Academic calendar 2025 for international students

    Our academic year is divided into two semesters made up of four terms, with breaks in between. 

    English language course sessions start every five weeks.

    Certificate and diploma courses

    Semester 1 (February Intake) Dates (2025) Semester 2 (July intake)  Dates (2025)
    Term 1 3 Feb - 13 Apr  Term 3 21 Jul - 28 Sep
    Autumn vacation 14 Apr - 27 Apr
    Spring vacation 29 Sep - 12 Oct
    Term 2 (April* intake) 28 Apr - 22 Jun
    Term 4 (September intake) 13 Oct - 7 Dec
    Winter vacation 7 Jul - 20 Jul
    Summer vacation 8 Dec -TBA

     

    *Only available for some courses.


    Degree courses

    Semester 1 (February Intake) Dates (2025)
    Semester 2 (July Intake) Dates (2025)
    Term 1 3 Feb - 11 Apr
    Term 3 21 Jul - 26 Sep
    Autumn vacation 14 Apr - 25 Apr
    Spring vacation 29 Sep - 10 Oct
    Term 2 28 Apr - 20 Jun
    Term 4 13 Oct - 28 Nov
    Winter vacation 23 Jun - 18 Jul
    Summer vacation 1 Dec - TBA

    Higher Education census dates

    The census date is the last day you can make important changes to your study, without financial penalty. There are different census dates for each teaching period. These are your deadlines to:

    1. Drop a subject: If you're not enjoying and engaging with a subject, or if the study load is too much, it’s important to complete the Withdrawal Interruption Application form by the census date to avoid your grades being affected.  
    2. Leave your course: If you feel that this course is not for you and want to withdraw, please complete the Withdrawal Interruption Application form by the census date to avoid paying for more classes.  
    3. Take a break and defer from your studies: You can ask for a break from your studies by requesting to interrupt/suspend your studies for a period, without any financial consequences. This won't show up on your academic record.  
    4. Enrol in a subject: It's also the last day you can officially sign up for a subject for the current semester. 

    Semester 1 -  12 March 2025

    Semester 2 - 27 August 2025

    English language courses

    New students can start on Monday of any week. However, at some English Language Centres on TAFE NSW campuses, sessions start every five weeks. 

    Please speak with the English Language Centre at your chosen study location to find out the best study plan and starting date that suits you.

    Sessions Dates (2025)
    Sessions Dates (2025)
    Session 1 6 Jan - 7 Feb
    Session 6
    30 Jun - 1 Aug
    Session 2
    10 Feb - 14 Mar Session 7 4 Aug – 5 Sep
    Session 3
    17 Mar - 18 Apr
    Session 8 8 Sep - 10 Oct
    Session 4
    21 Apr - 23 May
    Session 9 13 Oct - 14 Nov
    Session 5
    26 May - 27 Jun Session 10 17 Nov - 19 Dec

    We’re here to help

    At TAFE NSW we ensure every international student has the support of an International Customer Experience Coordinator. They can assist you in accessing the right support services.

    You can also check out our international student frequently asked questions.