The University of Glasgow, one of Scotland’s most prestigious and historic institutions, operates on an academic calendar that carefully balances teaching, assessment, and rest. The 2025–2026 academic session will run from Monday, 15 September 2025, until Friday, 11 September 2026.
This structure ensures that students, faculty, and staff can plan their year effectively — from the beginning of classes in September to graduation in June and beyond. Below is a detailed breakdown of what to expect across the academic year.
Start of the Academic Year
The new academic year begins on Monday, 15 September 2025, marking the official start of the session. This week is dedicated primarily to orientation and induction activities for new students. During this period, students will attend welcome sessions, explore campus facilities, meet academic advisors, and participate in workshops designed to help them adjust to university life.
Returning students also benefit from this week by reconnecting with peers, arranging timetables, and preparing for the upcoming teaching term. This early start provides a solid foundation before the academic intensity begins.
Semester 1: Teaching and Assessment
Formal Semester 1 teaching begins on Monday, 22 September 2025. This marks the start of the first main teaching block, where students dive into lectures, tutorials, and lab sessions. Coursework, group discussions, and research activities will be central to this period.
The graduation period for students completing previous degrees will begin on Monday, 1 December 2025, adding a celebratory atmosphere to campus life. Teaching for Semester 1 concludes on Friday, 5 December 2025, followed by the revision and examination period, which runs from Monday, 8 December to Friday, 19 December 2025.
After exams conclude, the Winter Vacation officially begins on Monday, 22 December 2025, giving students a chance to relax and recharge after an intense few months of study.
Winter Vacation
The Winter Vacation runs from Monday, 22 December 2025, to Friday, 9 January 2026. This three-week period covers the festive holidays and offers an opportunity for both rest and reflection. Many students travel home during this time, while others may remain in Glasgow to enjoy the city’s winter celebrations.
The university maintains support services for international students who stay on campus, ensuring that everyone feels part of a welcoming community during the holiday season.
Semester 2: Teaching and Breaks
The second half of the academic year begins with the start of Semester 2 teaching on Monday, 12 January 2026. Classes resume across all faculties, continuing until Friday, 27 March 2026.
After this, students will enjoy the Spring Vacation, beginning Monday, 30 March 2026, and ending on Friday, 17 April 2026. This break provides time for rest, revision, and dissertation work. Many final-year students also use this period to complete their research projects or prepare for final assessments.
Revision and Examination Period
When the new term resumes, students enter the revision period, which begins on Monday, 20 April 2026. This is followed by the main examination period, starting Monday, 27 April 2026.
Throughout May, two significant holidays occur:
- May Day Holiday on Monday, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May 2026
Despite these short breaks, exams continue until Friday, 22 May 2026, after which Semester 2 officially concludes on Friday, 29 May 2026.
This end-of-semester milestone marks the completion of the main academic teaching and examination cycle for most undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes.
Graduations and Summer Period
Graduation ceremonies, which are a highlight of the academic calendar, begin on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. These ceremonies celebrate students’ academic achievements, with families and friends gathering on campus to mark this significant milestone.
In July 2026, there is a local public holiday known as Fair Monday (subject to confirmation), which will likely fall on Monday, 13 July 2026. Shortly afterward, the summer examination period begins on Monday, 27 July 2026, and runs until Friday, 14 August 2026. These exams typically accommodate resits or deferred assessments.
End of the Academic Year
The 2025–26 academic year officially concludes on Friday, 11 September 2026. This closing date marks the end of all academic and administrative activities for the session. Staff and students then transition into preparation for the upcoming academic year starting mid-September 2026.
Quick Reference Dates: University of Glasgow 2025–26
| Event / Period | Date | Day(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Start of Academic Year / Orientation | 15 September 2025 | Monday |
| Start of Semester 1 Teaching | 22 September 2025 | Monday |
| Start of Graduation Period | 1 December 2025 | Monday |
| End of Semester 1 Teaching | 5 December 2025 | Friday |
| Start of Revision & Exams (Sem 1) | 8 December 2025 | Monday |
| End of Revision & Exams / End of Semester 1 | 19 December 2025 | Friday |
| Winter Vacation Begins | 22 December 2025 | Monday |
| Winter Vacation Ends | 9 January 2026 | Friday |
| Start of Semester 2 Teaching | 12 January 2026 | Monday |
| End of Semester 2 Teaching | 27 March 2026 | Friday |
| Spring Vacation Begins | 30 March 2026 | Monday |
| Spring Vacation Ends | 17 April 2026 | Friday |
| Start of Revision Period | 20 April 2026 | Monday |
| Start of Examination Period (Sem 2) | 27 April 2026 | Monday |
| May Day Holiday | 4 May 2026 | Monday |
| End of Examination Period | 22 May 2026 | Friday |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 | Monday |
| End of Semester 2 | 29 May 2026 | Friday |
| Start of Graduation Period | 24 June 2026 | Wednesday |
| Fair Monday Holiday (TBC) | 13 July 2026 | Monday |
| Start of Summer Examination Period | 27 July 2026 | Monday |
| End of Summer Examination Period | 14 August 2026 | Friday |
| End of Academic Year | 11 September 2026 | Friday |
In Summary
The University of Glasgow 2025–26 academic calendar offers a well-structured balance between academic commitment and personal development. Each semester is carefully planned to include teaching, revision, examinations, and essential breaks, ensuring students have time to learn, reflect, and recharge.
With clear milestones, supportive academic services, and celebrated traditions like graduation ceremonies, this calendar not only organizes the academic journey but also defines the rhythm of university life at Glasgow — blending centuries of heritage with the modern spirit of learning.