The UCT Term Dates 2026 and academic calendar schedule include four teaching quarters with scheduled breaks, examination periods, and graduation ceremonies across multiple faculties.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) academic year 2026 begins on Monday, February 16, 2026, with orientation and registration starting from Monday, February 2, 2026.
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UCT 2026 Academic Year Overview
The 2026 academic calendar follows a structured four-semester system with 60 teaching days per semester, totaling 240 instructional days across the year. The calendar accommodates public holidays, religious observances, and administrative requirements specific to South African higher education institutions.
Key Academic Dates for 2026
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Opens | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Orientation Period | Monday, February 2 – Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| First Teaching Day | Monday, February 16, 2026 |
| Mid-Semester Break | Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| Youth Day Holiday | Tuesday, June 16, 2026 |
| Mid-Year Vacation | Tuesday, June 16 – Sunday, July 26, 2026 |
| Heritage Day Holiday | Thursday, September 24, 2026 |
| Final Examination Period | Wednesday, November 4 – Friday, November 20, 2026 |
| Results Release | Friday, December 4, 2026 |
First Semester UCT Term Dates 2026
The first semester runs from Monday, February 16, 2026, through Friday, June 5, 2026, encompassing 60 teaching days and a mid-semester break.
Teaching Days: February to March 2026
Teaching commences on Monday, February 16, 2026 (Teaching Day 1) and continues through Friday, March 27, 2026 (Teaching Day 30), providing 30 consecutive teaching days before the mid-semester break.
| Week | Monday | Friday | Teaching Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | February 16 | February 20 | Days 1-5 |
| Week 2 | February 23 | February 27 | Days 6-10 |
| Week 3 | March 2 | March 6 | Days 11-15 |
| Week 4 | March 9 | March 13 | Days 16-20 |
| Week 5 | March 16 | March 20 | Days 21-25 |
| Week 6 | March 23 | March 27 | Days 26-30 |
Mid-Semester Break March 2026
The mid-semester break begins on Saturday, March 28, 2026, and concludes on Sunday, April 5, 2026. This nine-day break includes:
- Saturday, March 21, 2026: Human Rights Day (public holiday)
- Friday, March 20, 2026: Eid ul-Fitr
- Friday, April 3, 2026: Good Friday (public holiday)
- Saturday, April 4, 2026: Holy Saturday
- Sunday, April 5, 2026: Easter Sunday
- Monday, April 6, 2026: Family Day (public holiday)
Graduation Ceremonies March 2026
Autumn graduation ceremonies occur during the mid-semester break from Sunday, March 29, through Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Faculty-specific ceremonies accommodate graduating students across all disciplines.
Teaching Days: April to June 2026
Teaching resumes on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (Teaching Day 31) and continues through Thursday, April 30, 2026 (Teaching Day 47), interrupted by Freedom Day.
Monday, April 27, 2026, is Freedom Day, a South African public holiday, resulting in no scheduled teaching activities.
Friday, May 1, 2026 is Workers’ Day, another public holiday affecting the academic schedule.
| Period | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching Days 31-47 | Tuesday, April 7 | Thursday, April 30 | 17 days |
| Teaching Days 48-60 | Monday, May 4 | Monday, May 18 | 13 days |
| Consolidation Period | Thursday, May 21 | Wednesday, May 27 | 5 days |
| Examination Period | Thursday, May 28 | Friday, June 12 | 12 days |
| Marking Period | Wednesday, June 17 | Friday, June 26 | 8 days |
First Semester Examination Schedule
Examinations begin on Thursday, May 28, 2026 (Exam Day 1) and conclude on Friday, June 12, 2026 (Exam Day 12). The examination period spans 12 days, excluding weekends.
Mid-Year Vacation Period
The mid-year vacation commences on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 (Youth Day public holiday) and extends through Sunday, July 26, 2026, providing 41 days for marking, administrative processes, and student recess.
Second Semester UCT Term Dates 2026
The second semester begins on Monday, July 27, 2026, and concludes with examinations ending on Friday, November 20, 2026.
Teaching Days: July to September 2026
Second semester teaching starts on Monday, July 27, 2026 (Teaching Day 1) and progresses through Sunday, September 13, 2026 (mid-semester break).
| Week | Monday | Friday | Teaching Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | July 27 | July 31 | Days 1-5 |
| Week 2 | August 3 | August 7 | Days 6-10 |
| Week 3 | August 11 | August 14 | Days 11-14 |
| Week 4 | August 17 | August 21 | Days 15-19 |
| Week 5 | August 24 | August 28 | Days 20-24 |
| Week 6 | August 31 | September 4 | Days 25-29 |
Monday, August 10, 2026, is National Women’s Day (observed), creating a three-day weekend for students and staff.
September Mid-Semester Break 2026
The second semester break runs from Saturday, September 5, through Sunday, September 13, 2026, totaling 9 days.
Spring Graduation Ceremonies September 2026
Spring graduation ceremonies occur from Monday, September 7, through Friday, September 11, 2026, during the mid-semester break. Faculty-specific schedules accommodate graduates from Health Sciences, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Humanities, and Science faculties.
Teaching Days: September to October 2026
Teaching resumes on Monday, September 14, 2026 (Teaching Day 30) and continues through Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (Consolidation Day 1).
Thursday, September 24, 2026, is Heritage Day, a South African public holiday.
| Period | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching Days 30-43 | Monday, September 14 | Friday, October 2 | 14 days |
| Teaching Days 44-60 | Monday, October 5 | Tuesday, October 27 | 17 days |
| Consolidation Period | Wednesday, October 28 | Monday, November 2 | 5 days |
Second Semester Examination Schedule
Final examinations commence on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 (Exam Day 1) and conclude on Friday, November 20, 2026 (Exam Day 13), spanning 13 examination days.
Sunday, November 8, 2026, marks Diwali, accommodating students observing this religious holiday.
| Examination Week | Days | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Days 1-5 | November 4-6, 9-10 |
| Week 2 | Days 6-10 | November 11-13, 16-17 |
| Week 3 | Days 11-13 | November 18-20 |
Marking Period and Results Release
Marking occurs from Monday, November 23, through Thursday, December 3, 2026, providing 9 marking days for faculty assessment teams.
Results are released on Friday, December 4, 2026, through the UCT student portal system.
Registration and Orientation Dates for 2026
Online Registration Period
Online registration opens on Friday, January 2, 2026, for returning undergraduate and postgraduate students. The system remains accessible through the orientation period.
Orientation Week Schedule
Orientation and in-person registration occur from Monday, February 2, through Friday, February 13, 2026, providing 10 days for:
- First-year student orientation programs
- Faculty-specific induction sessions
- Registration verification and course selection
- Residence check-in procedures
- Academic advising appointments
Residence Opening Dates
Student residences open on Saturday, January 31, 2026, allowing students to settle before orientation begins.
Registration Deadlines by Faculty
| Faculty | Registration Completion Deadline |
|---|---|
| Commerce | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Engineering & Built Environment | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Health Sciences | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Humanities | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Law | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| Science | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
Supplementary Examination Dates 2026
January Supplementary Examinations
Supplementary examinations for students requiring additional assessment opportunities occur from Monday, January 12, through Friday, January 16, 2026.
| Faculty | Examination Dates |
|---|---|
| Commerce | Tuesday, January 13 – Friday, January 16 |
| Engineering & Built Environment | Tuesday, January 13 – Friday, January 16 |
| Health Sciences | Monday, January 12 – Friday, January 16 |
| Humanities | Monday, January 12 – Friday, January 16 |
| Law | Thursday, January 15 |
| Science | Thursday, January 15 – Friday, January 16 |
Results from January supplementary examinations are released on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Mid-Year Supplementary Examinations
Supplementary examinations for first semester courses occur during the mid-year vacation from Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24, 2026.
Results are released on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Faculty-Specific Academic Dates
Health Sciences Faculty Calendar
The Health Sciences Faculty follows specialized schedules for clinical training rotations and practical examinations:
- Early Start Date: Clinical rotations may commence before general university teaching begins
- Extended Examination Periods: Practical and clinical assessments occur throughout the semester
- Block Teaching System: Some programs operate on intensive block schedules rather than weekly teaching
Commerce Faculty Calendar
The Commerce Faculty, including the Graduate School of Business, maintains:
- Specialized RAC Meetings: Readmission and Appeals Committee meetings occur on specific dates throughout January and February
- GSB Academic Year: The Graduate School of Business operates on a different academic calendar for MBA and specialized master’s programs
Engineering & Built Environment Calendar
Engineering programs include:
- Design Project Deadlines: Specific submission dates for major design projects fall before examination periods
- Industrial Training: Required industrial training occurs during vacation periods for certain programs
Public Holidays Affecting UCT Term Dates 2026
| Holiday | Date | Day | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 | Thursday | Before academic year |
| Human Rights Day | Saturday, March 21 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 3 | Friday | Mid-semester break |
| Family Day | Monday, April 6 | Monday | Mid-semester break |
| Freedom Day | Monday, April 27 | Monday | No classes |
| Workers’ Day | Friday, May 1 | Friday | No classes |
| Youth Day | Tuesday, June 16 | Tuesday | Vacation begins |
| National Women’s Day | Sunday, August 9 | Sunday | Observed Monday, August 10 |
| Heritage Day | Thursday, September 24 | Thursday | No classes |
| Day of Reconciliation | Wednesday, December 16 | Wednesday | Summer term |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 | Friday | Vacation |
| Day of Goodwill | Saturday, December 26 | Saturday | Vacation |
Meeting-Free Weeks at UCT in 2026
UCT designates specific weeks as meeting-free periods to allow faculty and students to focus on teaching and learning without administrative interruptions.
First Semester Meeting-Free Week
- Monday, March 2 – Friday, March 6, 2026 (Teaching Days 11-15)
Second Semester Meeting-Free Weeks
- Monday, April 20 – Friday, April 24, 2026 (Teaching Days 40-44)
- Monday, August 11 – Friday, August 14, 2026 (Teaching Days 11-14)
- Monday, September 28 – Friday, October 2, 2026 (Teaching Days 39-43)
Senate and Committee Meeting Dates
Senate Meetings 2026
| Meeting | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Senate Meeting 1 | Friday, February 27, 2026 | 14:00 |
| Senate Meeting 2 | Friday, June 5, 2026 | 14:00 |
| Senate Meeting 3 | Friday, September 18, 2026 | 14:00 |
| Senate Meeting 4 | Friday, November 20, 2026 | 14:00 |
Planning Committee Meetings
Planning Committee (PC) meetings occur on Wednesdays throughout the academic year:
- PC01: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- PC02: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- PC03: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- PC04: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
- PC05: Thursday, May 21, 2026
- PC06: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- PC07: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
- PC08: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
- PC09: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- PC10: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
UCT Council Meeting Dates 2026
University Council meetings occur on Saturdays:
| Meeting | Date |
|---|---|
| Council Meeting 1 | Saturday, March 14, 2026 |
| Council Meeting 2 | Saturday, June 13, 2026 |
| Council Meeting 3 | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Council Meeting 4 | Saturday, December 5, 2026 |
Summer and Winter Term Schedules
Summer School 2026 (January)
Summer school operates from Monday, January 19, through Saturday, January 31, 2026, offering intensive courses for students requiring additional credits or catching up on coursework.
Winter Term 2026
The winter term runs from Wednesday, June 17, through Friday, July 10, 2026, providing 18 teaching days for specialized short courses and catch-up modules.
| Period | Start | End | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Term Teaching | Wednesday, June 17 | Friday, July 10 | 18 days |
| Winter Term Examination | Thursday, July 16 | Friday, July 17 | 2 days |
| Supplementary Exams | Monday, July 20 | Friday, July 24 | 5 days |
Summer Term 2026 (November-December)
The summer term begins on Monday, November 23, 2026, and extends through Friday, December 18, 2026, offering 19 teaching days for:
- Make-up courses
- Intensive language programs
- Professional development modules
- Research methodology courses
Readmission and Appeals Committee Schedules
January RAC Appeals Deadlines
| Faculty | Appeals Due Date |
|---|---|
| Humanities | Monday, January 5, 2026 |
| Health Sciences | Monday, January 5, 2026 |
| Engineering & Built Environment | Monday, January 5, 2026 |
| Law | Monday, January 5, 2026 |
| Science | Monday, January 5, 2026 |
| Commerce | Tuesday, January 6, 2026 |
RAC Meeting Schedules
RAC meetings occur throughout January and February to process appeals and readmission applications before the academic year begins.
Faculty Executive Committee Meeting Dates
Faculty Executive Committees (FEC) meet regularly to oversee academic programs, curriculum changes, and student progression.
First Semester FEC Meetings
| Faculty | Meeting Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Health Sciences | Monday, January 26, 2026 | 10:00 |
| Law | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 10:00 |
| Science | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 10:00 |
| Engineering & Built Environment | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 10:00 |
| Humanities | Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 09:00 |
| Commerce | Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 10:00 |
Important Administrative Deadlines
National Senior Certificate Results
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) results are released on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, affecting conditional admission offers for first-year students.
Fee Payment Deadlines
Students must clear outstanding fees before:
- Registration Completion: Friday, February 13, 2026
- First Semester Examination Entry: Monday, May 18, 2026
- Second Semester Examination Entry: Monday, October 26, 2026
- Graduation Eligibility: Four weeks before the ceremony date
Academic Standing Qualifications
Students must achieve qualifier status by specific dates to continue in their programs:
- Spring Graduation Qualifier Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
- Autumn Graduation Qualifier Date: Thursday, December 17, 2026
ICTS Maintenance Schedules
Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) conducts scheduled maintenance on select Sundays at 09:00:
- Sunday, January 25, 2026
- Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Sunday, March 15, 2026
- Sunday, April 26, 2026
- Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Sunday, June 28, 2026
- Sunday, July 26, 2026
- Sunday, August 16, 2026
- Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Sunday, November 22, 2026
- Sunday, December 13, 2026
Students should anticipate potential disruptions to online systems during these maintenance windows.
Academic Program Variations by Faculty
Postgraduate Programs
Master’s and doctoral programs follow flexible schedules based on research requirements rather than strict teaching term dates. Key postgraduate milestones include:
- Proposal Submission Deadlines: Vary by faculty
- Ethics Approval Timelines: 4-8 weeks from submission
- Thesis Submission Deadlines: Specific to program requirements
- Examination Periods: Scheduled individually
Professional Degrees
Professional degree programs (MBChB, LLB, BArch) may require:
- Extended Academic Years: Some programs extend beyond standard term dates
- Clinical Rotations: Health Sciences students complete rotations during vacation periods
- Practical Training: Law and Architecture students complete required practical work
Distance Education and Flexible Learning
Distance education students follow modified schedules with:
- Assignment Submission Deadlines: Aligned with term dates, but with flexibility
- Online Examination Windows: Extended periods for remote assessment
- Contact Sessions: Scheduled during vacation periods or weekends
Frequently Asked Questions About UCT Term Dates 2026
When does the UCT academic year start in 2026?
The UCT academic year begins on Monday, February 16, 2026, with the first day of teaching for the first semester.
How many teaching days are in each UCT semester?
Each semester contains 60 teaching days, distributed across approximately 14 weeks of instruction and consolidation periods.
When are UCT graduation ceremonies in 2026?
Autumn graduation occurs from Sunday, March 29, through Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Spring graduation runs from Monday, September 7, through Friday, September 11, 2026.
When do UCT residences open for 2026?
Student residences open on Saturday, January 31, 2026, two days before orientation begins.
What are the examination periods for 2026?
First semester examinations run from Thursday, May 28, through Friday, June 12, 2026. Second semester examinations occur from Wednesday, November 4, through Friday, November 20, 2026.
When are supplementary examinations held?
January supplementary examinations occur from Monday, January 12, through Friday, January 16, 2026. Mid-year supplementary examinations run from Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24, 2026.
How long is the mid-year vacation?
The mid-year vacation extends from Tuesday, June 16, through Sunday, July 26, 2026, totaling 41 days.
When are results released?
First semester results are released on Friday, June 26, 2026. Second semester results are released on Friday, December 4, 2026.
Do all UCT faculties follow the same calendar?
Most faculties follow the standard calendar, but Health Sciences and the Graduate School of Business may have specialized schedules for clinical training and executive programs.
When is registration for 2026?
Online registration opens on Friday, January 2, 2026. In-person orientation and registration occur from Monday, February 2, through Friday, February 13, 2026.
Planning Your UCT Academic Year 2026
First-Year Student Timeline
| Milestone | Date | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Conditional Offer | December 2025 | Accept offer online |
| NSC Results | Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | Verify qualification |
| Online Registration | January 2-31, 2026 | Complete preliminary registration |
| Residence Move-In | Saturday, January 31, 2026 | Check into assigned residence |
| Orientation | February 2-13, 2026 | Attend all sessions |
| Classes Begin | Monday, February 16, 2026 | Attend first lectures |
Returning Student Timeline
| Milestone | Date | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Opens | Friday, January 2, 2026 | Register for courses online |
| Course Selection | January 2-31, 2026 | Finalize course choices |
| Fee Payment | Before February 13, 2026 | Clear outstanding balances |
| Residence Return | Saturday, January 31, 2026 | Check in if residing on campus |
| Classes Begin | Monday, February 16, 2026 | Resume classes |
International Student Considerations
International students should arrive at UCT by Friday, January 30, 2026 to allow time for:
- Study Permit Verification: Immigration documentation processing
- Medical Registration: South African medical aid enrollment
- Banking Setup: Opening local bank accounts
- Orientation Attendance: International student-specific sessions
- Course Registration: Academic advising appointments
Contact Information for Academic Queries
Faculty-Specific Enquiries
Students should direct calendar-related questions to their faculty offices:
- Commerce: commerce-admin@uct.ac.za
- Engineering & Built Environment: ebe-admin@uct.ac.za
- Health Sciences: healthsci-admin@uct.ac.za
- Humanities: humanities-admin@uct.ac.za
- Law: law-admin@uct.ac.za
- Science: science-admin@uct.ac.za
General Academic Enquiries
For general questions about the UCT academic calendar 2026:
- Website: www.uct.ac.za/calendar
- Student Administration: sar@uct.ac.za
- Telephone: +27 21 650 9111
Registration Support
Registration assistance is available through:
- Student Service Centre: Monday-Friday, 08:30-16:30
- Online Support: studentservices@uct.ac.za
- In-Person: Masingene Building, Upper Campus
UCT Academic Calendar 2026 PDF Download
The official UCT Academic Calendar 2026 PDF is available through the university website at uct.ac.za/downloads. The PDF includes:
- Complete term dates for all faculties
- Public holiday schedules
- Examination timetables
- Senate and committee meeting dates
- Graduation ceremony schedules
- Supplementary examination dates
Students should download and save the PDF for offline reference throughout the academic year.
You can also view and download the UCT Health Science Calendar at the UCT Faculty of Health website.
Changes to the Published Calendar
UCT reserves the right to modify published term dates due to:
- Unforeseen Circumstances: Natural disasters, public health emergencies, or civil unrest
- Public Holiday Changes: Government proclamations affecting public holidays
- Operational Requirements: University-wide operational needs
Students receive notification of any calendar changes through:
- Official UCT email addresses
- Vula learning management system announcements
- Faculty office communications
- SMS alerts for urgent changes
Conclusion
The UCT academic calendar 2026 provides a comprehensive framework for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, spanning from Monday, February 16, 2026, through Friday, December 18, 2026. Students should reference this calendar for critical dates, including registration deadlines, teaching periods, examination schedules, and graduation ceremonies.
Faculty-specific variations exist for Health Sciences and specialized programs, requiring students to verify dates with their respective faculty offices. The structured academic year includes 60 teaching days per semester, designated break periods, and public holidays recognized in South Africa. Students must meet registration and fee payment deadlines to maintain good academic standing and eligibility for examinations and graduation.
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