Academic Calendar
Below is a list of important dates for the academic year, including semester dates, public holidays and graduation dates.
2026
|
Date |
Event |
|
6 February |
Waitangi Day – all campuses closed |
|
16 February |
Semester 1 starts Please note, some programmes have different key dates - check your timetable on MyAra for details. |
|
18 February |
Semester 1 Whakatau – Woolston campus |
|
27 February |
Student registrations close for Autumn graduation |
|
4 March |
Semester 1 Whakatau – Madras campus |
|
11 March |
Semester 1 Whakatau - Timaru campus |
|
13 March |
Autumn Graduation - Christchurch |
|
18 March |
Semester 1 Whakatau – Manawa campus |
|
27 March |
Student registrations close for Timaru graduation |
|
3 April |
Good Friday – all campuses closed |
|
6 April |
Easter Monday – all campuses closed |
|
7 April |
Easter Tuesday – all campuses closed |
|
30 April |
Timaru Graduation |
|
27 April |
Anzac Day (Observed) - all campuses closed |
|
1 June |
King's Birthday – all campuses closed |
|
26 June |
Semester 1 ends |
|
29 June – 19 July |
Mid-year break |
|
10 July |
Matariki – all campuses closed |
|
20 July |
Semester 2 starts Please note, some programmes have different key dates - check your timetable on MyAra for details. |
|
22 July |
Semester 2 Whakatau – Madras campus |
|
29 July |
Semester 2 Whakatau - Timaru campus |
|
11 August |
Semester 2 Whakatau - Woolston campus |
|
12 August |
Semester 2 Whakatau – Manawa campus |
|
17 September |
Spring Graduation - Christchurch |
|
28 September |
South Canterbury Anniversary Day - |
|
26 October |
Labour Day – all campuses closed |
|
13 November |
Canterbury Anniversary Day – Christchurch campuses closed |
|
27 November |
Semester 2 ends |