Harvard University follows a semester system, with each semester lasting approximately 14 weeks. The 2025 academic year will begin on Monday, August 26, 2025, and end on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
The Fall semester will run from August 26, 2025, to December 14, 2025. The Spring semester will run from January 27, 2025, to May 25, 2025. There will be a one-week break between the Fall and Spring semesters, and a two-week break between the Spring semester and the start of the summer term.
The academic calendar includes all important dates and deadlines for students, faculty, and staff. It is important to note that these dates are subject to change, so please refer to the official Harvard University website for the most up-to-date information.
Harvard Academic Calendar 2025
The Harvard Academic Calendar 2025 is now available online. Here are 10 important points to note:
- Fall semester begins August 26, 2025
- Spring semester begins January 27, 2025
- Final exams end May 9, 2025
- Commencement is May 25, 2025
- Reading period begins May 2, 2025
- No classes on Labor Day (September 2, 2025)
- No classes on Thanksgiving (November 28-29, 2025)
- No classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20, 2025)
- No classes on Presidents’ Day (February 17, 2025)
- Spring break is March 17-23, 2025
For more information, please visit the official Harvard University website.
Fall semester begins August 26, 2025
The Fall semester at Harvard University in 2025 will begin on Monday, August 26, 2025.
- Classes begin: August 26, 2025
All classes for the Fall semester will begin on August 26, 2025. Students are expected to attend their first class meeting on this date.
Add/drop period: August 26 – September 6, 2025
Students can add or drop classes during the add/drop period, which runs from August 26 to September 6, 2025. This is a time for students to adjust their schedules and make sure they are enrolled in the classes they want to take.
Midterm exams: October 14-18, 2025
Midterm exams will be held from October 14 to 18, 2025. These exams are typically worth a significant portion of a student’s grade, so it is important to start studying early.
Thanksgiving break: November 27-December 1, 2025
Harvard University will be closed for Thanksgiving break from November 27 to December 1, 2025. Classes will resume on December 2, 2025.
The Fall semester will end on Saturday, December 14, 2025. Final exams will be held from December 9 to 14, 2025.
Spring semester begins January 27, 2025
The Spring semester at Harvard University in 2025 will begin on Monday, January 27, 2025.
- Classes begin: January 27, 2025
All classes for the Spring semester will begin on January 27, 2025. Students are expected to attend their first class meeting on this date.
Add/drop period: January 27 – February 7, 2025
Students can add or drop classes during the add/drop period, which runs from January 27 to February 7, 2025. This is a time for students to adjust their schedules and make sure they are enrolled in the classes they want to take.
Midterm exams: March 17-21, 2025
Midterm exams will be held from March 17 to 21, 2025. These exams are typically worth a significant portion of a student’s grade, so it is important to start studying early.
Spring break: March 24-30, 2025
Harvard University will be closed for Spring break from March 24 to 30, 2025. Classes will resume on March 31, 2025.
The Spring semester will end on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Final exams will be held from May 9 to 14, 2025.
Final exams end May 9, 2025
Final exams at Harvard University in 2025 will end on Friday, May 9, 2025. All students must complete their final exams by this date.
Final exams are typically worth a significant portion of a student’s grade, so it is important to start studying early. Students should also make sure to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on the day of their exams.
Once final exams are over, students will have a few weeks to relax and prepare for the summer. The university will be closed for summer break from May 10 to August 25, 2025.
For more information about final exams, students should consult with their professors and academic advisors.
Commencement is May 25, 2025
Commencement at Harvard University in 2025 will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
- Location: Harvard Yard
Commencement will be held in Harvard Yard, the oldest part of the university campus.
Time: 10:00 AM
Commencement will begin at 10:00 AM sharp. Guests are advised to arrive early to find a seat.
Who attends: All graduating students and their guests
All graduating students are invited to attend Commencement, along with their guests. Graduates will receive their diplomas during the ceremony.
What to wear: Formal attire
Graduates and guests are expected to dress in formal attire for Commencement. This includes a cap and gown for graduates.
Commencement is a special day for Harvard students and their families. It is a time to celebrate the students’ achievements and to wish them well as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Reading period begins May 2, 2025
The reading period at Harvard University in 2025 will begin on Friday, May 2, 2025.
- Purpose: To provide students with time to prepare for final exams
The reading period is a time for students to focus on their studies and prepare for their final exams. During this period, there are no classes or other academic activities scheduled.
Length: One week
The reading period lasts for one week, from May 2 to May 9, 2025.
Activities: Studying, reviewing notes, and attending review sessions
Students typically spend the reading period studying, reviewing their notes, and attending review sessions. Some students also choose to take practice exams during this time.
Importance: Critical for success in final exams
The reading period is a critical time for students to prepare for their final exams. Students who make good use of this time are more likely to succeed in their exams.
Students are encouraged to use the reading period wisely and to make the most of this opportunity to prepare for their final exams.
No classes on Labor Day (September 2, 2025)
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States, and Harvard University will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2025 in observance of the holiday.
All classes and other academic activities will be cancelled on this day. Students and faculty are encouraged to use this day to relax and recharge before the start of the new academic year.
Labor Day is a day to celebrate the contributions of American workers. It is also a day to reflect on the importance of workers’ rights and to advocate for policies that support working people.
Harvard University is committed to providing a supportive and equitable environment for all of its students, faculty, and staff. The university recognizes that Labor Day is an important holiday for many members of the community, and it is pleased to offer this day off to allow everyone to celebrate and reflect.
No classes on Thanksgiving (November 28-29, 2025)
Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the United States, and Harvard University will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, 2025 in observance of the holiday.
- All classes and academic activities will be cancelled on these days.
Students and faculty are encouraged to use this time to relax and spend time with family and friends.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on gratitude and to give back to the community.
Many people volunteer at soup kitchens or homeless shelters on Thanksgiving Day. Others donate food or money to charities.
Harvard University is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all of its students, faculty, and staff.
The university recognizes that Thanksgiving is an important holiday for many members of the community, and it is pleased to offer these two days off to allow everyone to celebrate and reflect.
The university encourages everyone to take some time to reflect on the things they are grateful for this Thanksgiving.
There is always something to be thankful for, even in the most difficult of times.
Harvard University wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
No classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20, 2025)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, and Harvard University will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of the holiday.
All classes and other academic activities will be cancelled on this day. Students and faculty are encouraged to use this day to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King, a civil rights leader who fought for equality and justice for all.
Dr. King was a Baptist minister and a prominent leader in the civil rights movement. He is best known for his leadership in the Montgomery bus boycott and his “I Have a Dream” speech, which he delivered at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
Dr. King was assassinated in 1968, but his legacy continues to inspire people around the world. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day to celebrate his life and work, and to recommit ourselves to the fight for equality and justice.
No classes on Presidents’ Day (February 17, 2025)
Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday in the United States, and Harvard University will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2025 in observance of the holiday.
All classes and other academic activities will be cancelled on this day. Students and faculty are encouraged to use this day to relax and reflect on the history of the United States and the role of its presidents.
Presidents’ Day is a day to honor all of the presidents who have served the United States. It is also a day to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the American presidency.
The first Presidents’ Day was celebrated in 1885, and it was originally known as Washington’s Birthday. In 1971, the holiday was changed to Presidents’ Day to honor all of the presidents who have served the United States.
Spring break is March 17-23, 2025
Spring break is a one-week holiday for students at Harvard University. In 2025, spring break will be from Monday, March 17 to Sunday, March 23.
- All classes and other academic activities will be cancelled during this week.
Students are encouraged to use this time to relax and recharge before the final stretch of the semester.
Spring break is a popular time for students to travel.
Some students go home to visit their families, while others travel to warmer climates to enjoy the beach or go hiking.
Students are also encouraged to use spring break to catch up on their studies.
Many students use this time to review their notes, work on assignments, and prepare for upcoming exams.
Spring break is also a time for students to reflect on their academic progress.
Students can use this time to think about their goals for the rest of the semester and to make any necessary adjustments to their study habits.
Harvard University wishes all students a safe and enjoyable spring break.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Harvard Academic Calendar 2025:
Question 1: When does the Fall semester begin?
Answer 1: The Fall semester begins on Monday, August 26, 2025.
Question 2: When does the Spring semester begin?
Answer 2: The Spring semester begins on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Question 3: When do final exams end?
Answer 3: Final exams end on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Question 4: When is Commencement?
Answer 4: Commencement is on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Question 5: Are there any holidays during the academic year?
Answer 5: Yes, there are several holidays during the academic year, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, and Spring break.
Question 6: When is the add/drop period?
Answer 6: The add/drop period for the Fall semester is from August 26 to September 6, 2025. The add/drop period for the Spring semester is from January 27 to February 7, 2025.
Question 7: When is the reading period?
Answer 7: The reading period for the Spring semester is from May 2 to May 9, 2025.
For more information, please visit the official Harvard University website.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the Harvard Academic Calendar 2025:
1. Plan ahead. The academic calendar is released well in advance, so take some time to familiarize yourself with the important dates and deadlines. This will help you avoid conflicts and ensure that you are on track to graduate on time.
2. Use the add/drop period wisely. The add/drop period is a time when you can add or drop classes without penalty. This is a great opportunity to try out new classes or to adjust your schedule if you find that you are struggling with a particular class.
3. Take advantage of the reading period. The reading period is a one-week period before final exams when there are no classes or other academic activities scheduled. This is a great time to catch up on your studies and prepare for your exams.
4. Make use of the resources available to you. Harvard University offers a variety of resources to help students succeed academically, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your time at Harvard University and achieve your academic goals.
Conclusion
The Harvard Academic Calendar 2025 is a valuable tool for students, faculty, and staff. It provides important information about the academic year, including the start and end dates of semesters, holidays, and other important dates. By familiarizing yourself with the academic calendar, you can plan ahead and make the most of your time at Harvard University.
Some of the key dates to keep in mind for the 2025 academic year include:
- Fall semester begins: August 26, 2025
- Spring semester begins: January 27, 2025
- Final exams end: May 9, 2025
- Commencement: May 25, 2025
We encourage you to visit the official Harvard University website for more information about the academic calendar and other important dates and deadlines.