The Massey University Academic Calendar 2025–2026 outlines every important step in the student journey — from orientation and semester starts to exam sessions and final grade releases.
For students across Auckland, Manawatū (Palmerston North), and Wellington, these dates help with study planning, internships, and holidays.
Below is a uniquely written overview that highlights the crucial events for each semester of the 2025–2026 academic year.
Semester Two 2025 – Mid-Year Intake
The second semester of 2025 begins after the winter break and welcomes a new group of mid-year students.
Orientation activities will take place from 7–11 July 2025, allowing students to settle in before lectures start.
- Semester begins: 14 July 2025
- Mid-semester study period: 25 August – 5 September 2025
- Final day of lectures: 17 October 2025
- Exam period: 28 October – 10 November 2025
- Results released: around 5 December 2025
This term runs through the colder months into spring. The short two-week study break in late August helps students recharge or prepare for major assessments. After exams conclude in November, grades are published in early December, marking the end of the 2025 academic cycle for most students.
Summer School 2025–2026 – Fast-Track Study Term
Massey University’s Summer School begins shortly after Semester Two finishes, giving students the option to complete extra papers or catch up on credits.
The term starts in mid-November 2025, with the College of Creative Arts (COCA) commencing slightly earlier on 3 November 2025, and other colleges following on 17 November 2025.
- University closes for Christmas: 23 December 2025 (5 p.m.)
- Reopens after New Year: 5 January 2026
- Final lectures: 3 February 2026
- Exam week: 9–13 February 2026
- Grades released: 26 February 2026
Students can expect a brief holiday closure from 24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. During this period, no classes or administrative services operate. When the university reopens in early January, classes resume quickly, leading into early February assessments.
Semester One 2026 – Beginning of the New Academic Year
The first semester of 2026 marks the start of a new academic cycle. Orientation Week runs from 16–20 February 2026, with classes officially starting on 23 February 2026.
- Mid-semester study period: 3–17 April 2026
- Good Friday: 3 April 2026 (University closed)
- Easter Monday: 6 April 2026 (University closed)
- Semester resumes: 20 April 2026
- ANZAC Day: 25 April 2026
- Final lectures: 29 May 2026
- Exam period: 8–19 June 2026
- Results announced: 3 July 2026 (approx.)
The two-week mid-semester study break overlaps with Easter, giving students a mix of rest and revision time. Once exams finish in mid-June, results are typically released in the first week of July, leading into the mid-year break (22 June – 10 July 2026).
Semester Two 2026 – Matariki and Year-End Term
The second semester of 2026 begins on 13 July 2026, following Orientation Week from 6–10 July 2026.
This year’s schedule includes the Matariki holiday (10 July 2026) — New Zealand’s Māori New Year — a cultural highlight marking renewal and reflection.
- Mid-semester break: 24 August – 4 September 2026
- Lectures resume: 7 September 2026
- Final classes: 16 October 2026
- Study week: 19–23 October 2026
- Labour Day (University closed): 26 October 2026
- Exams: 27 October – 9 November 2026
- Results published: 1 December 2026
This term completes the academic year, with graduation ceremonies and end-of-year celebrations held in late November and early December.
Quick Academic Summary
| Session | Semester Starts | Exams End | Results Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester Two 2025 | 14 July 2025 | 10 November 2025 | 5 December 2025 |
| Summer School 2025–26 | 17 November 2025 | 13 February 2026 | 26 February 2026 |
| Semester One 2026 | 23 February 2026 | 19 June 2026 | 3 July 2026 |
| Semester Two 2026 | 13 July 2026 | 9 November 2026 | 1 December 2026 |
This table highlights only the most crucial timeframes for academic planning — ideal for setting reminders, applying for internships, or organizing semester breaks.
Tips for Managing the Massey Academic Year
- Plan ahead using Stream: Course guides are usually uploaded two weeks before the semester starts — check early for reading lists and assessment outlines.
- Balance study and downtime: Mid-semester periods are not just for rest — they’re perfect for exam prep, part-time work, or catching up on group projects.
- Use the university support services: Counselling, academic advising, and writing support are available throughout the year to help you stay on track.
- Stay mindful of public holidays: Key dates such as Easter, ANZAC Day, Matariki, and Labour Day affect teaching schedules and assignment deadlines.
- Prepare for graduation early: If you’re finishing in June or November, register for graduation as soon as your results release date approaches.
About Massey University
Massey University stands among New Zealand’s leading tertiary institutions, known for academic innovation, research excellence, and a strong international community.
Its campuses — Auckland, Manawatū, and Wellington — each offer unique learning environments, while the university’s distance-learning programs serve students globally.
With programs spanning Creative Arts, Agriculture, Business, Science, Health, and Humanities, Massey combines hands-on learning with flexible study options. Its semester model ensures that students can choose between full-time, part-time, or online learning according to their goals.
Conclusion
The Massey University Semester Dates 2025–2026 offer a well-structured roadmap for students across New Zealand and abroad.
With the 2025 mid-year semester beginning on 14 July, the 2026 academic year launching on 23 February, and final results published on 1 December 2026, the timeline ensures a steady rhythm of teaching, revision, and assessment.
Students should always verify updates through the official Massey University website or their college portal, as certain programs — especially postgraduate and creative courses — may follow slightly different timetables.
By planning ahead around these dates, students can stay organized, reduce stress, and make the most of their academic year at Massey University.