Staying on top of key academic dates is essential for a smooth and successful university experience at the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney). Whether you’re a new or continuing student, knowing the important deadlines for enrolment, teaching periods, exams, and holidays helps you plan your studies and avoid last-minute stress. Here’s a concise overview of the major UNSW dates for 2025.
Academic Terms and Teaching Periods
UNSW operates on a trimester system with three main teaching terms each year, plus a summer term:
- Summer Term (U1):
Teaching runs from 6 January to 7 February 2025, with exams held between 8 and 10 February. - Term 1 (T1):
Orientation Week (O-Week): 10 – 14 February 2025
Teaching Period: 17 February – 24 April 2025
Flexibility Week: 24 – 30 March 2025
Study Period: 26 April – 1 May 2025
Exams: 2 – 15 May 2025 - Term 2 (T2):
O-Week: 26 – 30 May 2025
Teaching Period: 2 June – 8 August 2025
Flexibility Week: 7 – 13 July 2025
Study Period: 9 – 14 August 2025
Exams: 15 – 28 August 2025 - Term 3 (T3):
O-Week: 8 – 12 September 2025
Teaching Period: 15 September – 21 November 2025
Flexibility Week: 20 – 26 October 2025
Enrolment and Payment Deadlines
- Term 1 enrolment and payment deadline: Early March (exact date varies by faculty)
- Term 2 enrolment and payment deadline: 8 June 2025, 11:59 pm
- Term 3 enrolment and payment deadline: Typically mid-September (check specific faculty dates)
It’s crucial to enrol and pay fees by these deadlines to avoid late penalties or loss of place in courses.
Census Dates and Course Withdrawal
The census date is the last day to withdraw from a course without financial penalty:
- Term 1 Census Date: Around late March 2025
- Term 2 Census Date: Early August 2025
- Term 3 Census Date: Mid-October 2025
Dropping courses after the census date may result in financial liability and academic penalties.
Exam Periods and Results Release
Exams are held at the end of each teaching period:
- Term 1 Exams: 2 – 15 May 2025
- Term 2 Exams: 15 – 28 August 2025
- Term 3 Exams: Late November to early December (exact dates vary)
Results are typically released a few weeks after exams conclude. For example, Term 1 2025 results will be available by 6 June 2025.
University Shutdown and Holidays
UNSW observes a shutdown period during the summer holidays:
- Shutdown: 24 December 2024 – 5 January 2025
Additionally, public holidays and military training days during semesters may affect class schedules, with compensation days arranged to ensure teaching time is maintained.
Graduation Ceremonies
UNSW holds conferral of degrees ceremonies twice a year:
- September 2025 (exact date around 12 September)
- December 2025 (date around 10 December)
Graduates receive official recognition of their achievements in these formal events.
Keeping track of UNSW’s key academic dates in 2025—from enrolment deadlines and teaching periods to exams and graduation—is essential for managing your university journey effectively. Be sure to consult the official UNSW academic calendar and your faculty’s specific timelines regularly, so you never miss an important deadline and make the most of your time at UNSW Sydney.