Western Academic Calendar

The University of Western Ontario, commonly known as Western University, located in London, Ontario, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. This structure typically includes two main terms: the Fall semester, running from early September to mid-December, and the Winter semester, spanning from early January to late April. Additionally, Western offers a Summer term with various sessions from May to August, catering to students seeking accelerated courses or internships. A notable feature of Western’s calendar is its Reading Week in both Fall and Winter terms, providing students with a mid-term break to recharge or catch up on studies, usually in October and February respectively.

• Fall Semester Start: September 4, 2025 (first week of September, subject to confirmation), marking the beginning of classes for most programs.
• Fall Reading Week: October 13–17, 2025 (mid-October), a break with no classes scheduled.
• Fall Semester End/Exams: December 8–19, 2025 (early to mid-December), including final exams.
• Winter Semester Start: January 5, 2026 (first week of January), following the holiday break.
• Winter Reading Week: February 16–20, 2026 (mid-February), coinciding with Family Day in Ontario.
• Winter Semester End/Exams: April 6–17, 2026 (early to mid-April), concluding with final exams.
• Summer Term: May 4–August 14, 2026 (various sessions), offering flexible course options.

• Early Consideration Deadline: February 1, 2025 (early February), for priority review of applications, especially for competitive programs.
• Regular Decision Deadline: March 1, 2025 (early March), for most undergraduate programs, with rolling admissions thereafter if spaces remain.
• International Student Deadline: February 1, 2025 (early February), to allow time for visa processing and additional documentation.
• Decision Notification: Mid-April to early May 2025, with offers of admission sent to successful applicants.
• Acceptance and Deposit Deadline: June 1, 2025 (early June), to secure a spot in the incoming class.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 (late March), for scholarships and bursaries consideration.

Western University’s academic calendar aligns closely with other Canadian institutions, particularly in Ontario, with semesters mirroring national norms and incorporating breaks around major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The inclusion of Reading Weeks offers flexibility, especially for international students who may use this time for travel or academic preparation. Additionally, the Summer term provides opportunities for both domestic and international students to accelerate their studies or engage in research-intensive programs, reflecting Western’s commitment to accommodating diverse student needs and schedules.