SOAS Academic Calendar

The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, follows a structured academic calendar based on a three-term system, typical of many UK universities. The academic year is divided into Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms, with the year generally commencing in late September or early October and concluding in June. This structure allows for intensive study periods, with breaks aligned to major holidays such as Christmas and Easter. SOAS also incorporates reading weeks within terms, providing students with dedicated time for independent study and research, reflecting its emphasis on specialized academic disciplines related to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

• Autumn Term Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 22–29) – Includes welcome week and orientation for new students.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15–January 5) – A significant holiday period.
• Spring Term Start: Early January 2026 (around January 6–12) – Resumption of classes and coursework.
• Easter Break: Late March to mid-April 2026 (approximately March 30–April 13) – Aligns with UK public holidays.
• Summer Term Start: Mid-April 2026 (around April 14–20) – Focus on final coursework and preparation for exams.
• Examination Period: May to early June 2026 – Main assessment period for most programs.
• Academic Year End: Mid-June 2026 – Includes graduation ceremonies for completing students.

• UCAS Application Opening: Early September 2025 – Start of applications for undergraduate programs via the UK’s centralized system.
• Early Application Deadline (Oxbridge & Medicine): Mid-October 2025 (typically October 15) – For specific competitive programs, if applicable.
• Main UCAS Deadline: Late January 2026 (typically January 31) – Primary deadline for most undergraduate courses at SOAS.
• Decision Notification: March to May 2026 – Applicants receive offers or rejections during this period.
• Confirmation Deadline: Early May 2026 (typically aligned with UCAS deadlines) – Deadline to accept offers and secure a place.
• International Student Deadline: Late June 2026 (often June 30) – Earlier deadlines may apply for visa processing and documentation.

The SOAS academic calendar aligns closely with the standard UK university schedule, ensuring compatibility with national holidays and educational norms. Its term structure offers flexibility for international students, with breaks providing opportunities to travel or engage in cultural immersion, which is particularly relevant given SOAS’s global focus. However, students are advised to plan around the intensive nature of terms and early application deadlines, especially for programs with high demand. Specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle may vary, as they are not yet publicly confirmed, and prospective students should monitor official announcements for updates.