UTEP Academic Calendar

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), located in El Paso, Texas, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. This structure includes a fall semester typically beginning in late August and ending in mid-December, a spring semester starting in mid-January and concluding in early May, and optional summer sessions spanning May through August. UTEP’s calendar aligns with many public universities in Texas, incorporating standard breaks such as Thanksgiving, winter holidays, and spring break, while also offering flexibility through shorter summer terms for accelerated learning or catch-up coursework.

• Fall Semester Start: August 25, 2025 (estimated) - Classes begin for the fall term.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–28, 2025 - Campus closed for the holiday.
• Fall Final Exams: December 8–12, 2025 (estimated) - End-of-term assessments.
• Winter Break: December 15, 2025–January 11, 2026 (estimated) - Extended holiday closure.
• Spring Semester Start: January 12, 2026 (estimated) - Classes resume for the spring term.
• Spring Break: March 16–20, 2026 (estimated) - Mid-semester break for students.
• Spring Final Exams: May 4–8, 2026 (estimated) - End-of-term assessments.
• Commencement: Mid-May 2026 (exact date TBD) - Graduation ceremonies for spring graduates.

• Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2024 (estimated for Class of 2030) - Priority application for early consideration; notifications typically by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: May 1, 2025 (estimated) - Final deadline for fall 2025 enrollment; decisions released on a rolling basis.
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: January 15, 2025 (estimated) - Recommended date for FAFSA submission to maximize aid opportunities.
• International Student Deadline: April 1, 2025 (estimated) - Earlier cutoff to allow for visa processing and documentation.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: June 1, 2025 (estimated) - Deadline to confirm intent to enroll and submit deposits.

UTEP’s academic calendar aligns closely with regional and national norms for public universities in the United States, particularly in Texas, with semesters mirroring typical K-12 and higher education schedules. Breaks often coincide with major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, ensuring accessibility for local and out-of-state students. For international students, UTEP provides clear admissions timelines to accommodate visa processing, though applicants are encouraged to apply early. Additionally, the university’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border may influence scheduling considerations, such as cultural observances or cross-border student needs, making its calendar uniquely adaptive to its diverse student body.