Open Window Institute Academic Calendar – 2026 Academic Sessions
The Open Window Institute for Arts and Digital Sciences, OWI has released its academic calendar for 2026 academic sessions, newly admitted and returning students are to take note.
The academic calendar hints about Open Window Institute resumption date for new and returning students 2026, examination date and other academic activities for the year.
See below, the academic calendar for sessional dates for the 2026 academic year.
OPEN WINDOW INSTITUTE SESSIONAL DATES FOR 2026 ACADEMIC SESSIONS
The academic calendar for 2026 academic session as approved by the senate of the Open Window Institute.
| Category | Event/Period | Dates | Details/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC YEAR | Open 2026 | 07-Jan-2026 | Academic year begins |
| Closes 2026 | 04-Dec-2026 | Academic year ends | |
| Open 2027 | 06-Jan-2027 | Next academic year begins | |
| SEMESTERS | Semester 1 (Term 1 and 2) | 02-Feb – 12-Jun 2026 | First semester duration |
| Semester 1 Break (Blue Blocks) | 30-Mar – 10-Apr 2026 | Mid-semester break | |
| Semester 2 (Term 3 and 4) | 06-Jul – 04-Dec 2026 | Second semester duration | |
| Semester 2 Break (Blue Blocks) | 31-Aug – 11-Sep 2026 | Mid-semester break | |
| CLASS START DATES | Classes start for Current Students | 09-Feb-2026 | Returning students |
| Classes start for Honours Students | 09-Feb-2026 | Honours programme | |
| Classes start for New Degree Students | 02-Feb-2026 | New degree students | |
| Classes start for Certificate Students | 02-Feb-2026 | Certificate programme | |
| REGISTRATION (2026) | Registration Day Centurion and Stellenbosch | 24-Jan-2026 | Physical registration |
| Registration closes for Current & Postgrad students | 30-Jan-2026 | Deadline | |
| Registration closes for New Degree students | 06-Feb-2026 | Deadline | |
| Late registration degree (Penalty fee) | 09-Feb-2026 | With penalty | |
| Registration closes for New Certificate students | 19-Feb-2026 | Deadline | |
| REGISTRATION (2027) | Re-registration open for 2027 | 01-Oct-2026 | Early registration |
| Information sessions | 14-25 Sep 2026 | Registration info | |
| Open evening | 01-Oct-2026 | Registration event | |
| Post Grad information sessions | 17-Sep-2026 | PG specific | |
| NEW STUDENTS | Orientation week: Degree & Certificate programme | 26-30 Jan 2026 | Week-long orientation |
| Orientation day: Post Graduate programme | 06-Feb-2026 | PG orientation | |
| Orientation: Evening Certificate Programme | 05-Feb-2026 | Evening students | |
| New students and parents welcoming online | 04-Feb-2026 | Virtual event | |
| STUDENT HOLIDAYS | Autumn break | 30-Mar – 10-Apr 2026 | Blue block |
| Mid Year break | 15-Jun – 03-Jul 2026 | Between semesters | |
| Spring break | 31-Aug – 11-Sep 2026 | Blue block | |
| End of Year break | 05-Dec-2026 – TBC | Year-end holiday | |
| PUBLIC HOLIDAYS | New Year’s Day | 01-Jan-2026 | Public holiday |
| Human Rights Day | 21-Mar-2026 | Public holiday | |
| Good Friday | 03-Apr-2026 | Public holiday | |
| Family Day | 06-Apr-2026 | Public holiday | |
| Freedom Day | 27-Apr-2026 | Public holiday | |
| Workers’ Day | 01-May-2026 | Public holiday | |
| Youth Day | 16-Jun-2026 | Public holiday | |
| Women’s Day | 09-Aug-2026 | Public holiday | |
| Heritage Day | 24-Sep-2026 | Public holiday | |
| Day of Reconciliation | 16-Dec-2026 | Public holiday | |
| Christmas Day | 25-Dec-2026 | Public holiday | |
| Day of Goodwill | 26-Dec-2026 | Public holiday | |
| GRADUATION | Graduation Ceremony class of 2025 | 20-Mar-2026 | Graduation event |
| Open Day Centurion and Stellenbosch | 23-May-2026 | Open day | |
| Open Day Centurion and Stellenbosch | 19-Sep-2026 | Open day | |
| MARKS & REASSESSMENT | Semester 1: Canvas shells updated and published | TBC | Marks release prep |
| Semester 1: Progress marks released (Canvas) | TBC | Interim marks | |
| Semester 1: Last day for submission of work | TBC | Deadline | |
| Semester 1: Semester 1 marks released (Portal) | TBC | Final marks | |
| Semester 1: Reassessment week | TBC | Reassessment period | |
| Semester 1: Mark Cycle close, final marks update on portal | TBC | Finalization | |
| Semester 2: Canvas shells updated and published | TBC | Marks release prep | |
| Semester 2: Progress marks released (Canvas) | TBC | Interim marks | |
| Semester 2: Last day for submission of work | TBC | Deadline | |
| Semester 2: Marks Verification | TBC | Verification period | |
| Semester 2: Official Academic report for 2025 released | TBC | Academic reports | |
| Semester 2: Lecturers available for reassessment queries | TBC | Query period | |
| Semester 2: Reassessment week | TBC | Reassessment period | |
| Semester 2: Marks Finalisation 2024 Academic cycle closed | TBC | Cycle closure | |
| END OF YEAR PROGRAMME | Week 16: L2 Portfolio Presentations & Post Grad submissions | 02-06 Nov 2026 | Portfolio week |
| Week 17: L3 Portfolio presentations | 09-18 Nov 2026 | L3 presentations | |
| Week 18: Post Graduate Examination | 16-20 Nov 2026 | PG exams | |
| Week 18: Honours, Post Grad and Certificate showcase | 20-Nov-2026 | Showcase event | |
| Week 19: Honours External examination/moderation | 23-27 Nov 2026 | External exams | |
| Week 19: Honours showcase | 25-Nov-2026 | Honours event | |
| Week 19: Third year showcase | 26-27 Nov 2026 | Third year event | |
| Week 19: Pangolins and Film Festivals | 25-29 Nov 2026 | Festival week | |
| Week 20: Release of Marks | 02-Dec-2026 | Final marks release | |
| SPECIAL DATES | Closed for Staff & Students | 22-26-Jun 2026 | Institution closed |
| Women’s Day (observed) | 09 & 10 August 2026 | Two-day observance |
Legend:
- Blue Blocks = Student holidays/breaks
- Black Blocks = Public holidays
- TBC = To Be Confirmed
- OW closed = Open Window closed (institutional holidays)
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