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Ross Vet School Academic Calendar

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine provides a professional educational environment that prepares you for both general and specialty practice, and careers across the breadth of the profession and spectrum of care.

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Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program

Your 3.25 year accelerated DVM program curriculum includes 10 semesters or 150 weeks of preclinical and clinical studies. A credit hour for your preclinical curriculum equals one hour of instructional time and two hours of supplementary time. For your clinical curriculum, one credit hour equals one week of instructional time. DVM preclinical semesters are 15 weeks. You must complete a minimum of 45 weeks during your clinical year.

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2026-2027 RUSVM Preclinical Academic Calendar

The Ross Vet school academic calendar operates on a three-semester calendar year with start dates in September, January, and May. The start date for each semester is the day classes begin. Our academic calendar includes a total of seven weeks scheduled for semester breaks, and a one-day, mid-semester break.

Program hours for the Graduate degree programs vary by degree. Our Graduate degree programs follow the Ross University vet school calendar.

*Classes held and University open on Bank Holidays unless otherwise noted. Dates are subject to change.

Spring Term 2027
  • Jan 1 – Jan 3: New Student Arrival Weekend
  • Jan 4 – Jan 8: New Student and On-Campus Check-In
  • Jan 11: Continuing Student On-Campus Check-In
  • Jan 11: Classes Begin
  • Jan 18: White Coat Ceremony
  • Jan 29: Placement Ceremony*
  • Feb 26: Mid-Semester Break (No Classes, University Closed)
  • Mar 1: Classes Resume
  • Apr 16: Last Day of Classes
  • Apr 19 – Apr 22: Final Examinations
  • Apr 23 – May 9: Break (No Classes)
Summer Term 2027
  • Apr 30 – May 2: New Student Arrival Weekend
  • May 3 – May 7: New Student Orientation and On Campus Check-In
  • May 10: Continuing Student On Campus Check-In
  • May 10: Classes Begin
  • May 17: White Coat Ceremony
  • May 28: Placement Ceremony
  • Jun 25: Mid-Semester Break (No Classes, University Closed)
  • Jun 28: Classes Resume
  • Aug 13: Last Day of Classes
  • Aug 16 – Aug 19: Final Examinations
  • Aug 20 – Sept 6: Break (No Classes)
Fall Term 2027
  • Aug 27 – Aug 29: New Student Arrival Weekend
  • Aug 30 – Sept 3: New Student Online Orientation and On Campus Check-In
  • Sept 6: Continuing Student On-Campus Check-In
  • Sept 6: Classes Begin
  • Sept 13: White Coat Ceremony
  • Sept 24: Placement Ceremony
  • Oct 22: Mid-Semester Break (No Classes, University Closed)
  • Oct 25: Classes Resume
  • Dec 10: Last Day of Classes
  • Dec 13 – Dec 16: Final Examinations
  • Dec 17 – Jan 10: Break (No Classes)
Spring Term 2026
  • Dec 26 – Dec 28: New Student Arrival Weekend
  • Dec 29 – Jan 2: New Student and On-Campus Check-In
  • Jan 5: Continuing Student On-Campus Check-In
  • Jan 5: Classes Begin
  • Jan 6: Late Check-In with Fee
  • Jan 11: Last Day to Drop Core Courses Without Grade
  • Jan 12: White Coat Ceremony
  • Jan 23: Placement Ceremony*
  • Jan 23: Mid-Semester Break (No Classes, University Closed)
  • Feb 23: Classes Resume
  • Mar 9 – Mar 27: Online Registration for Summer Term (Electives Only)
  • Mar 1 – Mar 26 (App Deadline Jan 7): NAVLE® Testing Window
  • TBA: Transition Ceremony/Banquet*
  • Apr 10: Last Day of Classes
  • Apr 13 – Apr 16: Final Examinations
  • Apr 17 – May 3: Break (No Classes)
  • April 17 at 5pm AST: Final Grades Available to Students via myRoss and Canvas™
Summer Term 2026
  • Apr 24 – Apr 26: New Student Arrival Weekend
  • Apr 27 – May 1: New Student Orientation and On Campus Check-In
  • May 4: Continuing Student On Campus Check-In
  • May 4: Classes Begin
  • May 5: Late Check-In with Fee
  • May 8: Last Day to Drop Core Classes Without a Letter Grade
  • May 11: White Coat Ceremony
  • May 15: Commencement*
  • May 22: Placement Ceremony
  • Jun 19: Mid-Semester Break (No Classes, University Closed)
  • Jun 22: Classes Resume
  • Jul 6 – Jul 24: Online Registration for Fall Term (Electives Only)
  • Jul 13 – Aug 8 (App Deadline May 7): NAVLE® Testing Window
  • TBA: Transition Ceremony/Banquet*
  • Aug 7: Last Day of Classes
  • Aug 10 - Aug 13: Final Examinations
  • Aug 14 by 5PM AST: Final Grades Available to Students via myRoss and CanvasTM
  • Aug 14 to Sept 6: Break (No Classes)
Fall Term 2026
  • Aug 28 – Aug 30: New Student Arrival Weekend
  • Aug 31 – Sept 4: New Student Online Orientation and On Campus Check-In
  • Sept 7: Continuing Student On-Campus Check-In
  • Sept 7: Classes Begin
  • Sept 14: White Coat Ceremony
  • Sept 25: Placement Ceremony
  • Oct 23: Mid-Semester Break (No Classes, University Closed)
  • Oct 26: Classes Resume
  • Dec 11: Last Day of Classes
  • Dec 14 – Dec 17: Final Examinations
  • Dec 18 at 5pm AST: Final Grades Available to Students via myRoss and Canvas™
  • Dec 18 – Jan 11: Break (No Classes)

Three Flexible Start Dates For Vet School Applicants

January

Start at Ross Vet in January and you may complete your DVM at the same time as students who begin in the previous September semester at a U.S. school*. 

Programs start January 11, 2027.

May

Start in May and you may finish 6 months sooner than other accredited schools in the U.S. Programs start May 10, 2027.

September

Start in our fall session and you may finish 4 months sooner than starting at the same time as  other AVMA-accredited programs in the U.S.*  Programs start September 6, 2027.

Graduate Programs

One Health Programs

Applications are due by 30th June with the program starting each September.

MSc By Research

We accept students for each January, May, and September Ross Vet school academic calendar start.

PhD By Research

We operate under rolling admissions and there are no application deadlines. We continue to accept applications leading up to each Ross University vet school academic calendar start term.

Graduation

Jan Start*
May ‘29

May Start*
May ‘29

Sept Start*
May ‘30

Apply Now

*Students must successfully pass all courses prescribed in the Ross Vet preclinical and clinical curriculum without failing or repeating any courses, and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to complete their degree within this time frame. Comparison to U.S. School is based on a traditional 4-year curriculum.

Grad + Degree Conferral

May ‘29

Leave St. Kitts

Apr ‘28

Apply Now
Program Highlights

  • Timing that Works for You: With Ross Vet’s accelerated DVM program, you can graduate in 3.25 years—putting you right alongside students who began traditional 4-year programs the previous fall.**

  • Perfect Timing for Internships: Starting in January aligns your graduation with summer (the prime season for specialty internships!) This can strengthen your chances of securing an internship right after earning your DVM.

  • Prepare for the NAVLE®: The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination® (NAVLE®) is offered every November. By starting in January, you’ll begin clinical training in just over two years, giving you six months of experience to prepare.

  • Hands-On Work Without Winter Delays: Work with animals year-round thanks to the warm climate. No seasonal downtime for large or small animal care.

  • Get Ahead Before Classes Begin: If you’re finishing undergrad mid-year or returning after time away, a January start gives you time to gain experience, travel, rest, or be with family.

  • Save on Tuition (For Non-U.S. Students): As a Canadian or international student, a January start can mean you’re eligible for the Global Experience Scholarship. This scholarship can provide up to $45k USD toward your DVM. 

*Degree Conferral refers to the official awarding of a DVM degree to a student. Degree Conferral happens concurrently with Graduation for the January start program.

**Students must successfully pass all courses prescribed in the Ross Vet preclinical and clinical curriculum without failing or repeating any courses, and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to complete their degree within this time frame. Comparison to U.S. School is based on a traditional 4-year curriculum. 

Grad + Degree Conferral*

May'29

Degree Conferral*

Jan '30

Leave St. Kitts

Apr '28

Apply Now
Program Hightlights

  • Start Sooner, Graduate Sooner:  Starting our accelerated program in May allows you to graduate nine months sooner** than students who wait to start vet school the following fall at U.S. schools.

  • Smaller Cohort, Bigger Opportunities: May cohorts are typically smaller, giving you more access to instructors, labs, and resources. You may also find more housing availability and less competition than during the peak fall intake.

  • Graduate Strategically: Graduating off-cycle can work to your advantage. Enter the job market when there’s less competition.

  • Waitlisted? Don’t  Lose Momentum: Rather than waiting months to start, you can jump into our DVM program sooner, reducing the downtime and getting you into your career faster. 

  • Perfect Timing for Seasonal Learning: Your learning can align with major veterinary seasons like summer wildlife rehab, sea turtle research, or foaling and calving.

  • Save on Tuition (For Non-U.S. Students): As a Canadian or international student, a May start can mean you’re eligible for the Global Experience Scholarship. This scholarship can provide up to $45k USD toward your DVM. 

*Degree Conferral refers to the official awarding of a DVM degree to a student. Degree Conferral happens concurrently with Graduation for the January start program.

 **Students must successfully pass all courses prescribed in the Ross Vet preclinical and clinical curriculum without failing or repeating any courses, and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to complete their degree within this time frame. Comparison to U.S. School is based on a traditional 4-year curriculum. 

Graduation

May ‘30

Degree Conferral*

Jan '30

Leave St. Kitts

Dec ‘28

Apply Now
Program Highlights

  • Start Your Career Sooner: Starting our accelerated 3.25-year DVM program in September allows you to graduate four months sooner** than students who start at the same time at U.S. schools.

  • A Seamless Transition: A fall start date aligns with the traditional academic calendar, making the shift from undergraduate studies to vet school smoother.

  • Reset and Rewind: After a summer break, starting your DVM in the fall can feel like a natural reset. It helps you enter the accelerated program with fresh focus and energy.

  • Strong Student Connections: Our fall intake is larger, offering more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build a supportive network of classmates.

*Degree Conferral refers to the official awarding of a DVM degree to a student. Degree Conferral happens concurrently with Graduation for the January start program.

**Students must successfully pass all courses prescribed in the Ross Vet preclinical and clinical curriculum without failing or repeating any courses, and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) to complete their degree within this time frame. Comparison to U.S. School is based on a traditional 4-year curriculum. 

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Office of the Registrar

Address: 2601 International Drive, Building 4, Lisle, IL 60532
Phone: 732-509-9003 | Fax: 732-509-4820
Email: registrar@rossu.edu

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