University of Pretoria, UP Academic Calendar – 2026 Term Dates
The University of Pretoria, UP 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 Pretoria, UP resumption date for new and returning students 2025, examination date and other academic activities for the year.
See below, the academic calendar for sessional dates for the 2026 academic year.
The academic calendar hints about University of Pretoria, UP resumption date for new and returning students 2025, examination date and other academic activities for the year.
See below, the academic calendar for sessional dates for the 2026 academic year.
Further Readings: University of Pretoria, UP Full Tuition & Fees
UP SESSIONAL DATES FOR 2026 ACADEMIC SESSIONS
The academic calendar for 2026 academic session as approved by the authority of the University of Pretoria, UP.| Date(s) | Event |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | Public Holiday (New Year’s Day) |
| 5 January 2026 | Start of the academic year; Start of online registration for senior students |
| 5–17 January 2026 | Summer School period |
| 21 January 2026 | Submission deadline: Final marks – Summer School |
| 28 January 2026 | Submission deadline: Final marks – Chancellors and Special examinations |
| 30 January – 1 February 2026 | Orientation for International Students |
| 31 January 2026 | Welcome Day |
| 2–6 February 2026 | Orientation for First-year students (Hatfield & Groenkloof); Senate Review Committee on Readmissions meetings |
| 6 February 2026 | Submission deadline: Final marks – Autumn Graduation |
| 7 February 2026 | INSYNC First-year concert |
| 9 February 2026 | Start of lectures: Q1 and Semester 1 |
| 10 February 2026 | UP Birthday |
| 13 February 2026 | Ultimate deadline for awarding UG and PG students for the Autumn Graduation by the Faculty Administration |
| 20 February 2026 | Closing date: Registration and cancellation (dropping) or swapping of Q1, Q2, and Semester 1 modules |
| 21 February 2026 | RAG of Hope Day |
| 9 March 2026 | Closing date: Cancellation (dropping) or swapping of Q1, Q2, and Semester 1 modules (affects fees and GPA) |
| 14–20 March 2026 & 28 March 2026 | Test Week 1: Semester 1 (Hatfield & Groenkloof campuses) – Cooling-off period (no non-academic student activities) |
| 21 March 2026 | Public Holiday (Human Rights Day) |
| 27 March 2026 | Lectures end: Q1 |
| 28 March 2026 | Test Week 1 continues: Semester 1 (Hatfield & Groenkloof campuses) – Cooling-off period |
| 29 March – 6 April 2026 | March/April recess |
| 3 April 2026 | Public Holiday (Good Friday) |
| 6 April 2026 | Public Holiday (Family Day) |
| 7 April 2026 | Start of lectures: Q2; Monday lecture timetable is followed |
| 8 April 2026 | Friday lecture timetable is followed |
| 11 April 2026 | Test Week 1 continues: Semester 1 (Hatfield & Groenkloof campuses) – Cooling-off period |
| 27 April 2026 | Public Holiday (Freedom Day) |
| 1 May 2026 | Public Holiday (Workers’ Day) |
| 2–9 May 2026 & 16 May 2026 | Test Week 2: Semester 1 (Hatfield & Groenkloof campuses) – Cooling-off period |
| 4–29 May 2026 | Autumn Graduation ceremonies |
| 20 July 2026 | Start of lectures: Q3 and Semester 2 |
| 31 August – 4 September 2026 | Spring Graduation ceremonies |
| 15 September 2026 | Friday lecture timetable is followed |
| 25 October – 5 December 2026 | Cooling-off period (non-academic student activities before and during examinations) |
| 5/6 November 2026 | Lectures end: Q4 and Semester 2* (*Provision made for Local Government elections) |
| 6 November 2026 | Wednesday lecture timetable is followed; Pre-examination study period |
| 7–25 November 2026 | Examination period: Q3, Q4, and Semester 2 modules |
| 30 November – 5 December 2026 | Supplementary examination period: Q3, Q4, and Semester 2 modules |
| 5 December 2026 | End of the academic year |
| 7 December 2026 | Submission deadline: Final marks – Supplementary examination marks of Q3, Q4, and Semester 2 modules |
| 10 December 2026 | Graduation Ceremony for LLM in Human Rights |
| 16 December 2026 | Public Holiday (Day of Reconciliation) |
| 23 December 2026 | University closes at 10:00 |
| 25 December 2026 | Public Holiday (Christmas Day) |
| 26 December 2026 | Public Holiday (Day of Goodwill) |
Lecture Periods & Key Structures (for reference)
| Period | Dates | Lecture Days (Mo–Fr) | Total Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | 9 February – 27 March 2026 | 35 days | |
| Quarter 2 | 7 April – 27 May 2026 | 35 days | |
| Semester 1 | 9 February – 27 May 2026 | (Includes Q1 & Q2) | |
| Quarter 3 | 20 July – 7 September 2026 | 35 days | |
| Quarter 4 | 8 September – 5/6 November 2026 | 35 days | |
| Semester 2 | 20 July – 5/6 November 2026 | (Includes Q3 & Q4) |
Notes:
- Public holidays are based on the South African government’s list.
- The academic calendar is subject to change; always verify with official UP sources.
- Cooling-off periods indicate no non-academic student activities during test weeks and examination periods.
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