Wits Term Dates 2026 include important academic events such as orientation dates, registration, holidays, other important dates, and deadlines. The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) academic year for 2026 begins on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with registration closing on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The Wits academic calendar consists of 130 teaching days organized into four teaching blocks, two examination periods, and scheduled vacation breaks.
Table of Contents
Overview of Wits 2026 Academic Calendar Structure
The Wits 2026 calendar operates on a two-semester system spanning February through November. The university divides the academic year into four distinct teaching blocks separated by mid-term breaks, examination periods, and vacation intervals.
Key Calendar Statistics:
- Total Teaching Days: 130 days
- Teaching Blocks: 4 blocks (32-34 days each)
- Examination Periods: 2 periods (20 days each)
- Mid-term Breaks: 2 breaks (7-11 days each)
- Major Vacation Periods: 2 periods (27 days winter, extended summer break)
| Calendar Component | Number of Days | Percentage of Year |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Days | 130 | 39.8% |
| Examination Days | 40 | 12.2% |
| Study Breaks | 10 | 3.1% |
| Vacation Periods | 155+ | 47.4% |
Wits Registration and Orientation Dates 2026
Registration for returning undergraduate and postgraduate students opened on Friday, January 2, 2026, and closes on Monday, February 2, 2026. This 32-day registration window accommodates both online and in-person registration processes.
Gateway to Success Orientation Program
The Gateway to Success orientation program runs from Tuesday, January 20, 2026, through Monday, February 2, 2026, spanning 10 working days. This mandatory first-year orientation program occurs before the official term start date.
Important Pre-Term Dates:
| Activity | Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Publication of Matric Results | January 12, 2026 | Monday | Completed |
| Welcome Day | January 18, 2026 | Sunday | Completed |
| Gateway to Success Starts | January 20, 2026 | Tuesday | In Progress |
| Registration Opens | January 2, 2026 | Friday | Open |
| Registration Closes | February 2, 2026 | Monday | Final Day |
First Semester: Wits Term Dates 2026 (February to June)
The first semester comprises two teaching blocks separated by a mid-term vacation and concludes with a three-week examination period.
First Teaching Block
The first teaching block begins on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and continues through Wednesday, March 18, 2026, providing 32 teaching days. This block represents the initial academic engagement period for all students.
Mid-Term Vacation (March Break)
The mid-term vacation starts on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and ends on Sunday, March 29, 2026, offering an 11-day break for study and research activities.
Second Teaching Block
Teaching resumes on Monday, March 30, 2026, and extends to Tuesday, May 19, 2026, comprising 33 teaching days. This block completes the first semester instructional period.
First Semester Study Break and Examinations
A 5-day study break runs from Wednesday, May 20, 2026, through Sunday, May 24, 2026. The first examination period begins on Monday, May 25, 2026, and concludes on Monday, June 22, 2026, spanning 20 examination days.
First Semester Timeline:
| Period | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Teaching Block | Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 32 days |
| Mid-term Vacation | Thursday, March 19, 2026 | Sunday, March 29, 2026 | 11 days |
| Second Teaching Block | Monday, March 30, 2026 | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 33 days |
| Study Break | Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | Sunday, May 24, 2026 | 5 days |
| Examinations | Monday, May 25, 2026 | Monday, June 22, 2026 | 20 days |
Winter Vacation Period 2026
The winter vacation begins on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and extends through Sunday, July 19, 2026, providing a 27-day break between semesters. This extended vacation allows for research activities, study, and academic preparation for second semester.
Second Semester: Wits Academic Calendar 2026 (July to November)
The second semester follows an identical structure to the first semester, with two teaching blocks, a mid-term break, and a final examination period.
Third Teaching Block
The third teaching block commences on Monday, July 20, 2026, and runs until Friday, September 4, 2026, comprising 34 teaching days. This block represents the longest single teaching period in the 2026 calendar.
September Mid-Term Break
A shorter mid-term break occurs from Monday, September 7, 2026, through Sunday, September 13, 2026, providing 7 days for study and research.
Fourth Teaching Block
The fourth and final teaching block begins on Monday, September 14, 2026, and continues through Tuesday, October 27, 2026, consisting of 31 teaching days.
Second Semester Examinations and Year-End
The second study break runs from Wednesday, October 28, 2026, to Sunday, November 1, 2026 (5 days). Final examinations begin on Monday, November 2, 2026, and conclude on Friday, November 27, 2026 (20 days).
The last official day of the 2026 academic term is Friday, November 27, 2026. Summer vacation begins on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
Second Semester Timeline:
| Period | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third Teaching Block | Monday, July 20, 2026 | Friday, September 4, 2026 | 34 days |
| Mid-term Vacation | Monday, September 7, 2026 | Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 7 days |
| Fourth Teaching Block | Monday, September 14, 2026 | Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 31 days |
| Study Break | Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 5 days |
| Final Examinations | Monday, November 2, 2026 | Friday, November 27, 2026 | 20 days |
Wits Online Degree Intake Dates 2026
Wits offers six distinct intake periods for online degree programs throughout 2026. Each intake runs for approximately 8 weeks.
| Intake Period | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Degree Intake 1 | Monday, January 12, 2026 | Sunday, March 8, 2026 | 8 weeks |
| Online Degree Intake 2 | Monday, March 9, 2026 | Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 8 weeks |
| Online Degree Intake 3 | Monday, May 4, 2026 | Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 8 weeks |
| Online Degree Intake 4 | Monday, June 29, 2026 | Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 8 weeks |
| Online Degree Intake 5 | Monday, August 24, 2026 | Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 8 weeks |
| Online Degree Intake 6 | Monday, October 19, 2026 | Sunday, December 13, 2026 | 8 weeks |
Online Program Flexibility
Online degree programs at Wits operate independently from the traditional academic calendar. Students can begin their studies at six entry points throughout the year, providing flexibility for working professionals and distance learners.
Public Holidays and University Closures 2026
The university closes for 11 official public holidays in 2026. No examinations are scheduled on recognized university holidays or holy days.
First Quarter Holidays (January to March)
| Holiday | Date | Day | University Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | Closed |
| Human Rights Day | March 21, 2026 | Saturday | Closed |
Second Quarter Holidays (April to June)
| Holiday | Date | Day | University Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Friday | Closed |
| Family Day | April 6, 2026 | Monday | Closed |
| Freedom Day | April 27, 2026 | Monday | Closed |
| Workers’ Day | May 1, 2026 | Friday | Closed |
| Youth Day | June 16, 2026 | Tuesday | Closed |
Third Quarter Holidays (July to September)
| Holiday | Date | Day | University Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Women’s Day | August 9, 2026 | Sunday | Closed |
| Public Holiday | August 10, 2026 | Monday | Closed |
| Heritage Day | September 24, 2026 | Thursday | Closed |
Fourth Quarter Holidays (October to December)
| Holiday | Date | Day | University Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day of Reconciliation | December 16, 2026 | Wednesday | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Friday | Closed |
| Day of Goodwill | December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Closed |
Religious Observances 2026
Wits recognizes Islamic, Jewish, and Hindu holy days in its academic planning. The university does not schedule examinations on these observance dates.
Islamic Holy Days:
- 1st Ramadaan (Commencement of Fasting): February 18 or 19, 2026 (date depends on moon sighting)
- Eid-ul-Fitr (Termination of Fasting): Saturday, March 21, 2026
- Eid-ul-Adha (Day of Sacrifice): Thursday, May 28, 2026
Jewish Holy Days:
- Passover (Pesach): April 2-9, 2026 (8 days)
- Shavuoth: May 22-23, 2026 (2 days)
- Rosh Hashanah: September 12-13, 2026 (2 days)
- Yom Kippur: Monday, September 21, 2026
- Sukkot: September 26-27, 2026 (2 days)
- Sh’mini Atzeret: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Simchat Torah: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Hindu Holy Days:
- Deepavali/Luxmi Pooja: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Wits Health Sciences Calendar 2026
The Faculty of Health Sciences operates on a modified calendar that differs from the general university term dates. Health Sciences students should consult faculty-specific documentation for accurate dates.
Health Sciences Variations
Health Sciences programs, including MBBCh (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BPharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy), commence earlier than the general academic calendar. Some Health Sciences programs began as early as Monday, January 19, 2026.
Key Differences:
- Earlier start dates for clinical programs
- Modified examination schedules
- Extended practical training periods
- Different vacation timing for clinical rotations
Students enrolled in Health Sciences programs receive separate calendar documentation from the Faculty of Health Sciences administrative office.
Wits Postgraduate Calendar 2026
Postgraduate students follow the same registration timeline as undergraduate students, with registration closing on Monday, February 2, 2026. However, research-based postgraduate programs have flexible term structures.
Postgraduate Orientation
Postgraduate orientation runs concurrently with the Gateway to Success program from Tuesday, January 20, 2026, through Monday, February 2, 2026. This 10-day period covers research methodologies, academic writing, and departmental procedures.
Research Student Flexibility
Masters and Doctoral students conducting full-time research have access to university facilities throughout vacation periods. Research students are not bound by the teaching block structure but must observe examination period restrictions on facility access.
South African Public School Calendar 2026 Comparison
The Wits academic calendar aligns partially with South African public school terms, accommodating students with school-age dependents.
| School Term | Duration | School Days | Public Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | January 14 – March 27, 2026 | 53-55 days | 0 |
| Term 2 | April 8 – June 26, 2026 | 54 days | 4 |
| Term 3 | July 21 – September 23, 2026 | 46 days | 1 |
| Term 4 | October 6 – December 11, 2026 | 47-49 days | 0 |
Total Public School Days: 200-204 days
The public school calendar includes 200-204 actual teaching days compared to Wits’ 130 teaching days, reflecting the difference between secondary and tertiary education structures.
How to Access Your Wits Academic Calendar
Students can access personalized academic calendars through the Wits Self-Service portal. The portal provides faculty-specific dates, examination timetables, and registration deadlines.
Official Calendar Resources
The University of the Witwatersrand publishes official calendar documentation at wits.ac.za/students/academic-matters/term-dates/. Students should verify all dates through official university channels before making academic or travel arrangements.
Faculty-Specific Calendars
Each faculty publishes supplementary calendar information addressing:
- Laboratory session schedules
- Clinical rotation dates (Health Sciences)
- Field work periods (Sciences)
- Practical examination dates
- Faculty-specific orientation programs
Wits 2026 Registration Closing Dates by Student Category
Registration deadlines vary by student classification. All students must complete registration and financial clearance by Monday, February 2, 2026, to maintain enrollment status.
Registration Requirements
Students must satisfy the Minimum Initial Payment (MIP) requirement before registration confirmation. NSFAS-funded students receive automatic financial clearance once NSFAS approval is confirmed.
Registration Timeline:
- Online registration portal opens: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Early registration period: January 2-15, 2026
- Standard registration period: January 16-30, 2026
- Final registration window: January 31 – February 2, 2026
- Registration closes: Monday, February 2, 2026, at 23:59
Late Registration Consequences
Students who fail to complete registration by February 2, 2026, may face:
- Loss of residence accommodation
- Cancellation of course enrollment
- Removal from examination registers
- Academic exclusion for the 2026 year
The university does not accept walk-in applications or late registrations after the February 2 deadline. Students experiencing registration difficulties should contact the Student Enrolment Centre before the deadline.
Key Dates Summary: Wits Term Dates 2026
| Milestone | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Closes | Monday, February 2, 2026 | Final day for enrollment |
| Term Begins | Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | First day of lectures |
| Mid-Year Exams Start | Monday, May 25, 2026 | First semester assessments |
| Winter Vacation Begins | Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 27-day semester break |
| Second Semester Starts | Monday, July 20, 2026 | Third teaching block |
| Final Exams Begin | Monday, November 2, 2026 | Year-end assessments |
| Term Ends | Friday, November 27, 2026 | Last academic day |
Frequently Asked Questions About Wits Term Dates 2026
When do lectures start at Wits in 2026?
Lectures begin on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, for all undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. Health Sciences programs started earlier on January 19, 2026.
What is the registration deadline for Wits 2026?
The registration deadline is Monday, February 2, 2026. Students must complete online registration and satisfy financial requirements by this date.
How many teaching days does Wits have in 2026?
Wits has 130 teaching days in 2026, divided across four teaching blocks spanning two semesters.
When are the Wits 2026 exam periods?
The first examination period runs from Monday, May 25, 2026, to Monday, June 22, 2026. The second examination period runs from Monday, November 2, 2026, to Friday, November 27, 2026.
Does Wits close during public holidays?
The university closes for 11 public holidays in 2026. The university also observes Islamic, Jewish, and Hindu holy days by not scheduling examinations on these dates.
When is Gateway to Success orientation for 2026?
Gateway to Success orientation runs from Tuesday, January 20, 2026, through Monday, February 2, 2026, covering 10 working days before the term begins.
Are Health Sciences term dates different from those of other faculties?
Yes. Wits Faculty of Health Sciences operates on a modified calendar with earlier start dates and different examination schedules. Health Sciences students receive faculty-specific calendar documentation.
When does the Wits academic year end in 2026?
The academic year ends on Friday, November 27, 2026, after completion of final examinations. Summer vacation begins on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
Planning Your Academic Year at Wits 2026
Students should plan travel, accommodation, and work commitments around the confirmed term dates. The 130-day teaching calendar provides structured learning periods interspersed with breaks for consolidation and assessment.
Key Planning Considerations
Accommodation Requirements:
- Residence contracts align with registration and term dates
- Students must secure accommodation before February 2, 2026
- Residence facilities close during mid-term and winter vacations
Financial Planning:
- Complete NSFAS applications before registration opens
- Arrange payment plans with Student Finance before February 2
- Budget for 11 months of living expenses (February to December)
Academic Preparation:
- Purchase textbooks during January orientation period
- Access online learning platforms before February 3
- Attend faculty-specific orientation sessions in late January
Term Date Verification
Students should verify all calendar information through official Wits channels. The university reserves the right to modify term dates for extraordinary circumstances. Updates are published at wits.ac.za and communicated through official student email accounts.
The Wits 2026 term dates provide a structured framework for academic success, with 130 teaching days, two examination periods, and scheduled breaks supporting student learning and wellbeing throughout the academic year.
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