedules. Breaks are aligned with major Canadian holidays, such as Thanksgiving in October and a winter holiday in December, providing students with ample downtime.

• Fall Semester Start: September 8, 2025 (estimated) - Classes begin after Labour Day weekend.
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 - A statutory holiday with no classes.
• Fall Semester End/Exams: December 5–16, 2025 (estimated) - Final exams typically span two weeks.
• Winter Semester Start: January 5, 2026 (estimated) - Classes resume after the winter holiday break.
• Reading Week: February 16–20, 2026 (estimated) - A mid-term break for students.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: April 6–17, 2026 (estimated) - Includes final exams and project submissions.
• Summer Term: May 4–August 14, 2026 (estimated) - Optional term with variable course lengths.

• Application Opens: October 1, 2024 (estimated) - Applications for Fall 2025 admission typically open via OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre).
• Early Consideration Deadline: January 15, 2025 (estimated) - Recommended for competitive programs; early offers may be issued.
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2025 (estimated) - Final deadline for most undergraduate programs.
• Decision Notification: March–May 2025 (estimated) - Offers of admission are typically sent during this period.
• Acceptance Deadline: June 1, 2025 (estimated) - Deadline to accept offers and secure a spot.
• International Student Deadline: February 1, 2025 (estimated) - Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing times.

The University of Guelph’s academic calendar aligns closely with other Canadian universities, particularly those in Ontario, with semesters mirroring national norms and breaks corresponding to public holidays like Thanksgiving and Family Day. This structure offers predictability for domestic students and reasonable adjustment periods for international students, especially with the inclusion of a mid-term Reading Week. Additionally, the Summer term provides flexibility for students seeking to accelerate their studies or engage in co-op opportunities, a hallmark of Guelph’s experiential learning focus. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, students are encouraged to check official university announcements for confirmed schedules and any unique considerations, such as program-specific start dates or research-intensive periods.