The UKZN Sessional Dates 2025 are important for students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to stay organized and ensure their academic progress throughout the year.
The UKZN academic calendar is divided into two main semesters, each structured to include a set of important educational activities. These activities include registration deadlines, examination periods, mid-term breaks, and public holidays.
Following the UKZN academic calendar 2025, helps you plan your study time, prepare for examinations, and schedule your breaks efficiently.
This guide provides a breakdown of the most important dates in the UKZN sessional calendar for 2025, including the start and end of both semesters, holidays, exam periods, and graduation dates.
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UKZN First Semester 2025 Dates & Important Deadlines
The first semester for the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2025 officially starts on Monday, February 10, 2025, and runs through Thursday, June 26, 2025.
It comprises 63 teaching days, followed by 5 study leave days, 14 days for main examinations, and 7 days for supplementary exams.
During this period, students must be mindful of several important dates and deadlines that impact their academic journey.
One of the earliest and most important dates is the registration deadline, which concludes on Monday, February 17, 2025. This is the final date by which students must have completed their course enrollment and administrative procedures. Late registration could lead to penalties, so it is essential to plan accordingly. Check out UKZN Student Central and UKZN iEnabler.
Following the initial weeks of the semester, students will observe the Easter Vacation, which doubles as the UKZN mid-term break, from Saturday, March 29 to Sunday, April 6, 2025. This break is particularly useful for students to rest and prepare for the second half of the semester.
Public holidays such as Human Rights Day (Friday, March 21, 2025) and Family Day (Monday, April 21, 2025) also fall within the first semester, and there are no classes during these holidays.
Other key public holidays include Good Friday on Friday, 18 April 2025, Family Day on Monday, 21 April 2025, and Workers’ Day on Thursday, 01 May 2025.
There’s also a student recess day on Friday, 02 May 2025, and Youth Day falls on Monday, 16 June 2025.
As the semester progresses, the UKZN exam timetable for 2025 comes into play. Examinations are scheduled to begin on 3 June 2025 and will conclude by 26 June 2025. Be sure to plan accordingly for these significant dates in your UKZN academic calendar.
After the UKZN first semester of 2025 ends, you’ll have a winter vacation from Friday, 27 June 2025 to Sunday, 20 July 2025.
Take note of these UKZN first-semester dates to maintain a smooth academic experience. Staying on top of deadlines ensures students remain on track with their studies, registration, and examinations.
Examination Schedule for First Semester 2025
The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s examination periods are important on the academic calendar. For the first semester of 2025, examinations are set to commence on 3 June 2025 and will conclude on 26 June 2025.
To support exam preparation, students at UKZN will have a dedicated study break from 26 May 2025 to 2 June 2025. This study leave provides a vital window for reviewing materials, completing past papers, and organizing study groups to ensure that students are ready for the intense period of examinations.
Following the main exams, there is an opportunity for students who did not meet the required standards to participate in supplementary exams, which will take place shortly after the conclusion of the main exams.
These supplementary exams are scheduled to begin on 7 July 2025. This allows students an additional chance to pass courses they may have struggled with during the regular exam period.
Important Dates for UKZN Second Semester 2025
The second semester at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2025 is scheduled to begin on 21 July 2025 and run through 2 December 2025.
This semester is marked by a range of key academic events and deadlines that students must be aware of to ensure they maintain their academic progress smoothly.
After the start of the semester, students can expect their mid-term break to fall between 20 September 2025 and 28 September 2025. This break provides a critical pause midway through the semester, allowing students to relax and recharge before resuming their academic activities. Following this, regular classes will continue until the semester’s end in December.
The second semester also includes several significant public holidays, such as Heritage Day on 24 September 2025 and Youth Day on 16 June 2025. These public holidays provide additional breaks within the academic schedule, which students can use to catch up on their studies or enjoy some downtime.
As the semester draws to a close, students will begin preparing for final examinations, which are scheduled to start on 3 November 2025 and conclude on 2 December 2025. It’s important to keep these exam dates in mind to ensure ample preparation time and avoid the stress of last-minute studying.
By staying informed of the UKZN second semester schedule and planning effectively around these key dates, students can ensure they are prepared for the academic demands of the second half of the year.
UKZN Graduation Ceremonies and Supplementary Exams
Graduation at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most anticipated events in the academic calendar. For 2025, UKZN graduation ceremonies will be held in April and September.
These dates provide students with two opportunities to celebrate their academic achievements after completing their programs. The specific dates for each faculty’s graduation ceremonies will be communicated closer to the time, and students are encouraged to regularly check the university’s official communication channels.
In addition to graduation, students who may not have passed their courses in the initial exam period can register for supplementary exams. For the first semester, these supplementary exams are scheduled to begin on 7 July 2025, shortly after the regular exams conclude.
Students who fail to meet the required standards in their second-semester exams will have their supplementary exams in January 2026, ensuring that they have another chance to pass and potentially graduate at the next available ceremony.
Public Holidays and Compensatory Days
Throughout the 2025 academic year, the University of KwaZulu-Natal observes several national public holidays, which are integrated into the UKZN sessional calendar.
These holidays provide students with additional breaks throughout the year and affect the regular academic schedule. In some cases, compensatory days are implemented to ensure that no academic time is lost due to public holidays.
For example, in the first semester, Family Day falls on 21 April 2025, providing a long weekend for students to relax or catch up on their studies. In the second semester, students will have Heritage Day on 24 September 2025, and Youth Day on 16 June 2025. These holidays offer short breaks during the semester, giving students valuable time away from lectures.
However, due to the importance of maintaining the academic flow, UKZN often schedules compensatory days where certain public holidays may cause disruptions.
For example, 8 April 2025 will follow a Friday timetable to make up for the Good Friday public holiday earlier in the month. This ensures that academic obligations are met while allowing students to enjoy their time off.
UKZN Mid-Year and Year-End Breaks
The University of KwaZulu-Natal provides students with well-timed breaks throughout the academic year to rest and recharge. In 2025, the mid-year break will take place from 27 June to 20 July 2025.
This period falls between the end of the first semester and the start of the second semester, giving students a much-needed pause after completing their exams.
Similarly, the end-of-year break begins after the completion of the second semester’s final exams on 3 December 2025. This long vacation extends through the holiday season and concludes in early February 2026, just before the start of the new academic year.
During this time, students have the opportunity to travel, work, or relax, preparing themselves for the upcoming academic challenges of the next year.
These breaks play a crucial role in maintaining student well-being, offering time to unwind after the intensity of semester studies and exams.
Planning for these periods allows students to make the most of their vacation time, whether they wish to rest, work, or catch up on their studies.
UKZN Sessional Dates 2025 PDF
You can find more information on the UKZN Sessional Dates 2025 via the UKZN registrar website.
FAQs about UKZN Sessional Dates 2025
What are the registration deadlines for UKZN in 2025?
The registration deadline for the first semester of 2025 at UKZN is 17 February 2025. Students should ensure they complete their registration before this date to avoid penalties.
Registration for the second semester is typically scheduled a few days before the semester begins in July 2025, with exact dates communicated closer to the time.
When do the mid-term breaks occur?
For the first semester, the mid-term break runs from 29 March to 6 April 2025, coinciding with the Easter holiday period. The second-semester mid-term break is scheduled from 20 September to 28 September 2025. These breaks provide students with time to relax and prepare for the remainder of the semester.
When are the exam periods for UKZN in 2025?
The first semester exams are scheduled to take place from 3 June 2025 to 26 June 2025, with a study break from 26 May 2025 to 2 June 2025. Second-semester exams will be held from 3 November 2025 to 2 December 2025.
What happens if I fail an exam?
Students who do not meet the required pass mark in their exams can register for supplementary exams.
For the first semester, supplementary exams will start on 7 July 2025, while second-semester supplementary exams are expected to take place in January 2026.
When are the graduation ceremonies in 2025?
UKZN graduation ceremonies are held twice a year—in April and September. Specific dates for faculties will be announced closer to the time, so it’s important for graduating students to stay informed.