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International higher education academic calendar dates
If you're studying a higher education course at TAFE NSW (such as a bachelor’s degree or higher education diploma), your academic year is structured as follows:
Semester 1 and Semester 2 each include:
- 12 weeks of teaching
- 3 weeks of assessments
That’s a total of 15 weeks for each semester.
Summer school (an optional short term usually held over the summer break) includes:
- 6 weeks of teaching
- 1 assessment week
Totalling 7 weeks.
2026 higher education key dates
| Events | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer School |
| Applications close |
1 February |
19 July |
Contact your course coordinator |
| Orientation week | 2 - 6 February | 20 - 24 July | Contact your course coordinator |
| First day of semester | 9 February | 27 July | 30 November |
| Administration date | 13 February | 31 July | 4 December |
| Census date | 11 March | 26 August | 16 December |
| Holidays | 6 - 19 April | 28 September - 11 October | 21 December - 3 January 2027 |
| Last day of semester | 5 June | 20 November | 29 January 2027 |
| Publish results | 24 June | 9 December | Contact your course coordinator |
| Subject selection | 25 June | 10 December | Consult your course coordinator |
2027 higher education key dates
| Events | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer School |
| Applications close |
31 January |
18 July |
Contact your course coordinator |
| Orientation week | 1 - 5 February | 19 - 23 July | Contact your course coordinator |
| First day of semester | 8 February | 26 July | 29 November |
| Administration date | 12 February | 30 July | 3 December |
| Census date | 10 March | 25 August | 15 December |
| Holidays | 12 - 25 April | 27 September - 10 October | 20 December - 2 January 2028 |
| Last day of semester | 4 June | 19 November | 28 January 2028 |
| Publish results | 23 June | 8 December | Contact your course coordinator |
| Subject selection | 24 June | 9 December | Consult your course coordinator |
Higher education census dates
The census date is the last day you can make important changes to your study in the current semester. This is your deadline to:
- Enrol in subjects, change your current subjects, or apply for a reduced study load.
- Request a transfer to another course at TAFE NSW, subject to visa compliance, course availability, and approval for late enrolment.
You must speak with your course coordinator and complete the relevant forms by the census date.
There are different census dates for each teaching period.
- Semester 1 - 11 March 2026
- Semester 2 - 26 August 2026
Explore more
Orientation details
Our international student orientation sessions cover everything you need to know about studying at TAFE NSW and living in Australia. Read our helpful guide to find out more and find a suitable session.
Support
At TAFE NSW, we ensure every international student has the support of an International Customer Experience Coordinator. You can find the contact details for your local coordinator on our support page.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about enrolment, fees and student support services. Explore the information international students need before starting their studies.
We’re here to help
At TAFE NSW, every international student is supported by a dedicated International Customer Experience Coordinator. They’re here to help you access the right services and support throughout your studies.
You can also explore our international student frequently asked questions for more helpful information.