YorkU Academic Calendar

York University, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, operates on a semester-based academic calendar that aligns with many Canadian institutions. The academic year is typically divided into three main terms: Fall (September to December), Winter (January to April), and Summer (May to August). The Fall and Winter terms are the primary semesters for most undergraduate programs, while the Summer term offers optional courses and condensed schedules for students seeking flexibility. Classes generally begin in early September for Fall, early January for Winter, and early May for Summer, with breaks scheduled around major holidays like Christmas and statutory observances in Canada. York University also offers unique scheduling options, such as intensive short courses and intersession periods, catering to diverse student needs.

• Fall Term Start: September 3, 2025 (estimated) - First day of classes for most undergraduate programs.
• Thanksgiving Break: October 13, 2025 - University closed for the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday.
• Fall Reading Week: October 27–31, 2025 (estimated) - A mid-term break for students to catch up on studies.
• Winter Term Start: January 6, 2026 (estimated) - Classes resume after the holiday break.
• Winter Reading Week: February 16–20, 2026 (estimated) - A break often coinciding with Family Day in Ontario.
• Winter Term Exams: April 6–24, 2026 (estimated) - Final exam period for most programs.
• Summer Term Start: May 4, 2026 (estimated) - Optional term with varying session lengths.
• Convocation: June 2026 (dates TBD) - Graduation ceremonies for completing students.

• Early Application Deadline: November 1, 2024 (estimated) - Recommended for competitive programs; decisions often released by early spring.
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 (estimated) - Final deadline for most undergraduate programs for Fall 2025 entry.
• International Student Deadline: February 1, 2025 (estimated) - Allows time for visa processing; earlier application encouraged.
• Scholarship and Financial Aid Deadline: February 15, 2025 (estimated) - Submit applications for merit-based awards and funding.
• Decision Notification: March to May 2025 (estimated) - Applicants typically notified on a rolling basis.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: June 1, 2025 (estimated) - Deadline to accept offers of admission and pay deposits.

The academic calendar at York University aligns closely with other Canadian universities, particularly in Ontario, with terms structured around national and provincial holidays like Thanksgiving and Family Day. This scheduling offers predictability for domestic students while providing sufficient breaks for international students to travel or adjust to the academic pace. The Summer term’s flexibility is particularly beneficial for those balancing work or research commitments. However, as exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are not yet publicly confirmed, the above timelines are estimates based on historical patterns at York University and typical Canadian university schedules. Students are encouraged to monitor official university communications for precise updates and any unique considerations, such as potential shifts due to unforeseen circumstances or policy changes.