Key dates for 2027

Researched by the VarsityStart team from official university sources. Last checked 10 October 2026. How we check

Academic year starts 4 January 2027, with online registration opening for senior students. Summer school 4 to 16 January.
Orientation: international students 29 to 31 January. Welcome Day 30 January. First-year orientation (Hatfield and Groenkloof) 1 to 5 February. We did not find the 2027 date for first-year online registration to open.
Semester 1: 8 February to 26 May (Quarter 1: 8 February to 5 April; Quarter 2: 6 April to 26 May). The March recess appears to be 21 to 29 March, so check the calendar. Examinations 29 May to 17 June, supplementary exams 21 to 26 June, July recess 27 June to 18 July.
Semester 2: 19 July to 4 November (Quarter 3: 19 July to 6 September; Quarter 4: 7 September to 4 November). September recess 16 to 26 September. Examinations 6 to 24 November, supplementary exams 29 November to 4 December. The academic year ends 4 December.