Yale Academic Calendar

Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, dividing the year into two primary terms: fall and spring. The fall semester typically begins in late August or early September and concludes in mid-December, while the spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. Yale also offers a summer session for additional coursework or research opportunities. A distinctive feature of Yale’s calendar is its alignment with significant breaks, such as a lengthy winter recess and a spring break, allowing students time for rest, travel, or internships. This structure supports both academic rigor and personal development, reflecting Yale’s commitment to a holistic educational experience.

• Fall Semester Start: Late August 2025 (typically around August 27–30), marking the beginning of classes and orientation for new and returning students.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025, providing a short hiatus for the holiday.
• Fall Final Exams: Mid-December 2025 (approximately December 10–18), concluding the fall term.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026 (approximately December 19, 2025–January 12, 2026), a longer break for rest and holiday celebrations.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 13–15), resuming academic activities.
• Spring Break: Mid-March 2026 (approximately March 13–21), a week-long recess for students.
• Spring Final Exams: Early May 2026 (around May 5–12), followed by commencement events.
• Commencement: Mid-to-late May 2026 (typically May 17–20), celebrating graduating students.

• QuestBridge National College Match Deadline: Late September 2025 (typically September 26), for students applying through this program with decisions by early December.
• Single-Choice Early Action Deadline: November 1, 2025, with notification of decisions by mid-December 2025.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 2, 2026, with decisions released by early April 2026.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: Early February 2026 (often aligned with Regular Decision, around February 15), applicable for both domestic and international applicants.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026, for admitted students to confirm their place in the Class of 2030.

Yale’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for Ivy League and other elite institutions in the United States, featuring standard semester breaks that coincide with major holidays like Thanksgiving and winter festivities. This structure offers predictability for students, including international ones, who may need to plan travel or visa arrangements around these periods. Additionally, Yale’s admissions timeline is designed to accommodate diverse applicant pools, with early and regular decision options providing flexibility. The university’s scheduling also reflects a balance between intensive academic periods and sufficient downtime, ensuring students can engage in research, extracurriculars, or personal pursuits without undue stress.