The University of Birmingham, located in the United Kingdom, operates on a semester-based academic calendar with 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. The Autumn Term runs from late September to mid-December, followed by a winter break. The Spring Term spans from January to March or early April, with an Easter break, and the Summer Term extends from late April to June, often including final exams and assessments. This structure allows for a balanced distribution of teaching, revision, and research periods, with breaks coinciding with major UK holidays.
- Autumn Term Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 22–29). Welcome Week for new students often precedes formal teaching.
- Winter Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15–January 5). Includes Christmas and New Year holidays.
- Spring Term Start: Early January 2026 (around January 6–12). Teaching resumes after the winter break.
- Easter Break: Late March to mid-April 2026 (approximately March 28–April 18). Aligns with UK Easter holidays.
- Summer Term Start: Late April 2026 (around April 19–25). Focuses on revision and exams for most programs.
- Academic Year End: Mid-June 2026 (typically June 10–20). Includes final assessments and graduation ceremonies for final-year students.
- UCAS Application Opening: Early September 2025 (typically September 3–10). Start of applications for undergraduate programs via UCAS.
- Early Deadline for Competitive Courses: Mid-October 2025 (around October 15). For programs like Medicine or Dentistry.
- Main UCAS Deadline: Late January 2026 (typically January 31). Final date for most undergraduate applications to ensure equal consideration.
- Decision Notification: March to May 2026. Applicants receive offers or rejections during this period, depending on the program.
- Confirmation of Place: Mid-August 2026 (around August 15–20). Deadline to accept offers post-A-Level results or equivalent qualifications.
- International Student Deadline: Late June 2026 (approximately June 30). Recommended for visa processing and accommodation arrangements.
The University of Birmingham’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for UK higher education, with term dates and breaks reflecting standard public holidays like Christmas and Easter. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, facilitating travel and family planning. Additionally, the university provides some flexibility for international students through early orientation programs during Welcome Week and extended deadlines for visa-related processes. The calendar also supports research-intensive periods, particularly in the Summer Term, allowing students and faculty to engage in projects or placements. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on typical UK university schedules, they reflect the university’s consistent annual rhythm.
