UNBC Academic Calendar

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), located in Prince George, British Columbia, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is typical for many Canadian universities. The calendar is divided into three main terms: Fall Semester (September to December), Winter Semester (January to April), and a shorter Summer Session (May to August). The Fall and Winter semesters are the primary academic terms, featuring full course loads, exams, and breaks, while the Summer Session offers condensed courses and opportunities for catch-up or specialized study. Key breaks include a holiday closure in late December and a reading break in February, aligning with regional educational norms. This structure provides a balance of intensive study periods and restorative downtime for students.

• Fall Semester Start: September 3, 2025 (first week of September, classes begin after Labour Day).
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 (aligns with Canadian Thanksgiving, university closure).
• Midterm Exams: Mid-October to early November 2025 (specific dates vary by program).
• Winter Semester Start: January 6, 2026 (first full week of January).
• Reading Break: February 16–20, 2026 (mid-semester break for students to recharge).
• Final Exams (Winter): April 10–20, 2026 (approximate, marking the end of the semester).
• Commencement: Late May or early June 2026 (graduation ceremonies for completing students).

• Early Admission Deadline: December 1, 2024 (for Fall 2025 entry, decisions typically notified by February 2025).
• Regular Admission Deadline: March 1, 2025 (final deadline for most undergraduate programs, decisions by May 2025).
• International Student Deadline: March 1, 2025 (earlier application encouraged due to visa processing times).
• Scholarship Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (coincides with regular admission for merit-based awards).
• Enrollment Confirmation: June 1, 2025 (deadline to accept offers and pay deposits).

The academic calendar at UNBC aligns closely with other Canadian universities, particularly in British Columbia, with semesters mirroring national holidays like Thanksgiving and statutory breaks. The inclusion of a February reading break offers flexibility, especially for international students adjusting to the northern climate and academic pace. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on typical scheduling patterns, UNBC’s structure supports a diverse student body by balancing academic rigor with necessary downtime. Students are encouraged to verify exact dates through official university communications as they become available.