Semester Dates and Deadlines: What Students Need to Know for 2026

The countdown to university in 2026 has begun! The key to a brilliant, stress-free year is getting organised now. Think of this as your roadmap to every crucial date you need to conquer the year ahead.

We’ve gathered the key university semester dates and application deadlines for Australia’s top unis. Getting these in your calendar is the first step to making 2026 your best year yet.

Nailing Your Application: Key University Admission Deadlines for 2026

For anyone looking to start their undergraduate degree in 2026, the journey begins long before you step foot on campus. The real starting line isn’t in February; it’s in the final months of 2025. This application window, typically running from August to December 2025, is the first critical phase of your university adventure.

Below is a breakdown of the key dates for the major TACs. Mark them, highlight them, and set reminders. These are the deadlines that open the door to your future.

UAC (Universities Admissions Centre) for NSW & ACT

If you’re dreaming of studying in Sydney at institutions like the University of Sydney, UNSW, UTS, or the Australian National University, the UAC will be your gateway.

• Early Bird Application Deadline:
  The most important date to remember is Tuesday, 30 September 2025. Submitting your application by this date ensures you pay the lower, early bird processing fee. Applications submitted after this date will incur a higher charge.³
• Final Application Deadline for Semester 1, 2026:
  While some courses may have earlier closing dates, the final deadline to apply for most Semester 1 courses is Friday, 6 February 2026.
• Main Offer Rounds:
  The majority of offers for Year 12 students are released in a series of rounds. The key ones to watch are December Round 2 on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, and January Round 1 on Thursday, 8 January 2026. These are the dates when many students will find out where they’ve been accepted.

VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) for Victoria

For those with their sights set on Melbourne’s world-class institutions like the University of Melbourne or Monash University, VTAC is the platform you’ll need to master.

• Timely Application Deadline:
  Similar to UAC, VTAC has a crucial deadline for “timely applications,” which falls on Monday, 29 September 2025. Meeting this deadline is essential to avoid late fees.
• Late and Very Late Applications:
  If you miss the timely deadline, there are subsequent windows. Late applications close on Friday, 31 October 2025, and very late applications close on Friday, 5 December 2025, each with progressively higher fees.
• SEAS and Scholarships Deadline:
  Applications for the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) and scholarships close on Friday, 10 October 2025.
• Main Offer Rounds:
  The first major offer round for Year 12 applicants is the December Offer Round on Tuesday, 23 December 2025. This is followed by several January rounds, with the first on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.

QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) for Queensland

If the sunshine state is calling your name, with institutions like the University of Queensland on your list, you’ll be applying through QTAC.

• Applications Open: The application portal for 2026 entry is expected to open on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.
• Application Due Date: To be considered for the main offer rounds, you should aim to have your application submitted by Tuesday, 30 September 2025, after which late fees may apply.
• Main Offer Round Application Deadline: The final date to apply and submit all required documentation for the major January offer round is Monday, 8 December 2025.
• Main Offer Round Release: The biggest offer round, where most places are allocated, is scheduled for Thursday, 15 January 2026.

To make things even clearer, here is a summary of the most critical application deadlines.

Decoding the Academic Year: Semesters vs. Trimesters Explained

Once you’ve secured your offer, your focus will shift to the structure of the academic year itself. In Australia, university calendars primarily follow one of two models: the traditional semester system or the more intensive trimester system. Your university’s calendar doesn’t just live on paper; it fundamentally shapes your year, influencing everything from your study pace to your holiday plans and part-time work availability. Understanding this “Calendar Divide” is crucial for planning a balanced and successful student life.

The Semester Model: The Classic University Rhythm

The semester system is the most common model in Australia. It divides the academic year into two main teaching periods, or semesters.

• Structure: Each semester typically consists of 12-13 teaching weeks, followed by a study week (often called SWOT Vac or StuVac) and a final examination period of two to three weeks.
• Timeline: Semester 1 usually runs from late February or early March to late June. Semester 2 typically runs from late July or early August to late November.
• The Big Break: The hallmark of the semester system is the long mid-year break, which can last anywhere from four to six weeks. This provides a significant opportunity for travel, internships, intensive work, or simply recharging before the second half of the year.

The Trimester Model: The Fast-Paced Alternative

Pioneered by universities like UNSW, the trimester model divides the academic year into three main teaching periods.

• Structure: Each trimester is shorter and more intensive, typically running for 10 teaching weeks, followed by a study week and a two-week exam period.
• Timeline: The terms are generally scheduled from February to May (Term 1), June to August (Term 2), and September to December (Term 3).
• The Trade-Off: The breaks between trimesters are much shorter, usually only two to three weeks. While this allows for a more continuous study pace and can provide opportunities to accelerate your degree or spread your course load more evenly, it means you won’t have the long mid-year break that your friends at semester-based universities enjoy. This can impact your ability to coordinate holidays or take on longer-term projects during the winter months.

Your 2026 University-by-University Calendar

We’ve broken down the key dates for Australia’s top universities, giving you the clarity you need to map out your year. Pop these in your calendar now and thank yourself later!

New South Wales & ACT

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The University of Sydney (USyd) Key Dates

The University of Sydney follows a standard semester model, kicking off the academic year in late February.

• Semester 1 Start Date: Monday, 23 February 2026.
• Orientation (Welcome Program): Expected to run in the two weeks prior, from approximately Monday, 9 February to Friday, 20 February 2026 (based on 2025 patterns).
• Mid-Semester Break: Typically scheduled around the Easter period. For 2026, this is expected to be from Monday, 6 April to Friday, 17 April 2026, incorporating the public holidays.
• Semester 1 Exam Period: Expected to take place in June 2026.
• Semester 2 Start Date: Monday, 3 August 2026.
• Mid-Semester Break (Semester 2): Usually occurs in late September. The expected dates are Monday, 28 September to Friday, 2 October 2026.
• Semester 2 Exam Period: Expected to take place in November 2026.

UNSW Sydney (University of New South Wales) Key Dates

UNSW will continue to operate on its 3+ trimester calendar for 2026. This means a faster-paced year with more frequent assessment periods.

• Term 1:

• • O-Week: Monday, 9 February – Friday, 13 February 2026 (based on 2025 calendar).

• • Teaching Period: Monday, 16 February – Friday, 24 April 2026 (based on 2025 calendar).

• • Exams: Saturday, 2 May – Saturday, 15 May 2026 (based on 2025 calendar).

• Term 2:

• • O-Week: Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 (based on 2025 calendar).

• • Teaching Period: Monday, 1 June – Friday, 7 August 2026 (based on 2025 calendar).

• • Exams: Saturday, 15 August – Saturday, 28 August 2026 (based on 2025 calendar).

• Term 3:

• • O-Week: Expected to be the week of Monday, 7 September 2026.

• • Teaching Period: Expected to begin Monday, 14 September 2026.

• • Exams: Expected to conclude in early December 2026.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Key Dates

UTS uses the terms “Autumn Session” and “Spring Session” for its two main semesters, with an optional Summer Session for those looking to get ahead.

• Autumn Session (Semester 1):

• • Orientation: Monday, 2 February – Friday, 13 February 2026.

• • Session Commences: Monday, 16 February 2026.

• • Mid-Session StuVac (Break): Monday, 6 April – Friday, 10 April 2026.

• • Final Assessment Period: Monday, 25 May – Friday, 12 June 2026.

• Spring Session (Semester 2):

• • Orientation: Monday, 20 July – Friday, 24 July 2026.

• • Session Commences: Monday, 27 July 2026.

• • Mid-Session StuVac (Break): Monday, 21 September – Friday, 25 September 2026.

• • Final Assessment Period: Monday, 2 November – Friday, 20 November 2026.

Australian National University (ANU) Key Dates

Located in Sydney as well as Canberra, ANU’s academic year is structured around two main semesters, complemented by shorter sessions for flexible learning.

• Semester 1:

• • Orientation Week: Monday, 16 February – Friday, 20 February 2026.

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 23 February 2026.

• • Teaching Break: Monday, 6 April – Friday, 17 April 2026 (classes resume Monday, 20 April).

• • Classes End: Friday, 29 May 2026.

• • Examination Period: Begins Thursday, 4 June 2026.

• Semester 2:

• • Orientation Week: Monday, 20 July – Friday, 24 July 2026.

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 27 July 2026.

• • Teaching Break: Monday, 7 September – Friday, 18 September 2026 (classes resume Monday, 21 September).

• • Classes End: Friday, 30 October 2026.

• • Examination Period: Begins Thursday, 5 November 2026.

Victoria

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The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) Key Dates

The University of Melbourne’s academic year starts in early March, with a calendar structured around two comprehensive semesters.

• Semester 1:

• • Melbourne Orientation: Monday, 23 February – Friday, 27 February 2026.

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 2 March 2026.

• • Non-teaching Period (Break): Friday, 3 April – Sunday, 12 April 2026.

• • Classes End: Sunday, 31 May 2026.

• • SWOT Vac: Monday, 1 June – Friday, 5 June 2026.

• • Examinations: Monday, 8 June – Friday, 26 June 2026.

• Semester 2:

• • Melbourne Orientation: Monday, 20 July – Friday, 24 July 2026.

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 27 July 2026.

• • Non-teaching Period (Break): Monday, 28 September – Sunday, 4 October 2026.

• • Classes End: Sunday, 25 October 2026.

• • SWOT Vac: Monday, 26 October – Friday, 30 October 2026.

• • Examinations: Monday, 2 November – Friday, 20 November 2026.

Monash University Key Dates

Monash University’s calendar is closely aligned with other major Victorian universities, featuring two main semesters and multiple flexible study options.

• Semester 1:

• • Orientation Week: Monday, 23 February – Friday, 27 February 2026.

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 2 March 2026.

• • Mid-semester Break: Monday, 6 April – Friday, 10 April 2026.

• • Classes End: Friday, 29 May 2026.

• • SWOT Vac: Monday, 1 June – Friday, 5 June 2026.

• • Exam Period: Monday, 8 June – Friday, 26 June 2026.

• Semester 2:

• • Orientation Week: Monday, 20 July – Friday, 24 July 2026.

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 27 July 2026.

• • Mid-semester Break: Monday, 28 September – Friday, 2 October 2026.

• • Classes End: Friday, 23 October 2026.

• • SWOT Vac: Monday, 26 October – Friday, 30 October 2026.

• • Exam Period: Monday, 2 November – Friday, 20 November 2026.

Queensland

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The University of Queensland (UQ) Key Dates

UQ’s academic year follows a standard semester pattern, though some programs and courses may follow non-standard dates.

• Semester 1:

• • Orientation Week: Monday, 16 February – Friday, 20 February 2026

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 23 February 2026

• • Mid-semester Break: Friday, 3 April – Sunday, 12 April 2026

• • Revision & Exam Period: Monday, 1 June – Saturday, 20 June 2026

• Semester 2:

• • Mid-year Orientation Week: Monday, 20 July – Friday, 24 July 2026

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 27 July 2026

• • Mid-semester Break: Monday, 28 September – Sunday, 4 October 2026

• • Revision & Exam Period: Monday, 2 November – Saturday, 21 November 2026

Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) Key Dates

UWA’s academic year is built around two semesters, with teaching starting in late February.

• Semester 1:

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 23 February 2026.

• • Non-teaching Study Break: Monday, 6 April – Friday, 10 April 2026.

• • Classes End: Friday, 22 May 2026.

• • Pre-examination Study Break: Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026.

• • Examinations: Saturday, 30 May – Saturday, 13 June 2026.

• Semester 2:

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 20 July 2026.

• • Non-teaching Study Break: Monday, 31 August – Friday, 4 September 2026.

• • Classes End: Friday, 16 October 2026.

• • Pre-examination Study Break: Monday, 19 October – Friday, 23 October 2026.

• • Examinations: Saturday, 24 October – Saturday, 7 November 2026.

South Australia

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The University of Adelaide Key Dates

The year 2026 is monumental for higher education in South Australia. You’re not just starting uni—you’re making history as the first-ever cohort of the new Adelaide University, which officially opens on 1 January 2026, following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.

• Semester 1:

• • Classes Commence: Monday, 22 February 2026.

• • Mid-Semester Break: Monday, 20 April – Friday, 1 May 2026.

• • SWOTVAC & Exams: Monday 1 June to 21 June 2026.

• Semester 2:

• • Classes Commence: Monday 20 July 2026.

• • Mid-Semester Break: Monday, 28 September – Friday, 9 October 2026.

• • SWOTVAC & Exams: Monday 9 November to 29 November 2026.

Your Essential Uni Glossary: From Census Date to SWOT Vac

Navigating university involves learning a whole new language filled with acronyms and jargon. Understanding these terms is not just about sounding like a seasoned student; it’s about avoiding critical financial and academic mistakes. Here’s a breakdown of the key terms you’ll encounter.

• Census Date

• What it is: The last day you can withdraw from a subject (or your entire course) without being financially liable for the fees.

• Why it matters: This is arguably the most important administrative deadline of the semester. If you withdraw from a subject after the census date, you will still have to pay the full tuition fee for it, even if you never attend another class. Lock this date in your calendar and treat it as a hard deadline for finalising your subject choices.

• SWOT Vac / StuVac (Study Vacation)

• What it is: A non-teaching week that takes place right after classes end and before the final exam period begins. The name comes from “Study Without Teaching Vacation

• Why it matters: This is NOT a holiday! It is your golden opportunity to consolidate your notes, complete final assignments, and revise for exams.

• O-Week (Orientation Week)

• What it is: A week of events, campus tours, club sign-ups, and social activities held the week before Semester 1 officially starts. Most universities also run a smaller orientation for the mid-year intake.

• Why it matters: Don’t skip it! O-Week is your best chance to make your first friends, find your way around campus before it’s crowded with rushing students, join clubs that match your interests, and get essential admin like your student ID card sorted. It’s the perfect, low-pressure start to your university social life.

• Application Deadline vs. Enrolment Deadline

• What they are: An application deadline is the date by which you must submit your application to a Tertiary Admissions Centre (like UAC or VTAC) to be considered for a place at a university. An enrolment deadline is the date by which you must officially register for your specific subjects for the semester after you have accepted your offer from the university.

• Why it matters: These are two separate, crucial steps. Getting an offer is the first hurdle; successfully enrolling in your required subjects is the second. Missing your enrolment deadline can mean missing out on your preferred class times or, in some cases, losing your place for that semester.

• Discontinue Fail (DF) or Withdrawn Fail (WF)

• What it is: This refers to withdrawing from a subject after the academic penalty deadline has passed. This date is usually about two-thirds of the way through the semester.

• Why it matters: If you withdraw from a subject after this date, you will not only be financially liable for the fee (because it’s after the census date), but you will also receive a “fail” grade on your academic transcript. This can impact your Grade Point Average (GPA) and academic progression. Knowing this date is crucial if you’re struggling in a subject and considering withdrawing.

Get Set for an Unforgettable Year

You’ve got the dates, you’ve got the knowledge. The next step is simple but powerful: plug these dates into your calendar, set your reminders, and take a deep breath.

University is more than just lectures and exams; it’s about building a life you love, forging lifelong friendships, and discovering your potential. And it all starts with being prepared. You’ve got this.