The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has unveiled its sessional dates for 2025, providing students across its Howard, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville campuses with a detailed roadmap for the academic year. From semester start and end dates to public holidays, exam periods, and critical registration deadlines, this guide ensures you’re prepared for every academic milestone. Whether you’re a first-time undergraduate, a postgraduate in the School of Education, or a medical student at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, these dates are essential for planning your year and staying on top of your commitments.
Howard, Pietermaritzburg and Westville Season Dates
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has released its detailed sessional dates for 2025, covering all campuses, including Howard, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville, as well as specific faculties like the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine and Education. This comprehensive guide outlines the semester dates, breaks, examination periods, and other key academic milestones.
First Semester (Monday, 10 February – Thursday, 26 June)
Key Dates and Highlights:
- Lectures Begin: Monday, 10 February.
- Easter Vacation: Saturday, 29 March – Sunday, 6 April (inclusive).
- Final Day of First Semester: Thursday, 26 June.
- Winter Vacation: Friday, 27 June – Sunday, 20 July (inclusive).
The semester kicks off with orientation for first-time undergraduate students and remote registration for all other students. Academic milestones include module changes, withdrawal deadlines, and supplementary exam opportunities.
Second Semester (Monday, 21 July – Tuesday, 2 December)
Key Dates and Highlights:
- Lectures Begin: Monday, 21 July.
- Mid-Term Break: Saturday, 20 September – Sunday, 28 September (inclusive).
- Final Day of Second Semester: Tuesday, 2 December.
During the second semester, students will encounter various critical academic checkpoints, such as curriculum change deadlines, graduation ceremonies, and mid-term breaks.
Important Academic Events
- Registration Periods:
- Returning students can register online starting Monday, 20 January.
- First-time students have dedicated registration from Monday, 3 February.
- Examinations:
- First semester exams begin on Monday, 26 May, and end on Thursday, 12 June. Supplementary exams follow until Thursday, 26 June.
- Second semester exams start on Monday, 3 November, concluding by Tuesday, 18 November. Supplementary exams run until Tuesday, 2 December.
- Public Holidays Observed:
- Human Rights Day: Friday, 21 March.
- Good Friday and Easter Monday: Friday, 18 April, and Monday, 21 April.
- Heritage Day: Tuesday, 24 September.
- Day of Reconciliation: Tuesday, 16 December.
Special Notes for Specific Faculties
- School of Medicine: Separate sessional dates will be provided.
- School of Education: Custom schedules for postgraduate programs will be published independently.
- Bachelor of Nursing: Clinical training and community work are mandatory throughout the year, including during vacation periods.
Why These Dates Matter
Understanding the academic calendar ensures students stay on top of their studies, avoid missed deadlines, and balance personal commitments. From mid-term breaks to exam preparations, these dates provide a roadmap for success throughout the academic year.
UKZN Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine: Sessional Dates for 2025
Planning your academic year is crucial, and the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers a detailed breakdown of its sessional dates for 2025. Here’s everything you need to know for a successful year ahead.
First Semester
Duration: Monday, 10 February – Thursday, 26 June
Easter Vacation: Saturday, 29 March – Sunday, 6 April
Winter Vacation: Friday, 27 June – Sunday, 20 July
Key Milestones:
- Orientation and Registration:
- Online registration for returning Health Sciences students begins Tuesday, 7 January.
- Orientation for MBChB6 programs starts Monday, 13 January, with classes for 2nd and 3rd years commencing the same week.
- Lecture Start Dates:
- MBChB6 1st-year lectures commence Monday, 10 February.
- 4th and 5th years begin Block 1 on Monday, 20 January.
- Key Deadlines:
- Last day for payment of minimum registration fees: Friday, 7 February.
- Final date for first-semester academic registration: Friday, 14 February.
- Assessments and Study Periods:
- MBChB6 clinical teaching blocks and themes run throughout the semester.
- Semester 1 examinations start Monday, 26 May, and end Saturday, 14 June.
Second Semester
Duration: Monday, 21 July – Tuesday, 2 December
Mid-Term Break: Saturday, 20 September – Sunday, 28 September
Key Milestones:
- Registration and Start of Classes:
- Second semester registration opens Monday, 14 July.
- Lectures for MBChB6 programs resume Monday, 21 July, with clinical teaching blocks and themes continuing.
- Key Deadlines:
- Final date for curriculum changes and extended DPs: Friday, 1 August.
- Last day for withdrawal from a module: Friday, 12 September.
- Assessments and Exams:
- Semester 2 examinations begin Monday, 3 November, and conclude Tuesday, 18 November.
- Supplementary examinations run until Tuesday, 2 December.
Additional Highlights for 2025
- Public Holidays Observed:
- Human Rights Day: Friday, 21 March.
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April.
- Heritage Day: Wednesday, 24 September.
- Graduation Ceremonies:
- Scheduled for Monday, 5 May – Saturday, 10 May (Westville).
- Clinical and Practical Training:
- MBChB6 programs incorporate extensive clinical teaching and practical assessments during term time.
- Bachelor of Nursing students will engage in community work and training during vacations.
- Vacation Periods:
- Mid-year break (Winter): Friday, 27 June – Sunday, 20 July.
- End-of-year break: Monday, 8 December onwards.
Special Notes:
The University reserves the right to adjust sessional dates as necessary. Students are encouraged to regularly consult official university communications to stay updated.
UKZN Education Sessional Dates for 2025
If you’re enrolled in the Education Faculty at UKZN, here’s your comprehensive guide to the 2025 sessional dates, vacations, and key deadlines to help you stay on track throughout the academic year.
First Semester
Duration: Monday, 10 February – Thursday, 26 June
Easter Vacation: Saturday, 29 March – Sunday, 6 April
Winter Vacation: Friday, 27 June – Sunday, 20 July
Highlights and Key Dates
- January Preparations:
- University opens: Monday, 6 January.
- Online registration for returning students begins: Tuesday, 7 January.
- Residences open for registered students: Friday, 31 January.
- Lectures and School Experiences Begin:
- First Semester lectures commence on Monday, 10 February.
- Undergraduate 4th-year School Experience (EDTP430) begins the same day.
- PGCE EDTP611 School Experience starts Monday, 7 April.
- Deadlines:
- Final date for payment of minimum fees: Friday, 7 February.
- Curriculum changes and extended DPs must be submitted by Friday, 14 February.
- Mid-Semester Events:
- Human Rights Day observed: Friday, 21 March (Public Holiday).
- Lectures end for Easter Vacation: Friday, 28 March.
- Examinations and Wrap-Up:
- First Semester exams begin Monday, 26 May, and end Saturday, 14 June.
- Supplementary exams are scheduled from Thursday, 19 June, to Thursday, 26 June.
- Residences must be vacated by 4 PM on Friday, 27 June.
Second Semester
Duration: Monday, 21 July – Tuesday, 2 December
Mid-Term Break: Saturday, 20 September – Sunday, 28 September
Highlights and Key Dates
- Registration and Semester Start:
- Registration for the second semester opens Monday, 14 July.
- Lectures resume Monday, 21 July, with UG 3rd-year (EDTP321) and 2nd-year (EDTP221) School Experiences starting the same week.
- Key Deadlines:
- Final day for curriculum changes and second-semester academic registration: Friday, 1 August.
- UG 3rd- and 2nd-year School Experiences conclude on Friday, 8 August.
- Mid-Semester Activities:
- Lectures end for Mid-Term Break: Friday, 19 September.
- Lectures resume Monday, 29 September.
- Final Exams and Semester Closure:
- Exams for Semester 2 commence Monday, 3 November, and run through Tuesday, 18 November.
- Supplementary exams continue until Tuesday, 2 December.
- Residences must be vacated by Wednesday, 3 December, at 4 PM.
Key Considerations for 2025
- Public Holidays:
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April.
- Family Day: Monday, 21 April.
- Heritage Day: Wednesday, 24 September.
- Day of Reconciliation: Tuesday, 16 December.
- Graduation Ceremonies:
- Held from Monday, 5 May, to Saturday, 17 May (Westville Campus).
- Special Notes:
- The University reserves the right to alter sessional dates if necessary.
- PGDip(Acc) and Nursing programs may have distinct schedules, so confirm with the respective departments.
Planning ahead is crucial to managing deadlines, school experiences, and personal time. Save these dates, and you’re all set for an organized and productive academic year!
What Are They and Why Not Just “Terms”?
Sessional dates outline the academic calendar, marking the official start and end of semesters, exam periods, registration deadlines, and breaks. These are more than just “terms”; they’re a structured framework that governs the academic and administrative flow for the year. Here’s why “sessional dates” are used instead of simply “terms”: Sessional dates provide a comprehensive academic framework, covering not just teaching periods but also milestones like exams, breaks, and administrative deadlines, ensuring alignment across faculties with diverse schedules. Unlike “terms,” which focus solely on lectures, sessional dates include non-teaching periods like registration and supplementary exams, reflecting the complexity of coordinating academic, research, and operational activities. This global standardization aligns with international practices, making it easier for institutions like UKZN to collaborate with global partners and attract international students.