RFL Academic Calendar

The academic calendar at Royal Free London NHS, a prominent institution focused on medical and health sciences education, typically follows a semester-based structure aligned with many UK universities. The academic year is generally divided into two main semesters—Autumn and Spring—with an additional Summer term often dedicated to research, clinical placements, or supplementary studies. The Autumn semester usually begins in late September or early October and runs through mid-December, while the Spring semester spans from January to late May or early June. A notable feature of the calendar is its integration with clinical training schedules, which may include extended breaks or intensive blocks for practical experience in healthcare settings, reflecting the university’s strong ties to the NHS.

• Autumn Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 22–29), marking the beginning of lectures and clinical rotations.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15–January 5), coinciding with Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: Early January 2026 (around January 6–12), resuming academic and practical training.
• Easter Break: Mid-April 2026 (likely April 10–17), aligned with national holidays.
• End of Spring Semester/Exams: Late May to early June 2026 (approximately May 25–June 5), including final assessments and evaluations.
• Summer Term/Clinical Placements: June to August 2026, often reserved for intensive placements or research projects.

• UCAS Application Opening: Early September 2025 (typically September 1–5), for undergraduate programs including medicine and health sciences.
• Early Application Deadline (Medicine): Mid-October 2025 (around October 15), a strict deadline for medical programs due to competitive entry.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Late January 2026 (approximately January 31), for most other undergraduate courses.
• Decision Notifications: March to April 2026, with most offers or rejections communicated during this period.
• Confirmation of Acceptance: Early May 2026 (around May 1–5), requiring students to confirm their place.
• Financial Aid/Scholarship Deadlines: Vary by program, typically aligned with application deadlines; international students are encouraged to apply early.

The academic calendar at Royal Free London NHS generally aligns with the standard UK university schedule, incorporating national holidays such as Christmas and Easter into its breaks. This structure offers some flexibility for international students, particularly through extended summer periods that can accommodate travel or additional clinical experience. A unique aspect is the emphasis on clinical training, which may result in non-traditional scheduling for certain programs, ensuring students meet rigorous NHS standards. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on typical UK university patterns, prospective students and current enrollees are advised to consult official university communications for confirmed schedules.