Macquarie Uni Academic Calendar

Macquarie University, located in Sydney, Australia, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, aligning with the standard structure of most Australian universities. The academic year is typically divided into two main semesters: Session 1, which runs from late February to mid-June, and Session 2, spanning from late July to mid-November. Additionally, the university offers a shorter Session 3 over the summer period from December to February, providing flexibility for students to accelerate their studies or catch up on coursework. This structure includes designated breaks between sessions, with a notable mid-year break in June and July, and a longer summer break over the December-January period, often coinciding with Australian public holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day.

• Session 1 Start: February 24, 2025 - Official commencement of the first semester with orientation activities in the preceding week.
• Mid-Semester Break (Session 1): April 7-18, 2025 - A two-week recess, often aligning with Easter holidays.
• Session 1 End/Exams: June 9-20, 2025 - Final exams and assessments for the first semester.
• Session 2 Start: July 21, 2025 - Beginning of the second semester with orientation for new students.
• Mid-Semester Break (Session 2): September 29-October 10, 2025 - A break period for students to recharge.
• Session 2 End/Exams: November 3-14, 2025 - Conclusion of the academic year with final exams.
• Session 3 (Summer): December 1, 2025 - January 30, 2026 - Optional summer session for intensive study.

• Early Round Application Deadline: September 30, 2024 - For early offers, particularly for high-demand programs; notifications typically by late October.
• Main Round Application Deadline: December 6, 2024 - Primary deadline for domestic students via UAC (Universities Admissions Centre); offers released in mid-January 2025.
• International Student Application Deadline: November 30, 2024 - Recommended for Session 1, 2025 intake to allow time for visa processing.
• Scholarship Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 - For merit-based and need-based scholarships; varies by program and student status.
• Enrollment Confirmation Deadline: Early February 2025 - Final date to accept offers and enroll for Session 1 start.

The academic calendar at Macquarie University aligns closely with the broader Australian higher education system, with semesters timed to complement national holidays and the southern hemisphere’s seasonal patterns. The inclusion of a summer session (Session 3) offers notable flexibility, particularly for international students who may wish to complete their degrees faster or balance study with travel. Additionally, the university’s scheduling considers public holidays like Australia Day in January and ANZAC Day in April, often integrating these into break periods. While specific dates for 2025-2026 are estimates based on typical patterns, students are encouraged to verify exact timelines closer to the academic year due to potential adjustments for unforeseen circumstances or university-specific events.