The University of Queensland (UQ) academic calendar provides students with a structured framework for teaching periods, examinations, and holidays. Understanding these dates is essential for planning coursework, internships, travel, and personal commitments. The calendar covers standard semesters, the Summer Semester, key public holidays, and university-wide breaks.
UQ Academic Calendar 2025
Summer Semester 2025
- Classes restart after mid-semester break: 6 January 2025
- Classes end: 25 January 2025
- Revision period: 27–31 January 2025
- Exams: 1–8 February 2025
- Semester ends: 8 February 2025
This intensive teaching period allows students to complete courses outside the standard semester cycle, offering flexibility and progression opportunities.
Semester 1, 2025
- Orientation Week: 17–21 February 2025
- Classes begin: 24 February 2025
- Mid-semester break: 21–25 April 2025 (includes Easter & Anzac Day)
- Census date: 31 March 2025
- Classes end: 31 May 2025
- Revision period: 2–6 June 2025
- Exams: 7–21 June 2025
- Semester ends: 21 June 2025
Semester 1 includes major events such as Employability Week in March and National Reconciliation Week in late May.
Mid-Year Break and Graduations
- Break: 23 June – 25 July 2025
- Graduations: 14–18 July 2025
Semester 2, 2025
- Orientation Week: 21–25 July 2025
- Classes begin: 28 July 2025
- Mid-semester break: 29 September – 3 October 2025
- Census date: 31 August 2025
- Classes end: 1 November 2025
- Revision period: 3–7 November 2025
- Exams: 8–22 November 2025
- Semester ends: 22 November 2025
- Graduations: 10–24 December 2025
Semester 2 also features UQ’s Research and Innovation Week in September and Teaching and Learning Week in early November.
Queensland School Holidays 2025
- Term 1: 5 April – 21 April
- Term 2: 28 June – 13 July
- Term 3: 20 September – 6 October
- Term 4: 13 December – 26 January 2026
UQ Academic Calendar 2026
Summer Semester 2026
- Classes restart: 5 January 2026
- Classes end: 31 January 2026
- Revision period: 2–6 February 2026
- Exams: 7–14 February 2026
- Semester ends: 14 February 2026
This session allows motivated students to accelerate their progress or retake essential units.
Semester 1, 2026
- Orientation Week: 16–20 February 2026
- Classes begin: 23 February 2026
- Mid-semester break: April 2026 (dates align with Easter and Anzac Day)
- Exams: June 2026 (two-week period)
- Semester ends: Late June 2026
Semester 2, 2026
- Orientation Week: July 2026
- Classes begin: Late July 2026
- Mid-semester break: Late September – early October 2026
- Exams: November 2026
- Semester ends: Late November 2026
Exact Queensland government school holiday dates for 2026 will also apply, aligning with UQ’s mid-semester breaks.
Key Features of the UQ Academic Year
- Summer Semester Flexibility – Enables accelerated study or lighter main semester loads.
- Census Dates – Last chance to withdraw from a course without financial liability.
- Orientation Weeks – Crucial for both new and continuing students to connect with UQ services and peers.
- Research & Innovation Week – Held in Semester 2 to showcase UQ’s contributions to global challenges.
- Graduation Periods – Celebrations in July and December mark academic achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does UQ offer a trimester system like UNSW?
No, UQ follows a semester model (Semester 1, Semester 2, plus Summer Semester), unlike UNSW’s trimester structure.
2. Is the Summer Semester compulsory?
No. It is optional and designed for students seeking flexibility, catch-up opportunities, or early completion.
3. What is the purpose of Census Dates?
Census Dates mark the deadline to withdraw from courses without financial or academic penalty. They are critical for managing enrolment.
4. When do exams take place at UQ?
Exams are held in June for Semester 1, November for Semester 2, and February for Summer Semester.
5. Are Queensland school holidays aligned with UQ breaks?
Yes, UQ mid-semester breaks often coincide with school holidays, especially in April and September.
6. Can international students arrive after Orientation Week?
It is strongly advised that international students attend Orientation Week to access enrolment, visa, and support services before classes begin.
Conclusion
The University of Queensland academic calendar for 2025–2026 provides a clear structure to guide students through coursework, exams, and holidays. With defined semester periods, flexibility options through the Summer Semester, and alignment with public holidays, students can plan ahead for a successful academic journey.