Academic year

Academic Year

An academic year or school year is a period of time which schools, colleges and universities use to measure a quantity of study.

Structure

The structure of an academic year varies between countries and institutions, but generally it is divided into two semesters, three trimesters or three term systems. The academic year may also include a summer session, an intersession, and other breaks during which classes may or may not be held.

Semesters

In a semester system, an academic year is typically divided into two semesters, each lasting 15 to 18 weeks. This system is commonly used in the United States, Canada, and many other countries.

Trimesters

In a trimester system, the academic year is divided into three terms, each lasting about 12 to 14 weeks. This system is used in some Australian, New Zealand, and UK institutions.

Term Systems

In a three term system, the academic year is divided into three terms, which are usually about 10 weeks long. This system is commonly used in the United Kingdom, especially in public schools and grammar schools.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar is the schedule that dictates when the academic year starts and ends, as well as all the important dates in between. This includes the start and end dates of each term, holidays, and exam periods. The academic calendar is usually set by the institution's governing body.

See Also

• Education
• School
• University
• College
• Semester
• Trimester
• Term (education)