Rhodes University Academic Calendar – 2026 Term Dates
The authority of the Rhodes University, RU has released its academic calendar also known as almanac for 2026 academic sessions, freshers and returning students are to take note.
The academic calendar hints about Rhodes University, RU resumption date for new and returning students 2025, examination date and other academic activities for the year.
See below, the academic schedule for sessional dates for the 2026 academic year.
For information and inquiries, you can contact the Rhodes University, RU by visiting the institution’s official website.
The academic calendar hints about Rhodes University, RU resumption date for new and returning students 2025, examination date and other academic activities for the year.
See below, the academic schedule for sessional dates for the 2026 academic year.
Further Readings: Rhodes University Full Tuition & Fees
RHODES UNIVERSITY SESSIONAL DATES FOR 2026 ACADEMIC SESSIONS
The academic calendar for 2026 academic session as approved by the senate of the Rhodes University, RU.| Date(s) | Event / Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | ||
| 5 January (Monday) | University opens | |
| 12 January (Monday) | Postgraduate registration opens | |
| 16 January (Friday) | Initial fee deadline for returning students | |
| 19–30 January (Mon–Fri) | Supplementary exams (2025 supplementary) | |
| 23 January (Friday) | Initial fee deadline for first-year students; Final day for registration for returning UG students | |
| 31 Jan – 1 Feb (Sat/Sun) | On-campus registration for first-time entering students | |
| February 2026 | ||
| 1 February (Sunday) | Vice-Chancellor’s and SRC President’s Opening Address | |
| 2 February (Monday) | Final day for registration for first-time entering students (on campus) | |
| 2–5 February (Mon–Thu) | Academic Orientation Week | |
| 5 February (Thursday) | Humanities Curriculum approval | |
| 6 February (Friday) | All Faculties Curriculum approval | |
| 7 February (Saturday) | Commerce, Science and Humanities Curriculum approval for returning students | |
| 9 February (Monday) | Undergraduate lectures begin | Start of Term 1 |
| March 2026 | ||
| 20 March (Friday) | Undergraduate lectures end | End of Term 1 |
| 21 March (Saturday) | Mid-Semester vacation begins | Public Holiday: Human Rights Day (21 March) |
| 25–27 March (Wed–Fri) | Graduation ceremonies | |
| 30 March (Monday) | Undergraduate lectures begin | Start of Term 2 |
| April 2026 | ||
| 3–6 April (Fri–Mon) | Easter period | Public Holidays: Good Friday (3 Apr), Family Day (6 Apr) |
| May 2026 | ||
| 15 May (Friday) | Undergraduate lectures end | End of Term 2 |
| 16 May (Saturday) | Swot period begins | |
| 21 May (Thursday) | Swot period ends | |
| 22 May (Friday) | Examinations begin (First Semester) | |
| June 2026 | ||
| 12 June (Friday) | Examinations end | Public Holiday: Youth Day (16 June) |
| 13 June (Saturday) | Mid-year vacation begins | Term 2 vacation (13 June – 5 July) |
| July 2026 | ||
| 6 July (Monday) | Undergraduate lectures begin | Start of Term 3 |
| August 2026 | ||
| 14 August (Friday) | Undergraduate lectures end | End of Term 3 |
| 15 August (Saturday) | Mid-Semester vacation begins | Public Holiday: National Women’s Day (9 Aug, observed 10 Aug) |
| 24 August (Monday) | Undergraduate lectures begin | Start of Term 4 |
| September 2026 | Public Holiday: Heritage Day (24 Sept) | |
| October 2026 | ||
| 1 October (Thursday) | Undergraduate lectures end | End of Term 4 |
| 2 October (Friday) | Graduation for M and PhD graduates | |
| 7 October (Wednesday) | Swot period begins | |
| 8 October (Thursday) | Swot period ends | |
| 9 October (Friday) | Examinations begin (Second Semester) | Date as per table logic; final date per range is 5 Nov |
| 19 October – 10 November (Mon–Tue range) | Examinations end | As indicated in the date range |
| November 2026 | ||
| 9–11 November (Mon–Wed) | Submission of end-of-year exam results to Registrar’s Division | |
| 13 November (Friday) | Academic Departments/Faculties to advise Students of supplementary qualifications | |
| 26 November (Thursday) | Supplementary examinations (2026) begin | Saturdays may be used if required |
| December 2026 | ||
| 1 December (Tuesday) | Supplementary examinations end | |
| 3–5 December (Thu–Sat) | Final date for the submission of supplementary results | |
| At least 24 hrs before Faculty Board | Result printouts to Deans for analysis (including supplementary results) | |
| Before Faculty Board | Deans to submit recommendations to the Registrar’s Division to photocopy for faculty boards | |
| 9–11 December (Wed–Fri) | Faculty Boards confirm results | |
| 12–17 December (Sat–Thu) | Academic Administration to process Faculty Board decisions in preparation for the release of results | |
| 15 December (Tuesday) | University Closes | P&C to confirm |
| 16 December (Wednesday) | Public Holiday: Day of Reconciliation | |
| 18–19 December (Fri–Sat) | Exam results released to Students | |
| January 2027 | Public Holidays: New Year’s Day (1 Jan), etc. |
Summary of Term Dates & Vacation Periods
| Item | Period |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | 9 February – 20 March 2026 |
| Term 2 | 30 March – 12 June 2026 |
| Term 3 | 6 July – 14 August 2026 |
| Term 4 | 24 August – 5 November 2026 |
| Mid-Semester Vacation (Mar) | 21 March – 29 March 2026 |
| Mid-Year Vacation | 13 June – 5 July 2026 |
| Mid-Semester Vacation (Aug) | 15 August – 23 August 2026 |
| University Shutdown | From 15 December 2026 |
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