USYD Academic Calendar

The University of Sydney, located in Sydney, Australia, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is standard for many Australian universities. The academic year typically consists of two main semesters: Semester 1, running from late February or early March to late June, and Semester 2, spanning from late July or early August to mid-November. This structure includes mid-semester breaks, usually aligned with public holidays like Easter, and a longer summer break from December to February. The university also offers intensive summer and winter sessions for select courses, allowing students flexibility to accelerate their studies or catch up on credits. Exam periods are scheduled at the end of each semester, with results typically released a few weeks later.

• Semester 1 Start: Late February to early March 2025 (exact date to be confirmed). Classes commence for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Mid-Semester Break (Semester 1): Mid-April 2025, often coinciding with Easter holidays, providing a one to two-week break.
• Semester 1 End and Exams: Late June 2025, with exams typically held over a two-week period.
• Semester 2 Start: Late July to early August 2025, marking the beginning of the second half of the academic year.
• Mid-Semester Break (Semester 2): Late September to early October 2025, often aligning with public holidays.
• Semester 2 End and Exams: Mid to late November 2025, followed by result releases in early December.
• Summer Break: December 2025 to February 2026, with optional summer session courses available in January.

• Application Opening for Undergraduate Admissions: Early April 2025, for domestic and international students applying for 2026 entry.
• Early Round Deadline: Late September 2025, for domestic students seeking early offers; notifications typically released by November.
• Main Round Deadline: Early December 2025, for most domestic applicants via UAC (Universities Admissions Centre); offers released in January 2026.
• International Student Deadline: Mid-October 2025 for Semester 1, 2026 entry, allowing time for visa processing.
• Scholarship and Financial Aid Deadline: Varies, often aligning with application deadlines in September to December 2025; early application is recommended.

The University of Sydney’s academic calendar aligns with the broader Australian higher education system, where semesters are structured around the southern hemisphere’s seasonal patterns, with a significant summer break during the warmer months of December to February. This scheduling accommodates public holidays like Australia Day and ANZAC Day, often integrated into break periods. For international students, the calendar offers flexibility through intensive sessions and early application deadlines, ensuring ample time for visa arrangements and travel planning. Additionally, the university’s focus on research-intensive periods during breaks caters to students and faculty engaged in advanced studies, making it a dynamic academic environment.