About Winter Session

Winter Session offers academic opportunities (asynchronous online classes, study abroad, and study away), allowing students to make the most of the weeks between the fall and spring semesters.

What are the benefits of winter coursework?

Lighten your spring courseload - If your fall semester seems overwhelming, taking a class during winter can help you focus on challenging coursework in the spring.
Fulfill Prerequisite & UCC Requirements - Complete a prerequisite or Univeristy Core Curriculum (UCC) course during Winter Session to stay on track or get ahead. See which courses can contribute to your future semesters.
Progress towards your academic goals - Use winter (and summer) to work towards a minor, certificate, or second major (even consider the Degree Plus program), helping you stay on track with your academic plan.
Focus just on one course - Students value the ability to concentrate on a single class during Winter Session, making it easier to stay engaged and succeed.
Graduate early - Explore the possibility of graduating early by strategically taking winter and summer classes. Taking three credits during winter and nine over the summer will allow you to complete 12 extra credits per year!
Learn new skills or explore interests - Winter is an excellent time to delve into classes of interest that may not fit into your fall or spring schedule.
Explore the world - Studying abroad during Winter Session allows you to gain global experience and earn credits. Check the online Program Search for options.
Cost Benefits - Enjoy reduced costs; if your major typically charges a differential fee, it will not apply to winter coursework. Standard per-credit tuition or fees apply.
- Please refer to the Office of the Bursar website for winter course tuition costs based on your residency, noting the cost per credit hour for up to three credits during the Winter Session and Study Abroad to explore program costs.
Student Quotes
- “It helped keep me on schedule and helped me segue into the spring semester.”
- “It was a great way to earn 3 credits, understand a topic in-depth ... and earn a good grade.”

Important Dates for Winter Session 2026-2027

Session Dates | Dec. 21, 2026 – Jan. 8, 2027
- Course Schedule
  - Monday, Dec. 21 - Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2026 (3)
  - Monday, Dec. 28 - Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2026 (3)
  - Monday, Jan. 4 - Friday, Jan. 8, 2027 (5)
  - 11 Instructional Days
- University Holidays, No Class
  - Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25, 2026: University Holidays, No class
  - Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026: University Holiday, No class
  - Friday, Jan. 1, 2027: President’s Designated Holiday, No class
- Winter Recess – University Closed: Thursday, Dec. 24, 2026, through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027
- Grades Due: Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2027, by 5 p.m.
- Spring Semester Starts: Monday, Jan. 11, 2026

Registration Dates
- Monday, August 31, 2026: Schedule of Courses and Registration Announcement
- Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026: Registration Begins. View your Registration Time Ticket.
  - Students will use Scheduling Assistant and Fall PIN to register (except for Study Abroad)
  - Students can register for one winter course.
- TBA: Winter Session Success workshop for students (more information will be sent to enrolled students)

Important Dates | Add/Drop, Withdraws, Refunds, and Grades
- Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026: Last day to receive a 100% refund for withdrawing from a course
  - Students who register after the term has begun and withdraw may still be responsible for tuition according to the refund schedule.
- Monday, Dec. 21, 2026: Session Starts; Last day to withdraw without a "W" (Course won't appear on transcript)
  - Once classes start, students need to complete the Withdraw form in MyPurdue to drop their class/term
    - Click the Registration tab, navigate to the "Withdraw from Current Term" card, and find "Withdraw Information” for Winter 2025.
    - The Office of the Dean of Students will process withdrawals as students withdraw from a term. This may take up to two business days when the university is open.
- Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2026: *NEW* H-Ready Courses - Last day to request Honors grade mode for PSY 120, SCLA 101, and SCLA 102. Submit request via Scheduling Assistant
  - Honors College does not support contracts during Winter Session
- Tuesday, Dec. 22 - Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2026: Add or modify a course with Instructor and Advisor approval on myPurdue (including dissolving Honors grade mode and reverting to original grade mode) - Submit request via the Scheduling Assistant
- Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2027: Last day to withdraw with a “W” - complete the Withdraw form in MyPurdue to drop course/term

Questions?

Need help? Contact Think Summer for assistance.