academic year

Meaning

An academic year is the period of the year during which students attend school or university, typically running from late summer or early autumn to the following spring or summer. It is usually divided into semesters, trimesters, or terms. This term is used to discuss schedules, budgets, and school calendars rather than the calendar year.

Examples

• The academic year in many Western countries starts in September and ends in June.

  The academic year in many Western countries starts in September and ends in June.

• We are planning to introduce two new courses for the upcoming academic year.

  We are planning to introduce two new courses for the upcoming academic year.

• During the academic year, I rarely have time to travel or see my family.

  During the academic year, I rarely have time to travel or see my family.

• The university housing contract covers the entire academic year, excluding summer.

  The university housing contract covers the entire academic year, excluding summer.

• He decided to take a gap year before starting his next academic year.

  He decided to take a gap year before starting his next academic year.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will graduate next study year.

  ✓ I will graduate next academic year.

  'Study year' is a literal translation from other languages. The correct English term for the school calendar year is 'academic year'.

• ✗ The university year is divided into two semesters.

  ✓ The academic year is divided into two semesters.

  While 'university year' is understandable, 'academic year' is the standard formal term used by institutions and students alike.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Our university calendar for the next ___ has just been published online.

  💡 The annual period of study

  Show answer

  academic year

• Tuition fees are set to increase slightly for the upcoming ___.

  💡 The school or university calendar year

  Show answer

  academic year