Don't let deadlines and dates sneak up on you. Stay informed about important academic dates, application closing dates, holidays, study period starting and finishing dates, as well as key university events.
There are a lot of dates and events during the year that you need to know about. Stay on top of them using our academic year calendar.
| 2026 | Start | End |
| Orientation | Mon 23 Feb 2026 | Fri 27 Feb 2026 |
| Semester 1 | Mon 2 Mar 2026 | Sun 28 Jun 2026 |
| UA Common Vacation Week | Mon 6 Apr 2026 | Sun 12 Apr 2026 |
| Examinations period1 | Mon 8 Jun 2026 | Sun 28 Jun 2026 |
| Winter Recess | Mon 29 Jun 2026 | Sun 2 Aug 2026 |
| UA Common Vacation Week | Mon 6 Jul 2026 | Sun 12 Jul 2026 |
| Orientation | Mon 27 Jul 2026 | Fri 31 Jul 2026 |
| Semester 2 | Mon 3 Aug 2026 | Sun 29 Nov 2026 |
| UA Common Vacation Week | Mon 28 Sep 2026 | Sun 4 Oct 2026 |
| Examinations period1 | Mon 9 Nov 2026 | Sun 29 Nov 2026 |
1Central examinations are set in the first two weeks of the examination period and the last week of the examination period is available for school based examinations.
Shows the academic year on a weekly basis and includes ACU dates alongside public holidays, Government Term dates and Universities Australia dates.
Academic year 2026 (extended version)
We run a range of events throughout the year to help you with your study options. Explore what's on offer below.
Explore events for future students
Deciding what to study is a pretty momentous decision. That's why we run Open Day - it's everything you need, in one place, to help you make your choice.
Couldn't find what you wanted on the calendar? You can find other important dates and event deadlines below.
Application deadlines |
Stay on top of the closing dates for new courses, readmission, deferring your studies, or changing courses or campuses - you might miss out or face penalties if you don't. Check deadlines |
Census dates |
Make sure you're aware of the census date, which is your last day for changing your enrolment. Check census dates. |
Fee invoice and payment due dates |
Make sure you're aware of the invoice and payment due dates to avoid penalties. See the next invoice and payment due dates |
Study periods |
Learn about our standard and non-standard teaching and study periods, including semesters, trimesters and professional terms. See study periods. |
University handbook |
Use our handbook's list of principal dates if you need an overview of fee due dates and census dates for different terms and semesters. Access our Handbook 2026 |
Study abroad and exchange |
Looking to spend some time studying overseas? Learn about application timeframes, course lengths and other important dates and times so you can plan your travel. Read study abroad and exchange dates |
English and pathway programs |
Find out about the intake dates for our English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), taught by the ACU Centre for Languages. Browse English and pathway program dates |
Graduation |
If you're looking to graduate or attend the ceremony of a loved one, find future graduation ceremony dates and venue information in our graduation section. Learn about upcoming graduations |
If you're already studying with us, you can access a comprehensive list of important dates and timetable information.
Need help with your timetable? Learn about your schedule, view class locations and understand campus names and codes by visiting our course timetable page.
Using the student portal, you can access the following important dates, filterable by campus:
Use our course browser to discover what study options are right for you. Search by campus location, study area or career outcome.
Browse nowIf you're an international student and you need help understanding our calendar or dates, you can contact our international student support team with any questions.
Contact student supportFind out everything you need to know about orientation, one of your first and defining on-campus experiences.
Start your studiesGet your application underway. See what you'll need, which pathways are available and learn about the application process.
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