The Australian National University (ANU), located in Canberra, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is standard among Australian universities. The academic year is typically divided into two main semesters: Semester 1, which generally runs from late February to late June, and Semester 2, spanning from late July to late November. Each semester includes teaching periods, mid-semester breaks, and examination weeks. ANU also offers intensive summer and winter sessions for select courses, allowing students flexibility to accelerate their studies or catch up on credits. Mid-year breaks, particularly in June and July, often align with Australian winter holidays, providing extended downtime for students to recharge or engage in internships.
The ANU academic calendar aligns closely with national norms in Australia, where semesters are structured around public holidays like Easter and Labour Day, ensuring minimal disruption to teaching schedules. This calendar offers flexibility for international students, with summer and winter sessions providing opportunities to adjust study plans. Additionally, ANU’s scheduling considers the needs of research-intensive programs, often incorporating extended breaks for fieldwork or thesis work. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, students are encouraged to check official university announcements for confirmed schedules as the academic year approaches.