UNB Academic Calendar

The University of New Brunswick (UNB), located in New Brunswick, Canada, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. This structure typically includes a Fall Semester starting in early September and ending in mid-December, a Winter Semester from early January to mid-April, and an optional Summer Term spanning May to August with shorter, intensive sessions. The calendar aligns with many Canadian universities, incorporating breaks for major holidays like Thanksgiving in October and a longer winter break in December. UNB also offers intersession and summer courses, providing flexibility for students to accelerate their studies or balance workloads.

• Fall Semester Start: September 3, 2025 (first week of September, classes begin after Labour Day).
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 (observed on the second Monday of October, no classes).
• Fall Reading Week: Mid-October 2025 (typically a one-week break for students to catch up on studies).
• Fall Semester Exams: December 8–19, 2025 (exam period before winter break).
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025–January 4, 2026 (holiday closure for campus).
• Winter Semester Start: January 5, 2026 (classes resume after New Year’s).
• Winter Reading Week: Mid-February 2026 (often aligned with Family Day, no classes).
• Winter Semester Exams: April 13–24, 2026 (end-of-term assessments).
• Commencement: Late May or early June 2026 (graduation ceremonies for completing students).

• Early Admission Deadline: December 1, 2024 (for early consideration, notifications by late winter).
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 31, 2025 (standard deadline for most programs, decisions by late spring).
• International Student Deadline: March 1, 2025 (earlier deadline to account for visa processing times).
• Scholarship Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (for entrance scholarships, submit with admission application).
• Deposit Deadline: June 1, 2025 (to secure a spot after receiving an offer of admission).

The academic calendar at UNB aligns closely with regional and national norms for Canadian universities, with semesters mirroring those of other Atlantic Canada institutions. The inclusion of reading weeks in both Fall and Winter terms offers students necessary breaks, while the extended winter holiday period accommodates travel and family time. For international students, the early admissions deadline and flexible summer terms provide additional planning opportunities. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, UNB’s scheduling typically prioritizes accessibility and alignment with public holidays like Thanksgiving and Family Day, ensuring a balanced academic experience.