General FAQs

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We will continue to build on these FAQs as we progress with the project.

UNSW introduces the flex-semester academic calendar

  • With extensive input from the UNSW community, the University has decided to adopt an academic calendar to meet the changing needs of students, staff, and the broader education landscape. 

    The flex-semester calendar will replace the current 3+ calendar in 2028. 

    The key features include: 

    • two core semesters, with 12 weeks of teaching, plus a 1-week mid-semester break.
    • optional six-week summer and winter terms for intensive or catch-up courses and accelerated study. 
    • embedded six-week teaching periods within the two core semesters, offering greater flexibility in course design and delivery.

    UNSW Online will continue to operate an independent six-term (hexamester) calendar for our Lifelong Learning offering.

  • The flex-semester calendar will commence in 2028. Implementation is underway to ensure a coordinated transition that aligns with broader University priorities, including curriculum, system and process updates.

  • The education landscape has evolved significantly over the past seven years. To align with the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All, UNSW is moving to a calendar that supports flexibility, accessibility, and lifelong learning.

    The flex-semester model enables a richer student experience, stronger alignment with workforce and industry needs, and more sustainable operations.

  •  

    Feature 3+ Calendar Flex-semester Calendar
    Core Terms 3 2
    Core Teaching Weeks 9 12
    Mid-Term Break 1-week flex week 1-week dedicated mid-semester break
    Exam Period 12 days 14 days
    Optional Terms 5-week Summer Term 6-week Summer and Winter Terms

  • Over 7,000 students and staff contributed to a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process.
    Several calendar options were assessed against factors including:

    • Learning outcomes
    • Student and staff experience
    • Financial sustainability
    • Operational feasibility

    After detailed analysis, the flex-semester model was recommended by University Leadership Team and endorsed by UNSW Council for 2028 launch.

  • The mid-semester and winter breaks will improve upon UNSW's calendar alignment to NSW public school holidays.

  • We understand that 2028 calendar dates are a priority for our partners and prospective students, and these will be made available publicly at the same time as 2027 calendar dates.

  • You can share feedback, comments or questions via the feedback form on the project website.

Student FAQs

  • Students can expect the following indicative semester timing:

    • Summer: Early January - mid-February
    • Semester 1: Late February to mid-June
    • Winter: Late June - late July
    • Semester 2: Early August to late November/early December

    Please note that these dates are a guide only, subject to change and should not be used for travel or enrolment planning until official confirmation of 2028 key dates are provided. 

  • The flex-semester calendar allows more time for deeper learning, engagement, and connection through longer core teaching periods. This aims to provide a more balanced pace of study, as well as breaks to support students to rest, work, travel or fulfill other personal responsibilities. 

  • From 2028, the University will move to a flex-semester calendar, which means your program will be delivered across two core semesters instead of the current three-term structure. Faculties are carefully redesigning program and course structures to maintain a logical progression of learning and high academic quality.

    UNSW will work with students to minimise impacts on progression and study load. You’ll receive updates and tailored advice starting early 2026, so you’ll know exactly what changes apply to your program and how to plan ahead.

  • Programs that currently operate on bespoke calendars are being reviewed individually to determine the most appropriate approach. More information will be provided once available.

  • UNSW will work closely with transitioning students to resolve or minimise issues that may arise with their planned program progression.

    MyPlan – a tool to plan program progression - will map the progression of transitioning students and this data will be used to provide enrolment advice and support effective course offerings during the transition period. There will be early communications starting from 2026 to support students with tailored advice based on their unique cohort. Faculties and schools will plan ways to best support transition students to move through their program at their planned pace, for example by increasing courses offered during 2028.

    The University will also enhance support services for students including academic advice and mental health resources to enable students to best adapt to the flex-semester calendar structure. 

  • The University will work with you to resolve or minimise changes to study load and course progression to facilitate on-time program completion. 

    International students will be kept updated with specific advice. In the case where a visa extension may be required, the University will provide early assistance and guidance on this process. 

  • No, the cost to study is calculated on the Units of Credits (UoC) being taken. The Units of Credit will be the same under the flex-semester calendar.

  • We do not expect any changes to Centrelink arrangements. Full time load for each year will remain the same as it currently is. As part of the implementation consultation process, we will be informing Centrelink of changes to the academic calendar. We will continue to update relevant cohorts.

  • Minimum full-time status will remain at 36 Units of Credit (UoC) per year. This load will ensure you are eligible for relevant concession cards.

  • The flex-semester allows students to accelerate completion of their degree program by taking courses in winter or summer terms. The option to ‘overload’ in semesters will also remain, subject to course availability and student performance.

  • The standard study load for Summer and Winter Terms is typically one intensive course worth 6 units of credit (UOC).

    These terms are shorter in duration, and the workload is concentrated.

  • Exchange and Study Abroad students are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24 units of credit (UOC) per semester. This typically equates to four courses, each worth 6 UOC. There has been no change to individual course weighting - with courses continuing to be worth 6 UOC.

  • There will be two intake periods, Semester 1 and Semester 2. Semester 1 will commence in February and Semester 2 will commence in August.

  • Exchange and Study Abroad students studying at UNSW in either semester will be expected to arrive in time for orientation and remain until the end of the exam period. 

    Each semester runs for 17 weeks, which includes orientation week, 13-week teaching period (with a one-week mid-semester break), a one-week study vacation (Stuvac), and a two-week exam period.

  • Exchange students can enrol in Semester 1 and/or Semester 2 courses only.  Summer and winter term courses are be excluded from the Student Exchange Program.

  • Study Abroad students can only commence in Semester 1 or Semester 2. You may choose to add Summer or Winter term courses at the end of your semester studies.

  • Students who have further questions about how the flex-semester academic calendar will impact their studies should contact The Nucleus – Student Hub.

Staff FAQs

  • The University is committed to supporting staff throughout the transition to the flex-semester calendar. This change is being guided by a collaborative project delivery model that prioritises:

    • Localised support tailored to divisional and faculty needs
    • Two-way communication to ensure consistent feedback and transparency
    • University-wide coordination to align efforts and share expertise

    Ongoing consultation with key stakeholders continues to help shape appropriate sequencing, timelines, and resourcing for the transition period. Further details will be shared by your local leaders as planning progresses, with opportunities for staff to engage and contribute throughout.

  • Several activities outside the scope of the Academic Calendar Project are in progress or in planning stages to help address issues around workload as well as approach to teaching and learning. These include:

    • Assessment transformation and reduction
    • Future campus planning
    • Process and system improvements, including the workload model review, special considerations uplift and admissions transformation.

  • Both cohorts have been considered in the planning process to understand unique impacts and requirements resulting from the flex-semester calendar structure.

    The Academic Calendar Project Team will continue to consult with faculty representatives to address these impacts. Staff are encouraged to share feedback or comments via their faculty executive or get in touch via our website.

  • Existing workload policies for Education Focused (EF) and Teaching & Research (T&R) staff will remain unchanged. Faculties and schools will work closely with staff to plan workforce needs within the scope of the enterprise agreement and the flex-semester calendar structure.

    For professional staff, workloads are expected to be more evenly distributed across the year, with improved turnaround times between core semesters and fewer peak periods.

    The Academic Calendar Project team is working in partnership with divisions and faculties to manage changes to volume, operational cadence, and processes, ensuring a smooth transition and sustainable workload practices.

  • For UNSW staff, you can visit the Flex-Semester Transition SharePoint to find out more. 

    If you have any other feedback, questions or comments for the Academic Calendar Project team, please get in touch via our website.