The UC Berkeley Academic Calendar 2025-2026 covers all the essential dates, deadlines, and important information.
Whether you’re a new student, a continuing undergraduate, or a graduate student, stay organized with these crucial dates for the fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026 semesters.
The University of California, Berkeley has two main semesters per academic year (Fall and Spring), plus optional summer sessions. This is different from the quarter systems used by some other universities.
Each semester runs approximately 15-16 weeks, allowing for more comprehensive coverage of course material.
UC Berkeley Academic Calendar Fall 2025
- Phase 1 new undergraduate transfer student enrollment begins on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, according to the UCB enrollment calendar.
- Phase 1 new undergraduate freshman student enrollment begins on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
- Phase 1 new graduate student enrollment begins on Friday, July 18, 2025.
- Phase 2 continuing enrollment begins on Monday, July 21, 2025.
- The assessment of registration fees (tentative) is Saturday, July 26, 2025.
- Phase 2 enrollment ends on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
- The adjustment period begins on Monday, August 18, 2025.
- UC Berkeley Move-in Day 2025 is Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Continuing (returning) students’ move-in date is on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
- The Fall 2025 semester begins on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
- The fee payment deadline (full payment or first installment) is Friday, August 22, 2025.
- The last day to withdraw for a full refund (before instruction) is Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
- UC Berkeley Fall 2025 classes start on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. It is the first day of classes for Fall 2025.
- The last day to drop classes without a fee is Monday, September 1, 2025.
- The last day to drop Early Drop Deadline (EDD) courses is Monday, September 1, 2025.
- Labor Day Holiday is Monday, September 1, 2025, according to the UC Berkeley Holiday Calendar.
- The deadline to become officially registered (enroll and pay 20% of tuition and fees) is Monday, September 8, 2025, according to the UC Berkeley Academic Calendar 2025-2026.
- The instructor’s drop deadline is Monday, September 8, 2025.
- The last day automatic waitlists run is Monday, September 8, 2025 (6:40 PM).
- The last day to add classes without a fee is Monday, September 8, 2025.
- The last day for undergraduates to add/drop classes and change units via the Enrollment Center is Monday, September 15, 2025.
- The deadline to process MANUAL waitlists is between Tuesday, September 16, and Friday, September 19, 2025.
- Departmental schedulers/enrollment managers’ add/drop/swap/unit change deadline is between Tuesday, September 16, and Friday, September 19, 2025.
- Formal classes end on Friday, December 5, 2025.
- Fall 2025 Reading/Review/Recitation Week (UC Berkeley RRR Week) is from Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 12, 2025.
- The last day of instruction is Friday, December 12, 2025.
- Final examinations start from Monday, December 15, to Friday, December 19, 2025.
- The fall semester ends on Friday, December 19, 2025, according to the UC Berkeley Academic Calendar 2025-2026.
- UC Berkeley Winter Graduation and Commencement is on Friday, December 19, 2025.
UC Berkeley Academic Calendar Spring 2026
- UCB Spring 2026 Semester begins on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
- UC Berkeley Spring 2026 classes start on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. It is the first day of classes for the Spring semester of 2026, according to the UCB Academic Calendar.
- Spring recess occurs from Monday, March 23, to Thursday, March 26, 2026.
- Formal classes end on Friday, May 1, 2026.
- Spring 2026 Reading/Review/Recitation Week (RRR Week) occurs from Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 8, 2026.
- The last day of instruction is Friday, May 8, 2026, according to the UC Berkeley Academic Calendar 2025-2026.
- Final examinations occur from Monday, May 11, to Friday, May 15, 2026.
- Spring semester ends on Friday, May 15, 2026.
- UC Berkeley Spring 2026 Graduation and Commencement is on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
UC Berkeley Academic Calendar Summer 2026
- Session A (Six Weeks) begins on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
- Session B (Ten Weeks) begins on Monday, June 8, 2026.
- Session C (Eight Weeks) begins on Monday, June 22, 2026.
- Session A ends on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
- Session D (Six Weeks) begins on Monday, July 6, 2026.
- Session F (Three Weeks) begins on Monday, July 6, 2026.
- Session F ends on Friday, July 24, 2026, according to the UC Berkeley Academic Calendar 2025-2026.
- Session E (Three Weeks) begins on Monday, July 27, 2026.
- Sessions B, C, D, and E end on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Berkeley Law Academic Calendar 25-26
The Berkeley Law 2025–2026 Academic Calendar provides essential dates and deadlines to help students plan their year effectively.
Beginning with orientation sessions in mid-August for incoming cohorts…LLM, transfer, 1L, and JSD, this calendar outlines the start of instruction, key add/drop deadlines, and scheduled breaks.
Berkeley Law Academic Calendar Fall 2025
- Orientation for LLM students begins on Monday, August 11, 2025, and ends on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
- Orientation for transfer students is on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
- Orientation for 1Ls begins on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and ends on Friday, August 15, 2025.
- Fundamentals of US Law for LLM students begins on Thursday, August 14, 2025, and ends on Friday, August 15, 2025.
- Orientation for JSD students is on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
- Classes begin on Monday, August 18, 2025, for Berkeley Law students.
- Labor Day (no classes meet) is Monday, September 1, 2025.
- The last day to add/drop classes is Friday, September 5, 2025, according to the Berkeley Law academic calendar 2025-2026.
- The last day of regularly scheduled classes is Friday, November 21, 2025.
- The make-up day for Monday classes missed on Labor Day is Monday, November 24, 2025.
- The make-up day for Monday classes missed on Indigenous Peoples Day is Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
- The make-up day for Tuesday classes missed on Veterans Day is Monday, December 1, 2025.
- All make-up classes conclude on Monday, December 1, 2025.
- Review sessions/reading period occur from Tuesday, December 2, to Thursday, December 4, 2025.
- Berkeley Law Final examinations begin on Friday, December 5, 2025, and end on Monday, December 15, 2025 (with Saturday, December 6 and December 13 as regular exam days).
- The fall semester for law students ends on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Berkeley Law Academic Calendar Spring 2026
- Classes begin for regularly scheduled classes on Monday, January 12, 2026.
- The last day to add/drop classes is Friday, January 30, 2026.
- The last day of regularly scheduled classes is Friday, April 24, 2026.
- The make-up day for Monday classes missed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, April 27, 2026.
- The make-up day for Monday classes missed on Presidents Day is Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
- All make-up classes conclude on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
- Review sessions/reading period occur from Wednesday, April 29, to Friday, May 1, 2026.
- Berkeley Law Final examinations begin on Monday, May 4, 2026, and end on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (with Saturday, May 9 as a regular exam day).
- The spring semester ends on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
UC Berkeley Academic Calendar 2025-2026 FAQs
What day does UC Berkeley start in fall 2025?
UC Berkeley Fall 2025 semester officially begins on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, with classes starting on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
When does Fall 2025 enrollment begin at UC Berkeley?
New undergraduate transfer students can begin enrolling on July 15, 2025, followed by freshmen on July 17, and graduate students on July 18. Continuing students start Phase 2 enrollment on July 21, 2025.
What month does UC Berkeley graduate?
UC Berkeley holds commencement ceremonies twice a year:
Winter Commencement: December (Fall-Winter 2025 graduates on December 19, 2025)
Spring Commencement: May (Spring 2026 graduates on May 16, 2026)
What is the last day to add classes for Fall 2025?
The last day to add classes without a fee is September 8, 2025. After this date, you’ll need departmental approval and may incur additional fees.
When do I need to pay my UC Berkeley fees?
The fee payment deadline is August 22, 2025. You can pay in full or make your first installment if you’re on a payment plan. You must pay at least 20% by September 8, 2025, to remain officially registered.
Can I get a full refund if I withdraw from UC Berkeley?
Yes, you can receive a full refund if you withdraw by August 26, 2025 (before instruction begins). After this date, only partial refunds are available according to the university’s refund schedule.
How do waitlists work at UC Berkeley?
Automatic waitlists close on September 8, 2025, at 6:40 PM. Manual waitlist processing by departments must be completed by September 19, 2025.
When does the Spring 2026 semester start at UC Berkeley?
The Spring 2026 semester begins on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with instruction starting on January 20, 2026. Final exams run from May 11-15, 2026, and commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.
What is Cal Day at UC Berkeley?
Cal Day is UC Berkeley’s annual open house event for newly admitted students and families.
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The program begins with a Welcome Session at California Memorial Stadium at 9 a.m. Afterwards, students visit their academic departments, learn about resources and opportunities for Berkeley students, take a campus tour, and much more. The 2026 Cal Day date is To Be Determined (check calday.berkeley.edu for updates).
Can I take a semester off from UC Berkeley?
Yes, UC Berkeley allows students to take a leave of absence. Contact the Registrar’s Office for specific procedures and deadlines for your situation.
What is RRR Week at UC Berkeley?
RRR Week (Reading/Review/Recitation Week) is a dedicated academic period at UC Berkeley held the week after formal classes end and before final exams.
Functionally similar to “reading day(s)” at other universities, it provides students with uninterrupted time to synthesize course material, prepare for finals, and complete projects without new assignments or lectures. Rooted in the University of California, Berkeley’s academic traditions, it emphasizes three pillars:
Reading: Self-directed study.
Review: Consolidating course content.
Recitation: Peer-led collaborative sessions.
How is RRR Week different from the previous “Dead Days” or “Dead Week”?
Historically, “dead days” referred to the two informal days between the end of classes and exams, while “dead week” (15th week of the semester) followed recommendations dating to 1954 that prohibited introducing new material to allow student review.
However, these periods lacked structured academic engagement.
RRR Week, introduced as a formal instructional period, expands this concept:
Extended Time: Replaces the shorter “dead days” with a full week for preparation.
Active Engagement: Instructors are expected to hold office hours, offer consultations, or host optional reviews/feedback sessions, unlike the passive nature of “dead week.”
Instructional Recognition: Though formal classes do not meet, RRR Week is counted as part of the academic term, emphasizing its role in the learning process.
This shift reflects UC Berkeley’s focus on fostering intentional, supported academic preparation ahead of exams.
