UniMelb Academic Calendar

The University of Melbourne, located in Melbourne, Australia, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is standard for most Australian universities. The academic year typically consists of two main semesters: Semester 1, running from late February to late May, and Semester 2, spanning from late July to late October. Each semester includes teaching periods, study breaks, and examination weeks. A notable feature of the university’s calendar is the inclusion of a non-teaching period in November, often used for research or internships, and a longer summer break from December to February, aligning with the Southern Hemisphere’s seasonal cycle. This structure provides flexibility for students to engage in summer programs or work opportunities during the extended break.

• Semester 1 Start: Late February 2025 (typically around February 24) - Orientation week for new students.
• Semester 1 Teaching Period: March 3 to May 30, 2025 - Core teaching and assessment period.
• Mid-Year Break: June 2 to July 18, 2025 - Includes winter holidays and preparation for Semester 2.
• Semester 2 Start: Late July 2025 (typically around July 21) - Second semester begins with lectures and tutorials.
• Semester 2 Teaching Period: July 28 to October 24, 2025 - Main teaching block with final assessments.
• Examination Period: Late October to mid-November 2025 - Final exams for Semester 2.
• Summer Break: December 2025 to February 2026 - Extended break with optional summer subjects.

• Application Opening Date: Early April 2025 - Applications for undergraduate programs (Class of 2030) open for domestic and international students.
• Early Round Deadline: Late September 2025 (typically September 30) - Early offers for domestic students; recommended for competitive programs.
• Regular Decision Deadline: Early December 2025 (typically December 1) - Final deadline for most undergraduate applications.
• International Student Deadline: Mid-November 2025 (typically November 15) - Earlier deadline to allow for visa processing.
• Offer Notification: Mid-December 2025 to January 2026 - Offers released in rounds for domestic and international applicants.
• Financial Aid Application Deadline: Early January 2026 - Deadline for scholarships and funding applications.

The University of Melbourne’s academic calendar aligns with the broader Australian higher education system, following the Southern Hemisphere’s seasonal patterns with a significant summer break during December and January. This scheduling accommodates public holidays such as Australia Day in January and ANZAC Day in April, often integrated into semester breaks. The structure offers flexibility for international students, with extended breaks providing opportunities for travel or work. Additionally, the university’s focus on research-intensive periods, particularly during non-teaching months, supports students in specialized programs. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, prospective students are encouraged to verify exact timelines through official university communications for the most accurate information.