Staying on top of important academic deadlines is crucial for success at the University of Adelaide (UoA). The university’s critical dates calendar highlights key milestones throughout the year, including semester start and end dates, census deadlines, exam periods, and breaks. Understanding these dates helps students plan their studies, manage enrolments, and avoid penalties.
Key Academic Periods in 2025
The academic year at UoA is structured mainly around two semesters, with additional summer and winter sessions. Here’s a snapshot of the critical dates for 2025:
- Semester 1 (Autumn Semester):
- Orientation Week: 24–28 February
- Lectures Begin: 3 March
- Census Date: 27 March (last day to withdraw without financial penalty)
- Mid-Semester Break: 14–27 April
- SWOTVAC (Study Without Teaching Vacation): 16–20 June
- Examination Period: 21 June – 5 July
- Replacement Exams: 21–26 July
- Mid-Year Break: 7–25 July
- Winter School:
- Lectures Start: 30 June
- Exams: 24–26 July
- Replacement Exams: 9 August
- Semester 2 (Spring Semester):
- Orientation Week: 21–25 July
- Lectures Begin: 28 July
- Census Date: 20 August
- Mid-Semester Break: 6–10 October
- SWOTVAC: 3–7 November
- Examination Period: 8–22 November
- Replacement Exams: 10–16 December
- Summer Regular Session:
- Start Date: 6 January 2025
- Last Day to Add Courses: 14 January
- Fee Payment Deadline: 14 January
What Are Census Dates and Why Do They Matter?
Census dates are critical deadlines by which students must finalise their enrolment and fee payments for courses. If you withdraw from a course after the census date, you may still be financially liable for that course, and it may appear on your academic record as a fail or withdrawal fail. For 2025, census dates fall on:
- 27 March for Semester 1
- 4 July for Winter School
- 20 August for Semester 2
Important Breaks and Study Periods
- Mid-Semester Breaks: These provide a valuable pause for students to recharge and catch up on assignments or revision.
- SWOTVAC: This is a dedicated study period before exams, when no lectures are held, allowing students to focus on exam preparation.
Replacement Exams
If a student is unable to attend an exam or fails an exam, replacement exams are scheduled shortly after the main exam periods. Students should plan to remain in Adelaide during these times to take advantage of this opportunity.
Orientation Weeks
Orientation (O’Week) is held before each semester starts and is designed to welcome new and returning students. It provides essential information sessions, campus tours, and social events to help students settle in.
Additional Dates for Foundation and Degree Transfer Programs
The University of Adelaide College offers tailored academic calendars for Foundation Studies and Degree Transfer programs, with specific orientation, class, break, and exam dates. For example, the Foundation Studies Standard Semester 1 orientation runs from 17–21 February 2025, with classes starting on 24 February.
Where to Find the Most Up-to-Date Information
Students should regularly consult the official University of Adelaide Critical Dates webpage and the academic calendar PDFs published online. These resources provide detailed, updated timelines and important notices about any changes.
The University of Adelaide’s critical dates calendar is an essential tool for students to manage their academic responsibilities effectively. From enrolment deadlines and census dates to exam periods and breaks, being aware of these key milestones ensures a smoother, more successful university experience in 2025.