Cardiff Academic Calendar

Cardiff University, located in Cardiff, Wales, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among UK universities. The academic year typically consists of two main semesters: the Autumn Semester and the Spring Semester, with a shorter summer period often dedicated to research, resits, or supplementary activities. The Autumn Semester generally begins in late September or early October and runs until mid-December, followed by a winter break. The Spring Semester usually starts in mid-January and concludes in late May or early June, with a significant Easter break in between. This structure allows for focused teaching periods, assessment windows, and extended breaks aligned with national holidays, providing students with a balanced academic schedule.

• Autumn Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 22–29), marking the beginning of the academic year with welcome week activities.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15–January 5), coinciding with Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 12–19), following the winter break.
• Easter Break: Late March to mid-April 2026 (typically around March 28–April 11), aligning with UK public holidays.
• End of Spring Semester/Exams: Late May to early June 2026 (approximately May 25–June 10), including final assessments and project submissions.
• Graduation Ceremonies: Mid-July 2026 (often around July 10–15), celebrating student achievements.

• UCAS Application Opening: Early September 2025 (typically September 1–5), for undergraduate admissions to the Class of 2030.
• Early Deadline for Competitive Courses: Mid-October 2025 (around October 15), especially for programs like Medicine or Dentistry.
• Regular UCAS Deadline: Late January 2026 (typically January 31), for most undergraduate programs, with decisions often notified by March or April.
• Confirmation of Places: Mid-August 2026 (around August 13–20), following A-Level results day in the UK.
• International Student Deadline: Late June 2026 (approximately June 30), to allow time for visa processing and other arrangements.

The academic calendar at Cardiff University aligns closely with the standard UK higher education framework, ensuring compatibility with national holidays such as Christmas and Easter, which are reflected in its extended breaks. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating planning for travel or personal commitments. Additionally, the university’s semester system provides flexibility for international students, with clear entry points and support during induction periods like welcome week. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical UK university patterns, Cardiff University’s scheduling often accommodates research-intensive periods and professional placements, particularly for students in specialized programs.