Academic term
An
academic term or 'term' is a portion of an academic year, the time during which an educational institution holds classes. The schedules adopted vary widely. ▪ A
semester system divides the academic year into two terms, which are usually 14–20 weeks each. ▪ A
trimester system divides the academic year into three terms which can be as short as eight weeks or as long as 16 weeks each. ▪ A
quadmester system divides the academic year into four terms, up to 12 weeks each, and generally counts the summer as one of the terms. ▪ A
quinmester system divides the academic year into five terms, which used for more open education and flexible learning. In most countries, the academic year begins in late summer or early autumn and ends during the following spring or summer. In Northern Hemisphere countries, this means that the academic year lasts from August, September or October to May, June or July. In Southern Hemisphere countries, the academic year aligns with the calendar year, lasting from February or March to November or December. The summer may or may not be part of the term system.