UMP Academic Calendar – 2026 Almanac
The authority of the University of Mpumalanga, UMP 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 University of Mpumalanga, UMP 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.
The academic calendar hints about University of Mpumalanga, UMP 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: University of Mpumalanga, Full Tuition & Fees
UMP SESSIONAL DATES FOR 2026 ACADEMIC SESSIONS
| Category | Event/Period | Date(s) | Duration/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC YEAR | University Re-opens | 05 January 2026 | Monday |
| University Closes | 18 December 2026 | Friday | |
| Total Academic Year | 05 Jan – 18 Dec 2026 | 50 weeks, 250 days (238 actual days) | |
| Shut Down Period | 21-31 December 2026 | End of year | |
| ACADEMIC TERMS | Term 1 | 09 Feb – 02 Apr 2026 | 8 weeks, 39 days |
| Term 2 | 13 Apr – 29 May 2026 | 7 weeks, 35 days (33 actual days) | |
| Term 3 | 20 Jul – 11 Sep 2026 | 9 weeks, 38 days (37 actual days) | |
| Term 4 | 21 Sep – 23 Oct 2026 | 6 weeks, 25 days (22 actual days) | |
| Total Terms | — | 30 weeks, 137 days (134 actual days) | |
| RECESS PERIODS | Recess 1 | 06-10 Apr 2026 | 1 week, 5 days (4 actual days) |
| Recess 2 | 29 Jun – 17 Jul 2026 | 3 weeks, 20 days (20 actual days) | |
| Recess 3 | 13-18 Sep 2026 | 1 week, 5 days (5 actual days) | |
| Total Recess | — | 6 weeks, 30 days (29 actual days) | |
| REGISTRATION | WIL Registration Opens | 01 January 2026 | — |
| Semester 1: New Students | 26-30 Jan 2026 | 1 week | |
| Semester 1: Returning Students | 02-06 Feb 2026 | 1 week | |
| Semester 2 Registration | 20-31 Jul 2026 | 2 weeks | |
| Late Registration | 16-27 Feb 2026 | — | |
| Advanced/PG Diplomas & Honours | 02 Jan – 27 Feb 2026 | — | |
| Masters & Doctoral (First Period) | 02 Jan – 30 Apr 2026 | — | |
| Masters & Doctoral (Second Period) | 20-31 Jul 2026 | — | |
| ORIENTATION | New Students Orientation | 02-06 Feb 2026 | 1 week |
| Postgraduate Students Orientation | 04-08 May 2026 | 1 week | |
| RESIDENCES | Residences Open (New Students) | 02 February 2026 | — |
| Residences Open (Returning Students) | 09 February 2026 | — | |
| LECTURES | Lectures Commence | 09 February 2026 | — |
| EXAM PERIODS | 2025 Final-Year Re-exams | 12-21 Jan 2026 | 1 week, 5 days |
| 2026 Semester 1 Exams | 01-22 Jun 2026 | 3 weeks, 17 days (16 actual days) | |
| 2026 Semester 2 Exams | 26 Oct – 16 Nov 2026 | 3 weeks, 16 days | |
| 2026 Mid-Year Re-exams | 14-17 Jul 2026 | 4 days | |
| Total Exam Periods | — | 8 weeks, 42 days (41 actual days) | |
| RE/SPECIAL EXAMINATIONS | 2025 Semester 2 | 12-16 Jan 2026 | 1 week |
| 2026 Semester 1 | 14-17 Jul 2026 | 4 days | |
| 2026 Semester 2 | 07-11 Dec 2026 | 1 week | |
| RESULTS PUBLICATION | Semester 1 Results | 10 July 2026 | — |
| Semester 2 Results | 30 November 2026 | — | |
| GRADUATION CEREMONIES | Wednesday 06 May 2026 | Session 1: 09:00, Session 2: 14:00 | — |
| Thursday 07 May 2026 | Session 1: 09:00, Session 2: 14:00 | — | |
| Friday 08 May 2026 | Session 1: 09:00, Session 2: 14:00 | — | |
| Saturday 09 May 2026 | Session 1: 09:00, Session 2: 14:00 | — | |
| PUBLIC HOLIDAYS | New Year’s Day | 01 Jan 2026 (Thu) | — |
| Human Rights Day | 21 Mar 2026 (Sat) | — | |
| Good Friday | 03 Apr 2026 (Fri) | — | |
| Family Day | 06 Apr 2026 (Mon) | — | |
| Freedom Day | 27 Apr 2026 (Mon) | — | |
| Worker’s Day | 01 May 2026 (Fri) | — | |
| Youth Day | 16 Jun 2026 (Tue) | — | |
| National Women’s Day | 09 Aug 2026 (Sun) | — | |
| National Women’s Day (Observed) | 10 Aug 2026 (Mon) | — | |
| Heritage Day | 24 Sep 2026 (Thu) | — | |
| Day of Reconciliation | 16 Dec 2026 (Wed) | — | |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec 2026 (Fri) | — | |
| Day of Goodwill | 26 Dec 2026 (Sat) | — | |
| UNIVERSITY HOLIDAYS | University Holiday | 15 Jun 2026 (Mon) | — |
| University Holiday | 25 Sep 2026 (Fri) | — |
