RHUL Academic Calendar

Royal Holloway, University of London, located in Egham, Surrey, operates on a three-term academic calendar system, consisting of the Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms. Typically, the academic year begins in late September or early October and concludes in June, with each term lasting approximately 11–12 weeks. This structure includes dedicated teaching periods, revision weeks, and examination sessions, alongside extended breaks during the winter (December to January) and spring (March to April) holidays. A notable feature of Royal Holloway’s calendar is its alignment with the UK higher education system, offering students a balance of intensive study periods and opportunities for personal development or internships during breaks.

• Autumn Term Start: Late September 2025 (around September 22–29). Welcome Week activities and induction for new students typically occur during this period.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15–January 5). This includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Term Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 12). Teaching resumes after the winter break.
• Spring Break: Late March to mid-April 2026 (approximately March 27–April 17). This coincides with Easter holidays.
• Summer Term Start: Late April 2026 (around April 20). Focus on revision and final assessments.
• Examination Period: May to early June 2026. Specific dates depend on degree programs.
• Academic Year End/Commencement: Mid to late June 2026. Graduation ceremonies often follow shortly after.

• UCAS Application Opening: Early September 2025 (around September 3). Applications for undergraduate programs begin via the UCAS platform.
• Early Deadline for Competitive Courses: Mid-October 2025 (typically October 15). Applies to programs like Medicine or highly selective courses, if offered.
• Main UCAS Deadline: Late January 2026 (around January 31). Primary deadline for most undergraduate applications to ensure equal consideration.
• Decision Notification: March to May 2026. Applicants receive offers or rejections during this window, depending on the program.
• Confirmation of Place: August 2026 (post A-Level results, around mid-August). Students confirm their acceptance after receiving exam results.
• International Student Deadline: Late June 2026 (approximately June 30). Recommended for visa processing and accommodation arrangements.

The academic calendar at Royal Holloway aligns closely with the standard UK university system, featuring terms and breaks that correspond to national holidays such as Christmas and Easter. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating travel and family commitments. Additionally, the university’s admissions timeline through UCAS ensures a streamlined process, with ample time for international applicants to manage visa applications and other logistics. A unique consideration is the emphasis on early deadlines for competitive programs, encouraging prospective students to plan ahead. Overall, the calendar supports a balanced academic experience with flexibility for diverse student needs.