uOttawa Academic Calendar

The University of Ottawa, located in Ottawa, Ontario, 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 mid-December, followed by the Winter semester from early January to late April. The Summer term, often optional, runs from May to August with shorter, intensive sessions. This structure aligns with many Canadian universities and includes breaks for major holidays like Thanksgiving in October and a winter break in December. Unique to the University of Ottawa is its bilingual environment, offering courses in both English and French, which may influence scheduling for certain programs or events.

• Fall Semester Start: September 3, 2025 (first week of September, subject to confirmation), marking the beginning of classes for most programs.
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 (second Monday in October), a statutory holiday with no classes.
• Fall Semester End/Exams: December 5–19, 2025 (approximate), including final exams and study periods.
• Winter Break: December 20, 2025–January 4, 2026 (approximate), a holiday closure for students and staff.
• Winter Semester Start: January 6, 2026 (first week of January, subject to confirmation), resuming classes.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: April 10–24, 2026 (approximate), concluding with final exams.
• Commencement: Early June 2026 (tentative), celebrating graduating students with ceremonies.

• Early Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 (approximate for Fall 2025 entry), recommended for competitive programs with earlier decision notifications by late winter.
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2025 (typical for most undergraduate programs), with decisions often released by late spring.
• International Student Deadline: February 1, 2025 (earlier deadline, approximate), to accommodate visa processing times.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: April 30, 2025 (tentative), for scholarships and bursaries, with notifications often aligned with admission offers.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: June 1, 2025 (approximate), requiring accepted students to confirm their spot and pay deposits.

The University of Ottawa’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms in Canada, incorporating statutory holidays like Thanksgiving and Canada Day into its scheduling. Its semester system offers predictability for both domestic and international students, with ample breaks to accommodate travel or personal commitments. Additionally, the university’s focus on bilingual education and research-intensive programs may result in tailored schedules for specific faculties, providing flexibility for diverse student needs. While exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are subject to official confirmation, the provided estimates reflect typical patterns for Canadian universities.