UCL Academic Calendar

University College London (UCL), located in London, UK, operates on a term-based academic calendar consisting of three main terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The academic year typically begins in late September or early October and concludes in June, aligning with many other UK universities. Each term lasts approximately 10-11 weeks, with breaks in between, including a notable winter break over the Christmas and New Year period and a spring break around Easter. UCL’s calendar also includes reading weeks in the Autumn and Spring terms, providing students with dedicated time for independent study and research, reflecting the university’s emphasis on academic rigor and self-directed learning.

• Autumn Term Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 22-29), marking the beginning of the academic year with welcome events and inductions.
• Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15 to January 5), coinciding with Christmas and New Year holidays.
• Spring Term Start: Early January 2026 (around January 6-12), resuming classes and often including mid-year assessments.
• Easter Break: Late March to mid-April 2026 (approximately March 30 to April 13), aligning with Easter holidays.
• Summer Term Start: Mid-April 2026 (around April 20), focusing on final coursework and exam preparation.
• End of Academic Year: Early June 2026 (typically June 5-12), concluding with exams and graduation ceremonies for final-year students.

• UCAS Application Opening: Early September 2025 (around September 3), when applications for undergraduate programs begin for the 2026 entry.
• Early Deadline for Medicine and Dentistry: Mid-October 2025 (typically October 15), a strict deadline for competitive programs with limited spaces.
• Regular UCAS Deadline: Late January 2026 (approximately January 31), the standard deadline for most undergraduate courses at UCL.
• Decision Notifications: Rolling basis from January to April 2026, with most decisions released by late March for regular applicants.
• Confirmation of Acceptance: Early May 2026 (around May 1-7), when applicants must confirm their place, often tied to financial aid or accommodation deadlines.

UCL’s academic calendar aligns closely with the standard UK higher education framework, featuring terms that correspond to national holidays such as Christmas and Easter, ensuring compatibility with regional norms. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, though the intensive term system and reading weeks may require adjustment for those accustomed to semester-based systems. Additionally, UCL’s admissions timeline, managed through the UCAS system, adheres to UK-wide deadlines, providing a streamlined process but necessitating early preparation, especially for international applicants who may face additional visa processing times. The university’s focus on research and independent study during reading weeks also reflects its commitment to fostering academic depth, setting it apart from more traditional holiday-heavy calendars.