UNCW Academic Calendar

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), located in Wilmington, North Carolina, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. This structure includes a fall semester typically beginning in late August and concluding in mid-December, a spring semester running from mid-January to early May, and optional summer sessions offered in May through August. UNCW’s calendar aligns with many public universities in the region, featuring standard breaks for major holidays and a dedicated spring break period, which provides students with opportunities for rest or experiential learning. The university also emphasizes flexibility with its summer terms, allowing students to accelerate their degree progress or focus on specific coursework.

• Fall Semester Start: August 20, 2025 (estimated) – Classes begin for the fall term.
• Labor Day Holiday: September 1, 2025 – University closed for the federal holiday.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (estimated) – No classes; university offices may have limited hours.
• Fall Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025 (estimated) – End-of-semester assessments.
• Spring Semester Start: January 14, 2026 (estimated) – Classes resume after winter break.
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (estimated) – Week-long break for students.
• Spring Final Exams: May 4–8, 2026 (estimated) – Concluding assessments for the semester.
• Commencement: May 9–10, 2026 (estimated) – Graduation ceremonies for eligible students.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (estimated for Class of 2030) – Non-binding application option with notification by mid-January 2025.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 (estimated) – Final deadline for fall 2025 admission with decisions typically released by early April 2025.
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: March 1, 2025 (estimated) – Recommended date to submit FAFSA for maximum aid consideration.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated) – Deadline to confirm intent to enroll for admitted students.
• International Student Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (estimated) – Earlier deadline to accommodate visa processing and other requirements.

UNCW’s academic calendar aligns closely with regional and national norms for public universities in the southeastern United States, with semesters structured around key holidays like Thanksgiving and spring break periods that often coincide with public school schedules. This alignment offers predictability for students and families. For international students, the calendar and admissions timeline provide reasonable windows for visa processing, though early application is encouraged due to additional documentation needs. Additionally, UNCW’s optional summer sessions offer flexibility for students seeking to balance academic and personal commitments or engage in research opportunities during less intensive periods. Note that the dates provided are estimates based on typical university cycles, as specific 2025–2026 calendars may not yet be publicly available.