UPenn Academic Calendar

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is typical for many U.S. universities. The academic year is divided into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with a shorter Summer session for additional coursework or internships. The Fall semester generally begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester typically starts in mid-January and ends in early May. UPenn also incorporates significant breaks, such as a winter recess between semesters and a spring break in March, allowing students time for rest or travel. This structure supports a balance between rigorous academics and personal downtime, aligning with the university's commitment to holistic student development.

• Fall Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 25–30), marking the beginning of classes for the academic year.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025, providing a short hiatus for the holiday.
• Fall Semester End/Final Exams: Mid-December 2025 (approximately December 10–20), concluding with exams before winter break.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026, a longer break for students to recharge.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 10–15), resuming academic activities.
• Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (typically one week, around March 8–15), offering a mid-semester pause.
• Spring Semester End/Final Exams: Early May 2026 (approximately May 1–10), followed by commencement ceremonies for graduating students.

• Early Decision I Deadline: Early November 2025 (typically November 1), with decisions released by mid-December 2025; binding agreement for accepted students.
• Early Decision II Deadline: Early January 2026 (typically January 1), with decisions by mid-February 2026; also binding.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Early January 2026 (typically January 5), with decisions released by late March or early April 2026.
• Financial Aid Deadline: Mid-February 2026 (often around February 15), critical for students seeking need-based aid.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: Early May 2026 (typically May 1), to secure a spot for the incoming Class of 2030.

The University of Pennsylvania’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for U.S. higher education institutions, particularly in the Northeast, where semesters are structured around major holidays like Thanksgiving and winter breaks. This scheduling offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating travel and family planning. Additionally, UPenn’s admissions timeline mirrors that of other Ivy League schools, with early and regular decision options providing flexibility for applicants worldwide. The university’s consideration of financial aid deadlines alongside admissions ensures accessibility, though international students are encouraged to account for visa processing times when planning their application and enrollment timelines.