UFS Academic Calendar – 2026 Term Dates
The authority of the University of the Free State, UFS has released its academic calendar also known as term dates for 2026 academic sessions, freshers and returning students are to take note.
The academic calendar hints about University of the Free State, UFS 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.
For further inquiries, please contact the University of the Free State, UFS by visiting the institution’s official website.
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The academic calendar hints about University of the Free State, UFS 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 the Free State Full Tuition & Fees
UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE ACADEMIC SCHEDULE FOR 2026 ACADEMIC SESSIONS
The academic calendar for 2026 academic session as approved by the authority of the University of the Free State, UFS.| Event / Period | Date(s) | Duration / Details |
|---|---|---|
| UFS Opens (Admin) | January 2, 2026 | |
| Academic Staff Return | January 12, 2026 | |
| Registration – Senior & First-Year Students | January 12 – February 6, 2026 | 4 weeks. |
| Late Registration | February 9 – 13, 2026 | 5 days. |
| Quarter 1 (Semester 1) | February 9 – March 27, 2026 | 35 days / 7 weeks of teaching. |
| Academic & School Break | March 30 – April 7, 2026 | 1 week. |
| Graduation Ceremonies (QwaQwa) | April 10 – 11, 2026 | |
| Graduation Ceremonies (Bloemfontein) | April 14 – 18, 2026 | |
| Quarter 2 (Semester 1) | April 8 – May 29, 2026 | 36 days / 8 weeks of teaching. |
| Total Semester 1 Teaching | 71 days | Feb 9 – May 29. |
| Main Mid-Year Examinations | June 1 – 20, 2026 | 3 weeks. |
| Supplementary Mid-Year Examinations | June 22 – 27, 2026 | 6 days. |
| Academic Break | June 29 – July 10, 2026 | 2 weeks. |
| School Holidays | June 29 – July 20, 2026 | 3 weeks. |
| Semester 2 Registration | July 13 – 17, 2026 | |
| Special Examination | July 23 – 24, 2026 | 2 days. |
| Quarter 3 (Semester 2) | July 13 – August 28, 2026 | 34 days / 7 weeks of teaching. |
| Quarter 4 (Semester 2) | August 31 – October 23, 2026 | 33 days / 8 weeks of teaching. |
| Total Semester 2 Teaching | 67 days | Jul 13 – Oct 23. |
| Predicate Day | October 23, 2026 | |
| Academic & School Break | September 28 – October 2, 2026 | 1 week. |
| UFS Senate Holiday | September 25, 2026 | |
| Main End-of-Year Examinations | October 26 – November 14, 2026 | 3 weeks. |
| Supplementary End-of-Year Examinations | November 16 – 21, 2026 | 6 days. |
| UFS Closes | December 18, 2026 | |
| Academic Break (Year-End) | December 21, 2026 – January 11, 2027 | 3 weeks. |
| Special Examination | January 28 – 29, 2027 | For 2026 academic year. |
Important Results & Graduation Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Publication of awarding of degrees (Main Mid-Year Exam) | July 14, 2026 |
| Publication of awarding of Master’s & Doctoral degrees | October 20, 2026 |
| Publication of awarding of degrees (Main End-of-Year Exam) | December 15, 2026 |
| Graduation Ceremonies | December 10 – 11, 2026 |
Note: This calendar follows a quarter system within two main semesters.
