The new Flex-Semester Academic Calendar
Your guide to preparing for UNSW's flex-semester transition in 2028
Your guide to our flex-semester transition
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar in 2028 and we're here to help you navigate it.
Learn what's changing, when it's happening and how it could impact your program progression. Plus, find planning tools and resources designed to support your transition.
Are you a future student, agent, partner or external stakeholder?
Head to our Flex-Semester Academic Calendar Transition website for more information on the implementation of the new calendar and FAQs.
Plan ahead for the flex-semester transition
If you're currently enrolled and will still be studying in 2028, follow the below steps to prepare for a smooth transition to the flex-semester model:
- Start planning early: Review your remaining program requirements and use the 2027 course information in myPlan to map out what you still need to complete.
- Declare your specialisation if required: If your program requires a specialisation (major or minor) and you are ready to declare it, complete this step in myUNSW. Once your specialisation is officially declared, it will display in myPlan within 24 hours and show your program requirements.
- Prioritise core subjects: Where possible, complete your core subjects early. This helps you meet program requirements and may unlock advanced courses earlier in your program. We suggest planning your course selection in the below order so you have more flexibility for any studies required in 2028:
- Core subjects
- Electives
- General Education courses
- Consider accelerating your studies: Depending on your program, course availability, study mode and personal circumstances, you may be able to enrol in up to three courses or 18 UOC (Units of Credit), in each 2027 term. This may help you complete an extra 6 UOC beyond the standard full-time study load of 48 UOC.
- Explore summer term options: Consider enrolling in a Summer Term 2027 course of 6 UOC, if this suits your program and circumstances. This may help lighten your load later or get ahead in your program progression.
- Look ahead to 2028: Use myPlan to explore the flex-semester structure, indicative 2028 course information and add your current course preferences where you can.
Your 2028 plan does not need to be finalised now and you can update it as more information becomes available. However, recording your intended courses and preferences in myPlan will help faculties understand student demand and inform future course offerings. - Keep checking for updates: Course information for 2028 may change as faculties continue planning. Revisit myPlan regularly and look out for program-specific guidance from your faculty.
- Ask questions and talk to The Nucleus: Student Hub or your faculty about what works best for your program and personal circumstances. Don't leave it until the last minute!
💡 Use myPlan to review your progress and map your pathway to 2028
myPlan can help you plan your remaining courses throughout the flex-semester transition. This free study planner lets you visualise your program progression, check course prerequisites and create a full enrolment plan through to your graduation under the new calendar.
As UNSW prepares for the flex-semester transition, myPlan has been updated to reflect the new calendar structure for transitioning programs from 2028. You can use the tool to explore how your remaining courses may fit into future study periods and add your current course preferences.
If you need help in the meantime, consult the UNSW handbook, view support resources for current students or visit The Nucleus: Student Hub.
More opportunities throughout the year
You'll have the option to study in summer and winter terms, helping you make progress towards your degree while also creating opportunities for travel, volunteering, professional development and more during longer breaks.
Deeper learning
The 12-week semesters give you more time to engage with course materials and time with your lecturers, allowing for deeper comprehension of complex and more nuanced concepts.
Improved industry alignment
The timing of the calendar better aligns for internship and clerkship intakes, improving opportunities for career readiness.
Better study-work-life balance
Manage your commitments outside of study more easily, whether that's paid work, caring responsibilities or extra-curricular activities.
Your roadmap to the flex-semester transition
As we get closer to the flex-semester calendar in 2028, here are the key milestones to keep on your radar:
- Early to mid 2026: Familiarise yourself with the flex-semester transition, student resources and planning advice. Review your program requirements and look out for updates about myPlan and 2028 planning information.
- Late 2026 - early 2027: Use myPlan to map your 2027 annual enrolment. If your program is transitioning to the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar, you can also look ahead to indicative 2028 information and add your current course preferences. Where available, access faculty guidance and planning support for your program.
- Mid 2027: Continue checking myPlan as 2028 course information is updated. Look out for further program-specific advice, support sessions or guidance from your faculty if your progression may be affected.
- Late 2027: Finalise your course enrolment when annual enrolment opens. Review any updated course offering information and confirm your study plan for Summer Term 2028 and Semester 1 2028 where relevant.
- January 2028: The first flex-semester teaching period commences with Summer Term 2028!
⏳ Coming soon!
We will share details and dates for upcoming events, workshops and support sessions - so check back regularly!
Key dates
The 2028 academic calendar includes the following teaching periods:
- Summer Term 2028
- Semester 1 2028
- Winter Term 2028
- Semester 2 2028
Flex-semester structure overview
UNSW Online will continue to operate an independent six-term (hexamester) calendar.
Not all student cohorts currently operate under the 3+ Calendar or will transition to the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar. Students who are not transitioning will be contacted directly and given confirmation of the academic calendar and study pathway that applies to them.
- General
- My program/courses
- Study costs
- Exchange, study abroad & international
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Refer to the 2028 calendar dates & flex-semester structure for key dates.
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The flex-semester calendar allows more time for deeper learning, engagement and connection through longer core teaching periods. This aims to provide a more balanced pace of study, as well as breaks to support students to rest, work, travel or fulfill other personal responsibilities.
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UNSW will work closely with transitioning students to resolve or minimise issues that may arise with their planned program progression.
myPlan can help you review your program progression, understand your outstanding requirements and plan your remaining courses. For transitioning students, information added in myPlan also helps UNSW understand student interest and predict demand as faculties continue planning course offerings for the transition period.
We've started early awareness communications to support you and other continuining students in understanding the flex-semester transition. More information and program specific guidance will be shared as planning progresses. Faculties and schools will continue to consider how best to support transitioning students move through their program at their planned pace, including through course offering planning for 2028.
You will continue to be supported throughout the transition, with access to academic advice, wellbeing resources and other student support services to help plan your studies and adjust to the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar.
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The standard study load for Summer Term and Winter Term is typically one intensive course worth six Units of Credit (UOC). The maximum study load for these optional terms is two courses (12 UOC).
These terms are shorter in duration (six weeks) and the workload is concentrated.
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The Flex-Semester Academic Calendar is an enhanced academic structure designed to provide greater flexibility, improved learning experiences, and better alignment with student needs. It features two 12-week semesters with a mid-semester break, alongside optional six-week summer and winter terms for short or intensive courses.
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The Flex-Semester Academic Calendar is planned to commence in 2028.
Please refer to the key dates and calendar structure section for the latest information.
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If you expect to finish your studies by the end of 2027, you do not need to take any immediate action. We encourage you to stay aware of the flex-semester transition in case your study plans change.
If you will continue studying into 2028, start thinking about what the transition may mean for your enrolment plans and expected completion timeline. Use myPlan to review your 2027 plan, look ahead to indicative 2028 information and add your current course preferences where you can.
You should also explore the current students guide and planning tips and check regularly for updates, FAQs and program-specific guidance.
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Bookmark this page and visit regularly for the most up-to-date general information on flex-semester!
Get in contact with The Nucleus: Student Hub if you still have questions or need advice about your personal circumstances.
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Feature 3+ Calendar Flex-Semester Calendar Core teaching periods 3 2 Core teaching weeks 9 12 Mid-term or mid-semester break 1 week (Flex Week) 1 week dedicated for a mid-semester break (no classes will be scheduled) Exam period 12 days 14 days Optional teaching periods 5-week Summer Term 6-week Summer and Winter Terms -
Impacts will vary depending on your program, progression, and if you have any changes to your study plans (e.g. study load reductions, leave of absence, etc.).
Use the planning tips and tools to help map your remaining studies or contact The Nucleus: Student Hub for more specific advice about your personal circumstances.
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The standard full-time study load in the flex-semester calendar is:
- 48 UOC per year; or
- 24 UOC per semester (4 courses × 6 UOC)
You may also choose to take additional courses in Summer or Winter terms to accelerate progression.
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Not all student cohorts currently operate under the 3+ Calendar or will transition to the Flex-Semester Academic Clendar.
Students in programs or cohorts that are not transitioning will receive information and relevant communication through the relevant faculty, school or program channels when available.
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UNSW will work with students to minimise impacts on progression and study load. Impacts will vary depending on your program, progression and if you had any changes to study plans.
We encourage students to proactively self-plan your program progression, consider accelerating your studies and explore summer term options or take additional courses, if completion time is a priority.
Explore the planning tips or book an appointment at The Nucleus: Student Hub for more specific advice.
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myPlan has now been updated to reflect the flex-semester structure and indicative 2028 course offerings for transitioning programs. Log into myPlan now to plan ahead.
2028 course offerings will be officially confirmed in late 2027.
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If you did not receive a direct email, your program or cohort may be following a different communication schedule or pathway. You will receive information relevant to your circumstances as planning progresses.
You can still explore this page for general awareness if you are interested to learn more about the new academic calendar.
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Each semester will include a one-week mid-semester break after Week 6. In between the two core semesters, there will be a longer inter-semester break. During these extended breaks, you can choose to enrol in the optional Summer or Winter Terms, which are six weeks each.
The Flex-Semester Academic Calendar’s mid-semester and winter breaks improve UNSW's calendar alignment to NSW public school holidays. For a closer look at the break/holiday dates in 2028, check out the key dates section.
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We encourage you to explore this page, including the planning tips and tools for general information.
If you need advice about your program, enrolment or personal circumstances, contact The Nucleus: Student Hub.
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From 2028, the University will move to the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar, which means your program will be delivered across two core semesters instead of the current three-term structure.
While your program requirements will remain the same, the structure and timing of teaching periods will change. Faculties are carefully redesigning program and course structures to maintain a logical progression of learning and high academic quality.
UNSW will work with students to minimise impacts on progression and study load, but we encourage you to begin proactively planning. UNSW will continue to share updates as planning progresses. Where program-specific advice is needed, this will be communicated through the relevant faculty or school channels, so you know what applies to your program and what action, if any, you may need to take.
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Not all programs or student cohorts currently operate under the 3+ Academic Calendar or will transition to the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar.
Students in programs or cohorts that are not transitioning will receive information and relevant communication through the relevant faculty, school or program channels when available.
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The flex-semester allows students to accelerate completion of their program by taking courses in winter or summer terms. The option to ‘overload’ in semesters will also remain, subject to course availability and student performance.
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The move to the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar is not intended to increase the overall duration of your degree or program. However, the effect on your completion timeline may depend on your program, course availability, study mode and personal circumstances.
The standard full-time study load will remain 48 UOC per year, usually taken as 24 UOC per semester. Depending on your program, course availability, study mode and personal circumstances, you may also be able to take courses in Summer Term or Winter Term to support your progression.
If you are concerned about your completion timeline, use myPlan to review your study plan and contact The Nucleus: Student Hub for advice about your personal circumstances.
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Course and program structures are being reviewed and redesigned where needed to reflect the flex-semester teaching periods. Faculties are also reviewing the pacing of learning activities and assessments to support deeper learning and give students time to engage with course materials across the 12 weeks.
Where course changes affect your enrolment choices, UNSW will provide guidance as required through the relevant faculty or school channels.
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You can use myPlan, a free tool for current students that helps map out remaining courses in your program, check prerequisites, and plan your pathway to graduation.
Use myPlan to plan your 2027 enrolment. If your program is transitioning to the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar, myPlan will also show the new calendar structure from 2028 and indicative course offerings. You can use this information to look ahead and add your current course preferences.
The 2028 information is indicative and may change as planning continues.
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UNSW is transitioning to a new academic calendar in 2028. As part of this work, the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) registered duration of selected degrees has been updated to reflect the maximum approved duration that may be required during the transition period.
CRICOS displays the current registered duration for a degree and does not distinguish between historical, current and future student cohorts. As a result, you may notice that the duration currently displayed on CRICOS differs from the duration that applied to your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when you commenced your studies.
The duration displayed on CRICOS does not change your enrolment, study plan or academic requirements. Your studies will continue in accordance with your approved degree and any transition arrangements that apply to your cohort.
If your degree is affected by the academic calendar transition, UNSW will communicate directly with you about any changes that may affect your studies, including your study plan or expected completion timeframe.
Should you have questions about your individual circumstances, please contact The Nucleus: Student Hub.
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No. Study costs are calculated based on the Units of Credit (UOC) you take. The number of Units of Credit required for your program will not change because of the flex-semester calendar.
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The annual full-time study load is expected to remain the same. UNSW is engaging with Centrelink about the academic calendar changes and will provide updated advice to affected students if any requirements change.
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The minimum study load for full-time status is expected to remain 36 UOC per year. Eligibility for concession cards may also depend on the requirements of the relevant concession provider, so check the current eligibility rules that apply to you.
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The University will work with you to resolve or minimise changes to study load and course progression to facilitate on-time program completion. If you are an international student, you will be kept updated with relevant advice about study planning through the transition to the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar in 2028.
International students who require a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to extend their student visa should refer to the Getting a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) page. In the case where a visa extension may be required due to the calendar change, the University will provide early assistance and guidance on this process.
In the meantime, we encourage you to plan ahead for your Term 3 2026 and 2027 enrolment. You may have opportunities to accelerate your studies and support your progression before UNSW transitions to the new Flex-Semester academic calendar in 2028.
Depending on your program, course availability, study mode and personal circumstances, you may be able to:
- Enrol in up to three courses (18 UOC) in Term 3 2026 and each 2027 term, and/or
- Complete a 6 UOC Summer 2027 course.
Explore your options early and use myPlan from 22 September 2026 to review and finalise your study plan for 2027.
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Exchange and Study Abroad arrangements may differ depending on whether you are coming to UNSW or planning to study overseas.
Inbound Exchange and Study Abroad students (coming to UNSW) will usually receive information about study load, course options and key dates through the relevant mobility and admissions channels.
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If you are an Inbound Exchange or Study Abroad student, check the information provided by UNSW's mobility and admissions channels.
If you are a UNSW student planning to study overseas, follow the advice provided by the Mobility team and confirm how the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar may affect your outbound study plans.
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Exchange and Study Abroad students are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24 UOC per semester. This typically equates to four courses, each worth 6 UOC. There has been no change to individual course weighting, with most courses continuing to be worth 6 UOC.
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There will be two intake periods, Semester 1 and Semester 2. Semester 1 will commence in February and Semester 2 will commence in August.
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Exchange and Study Abroad students studying at UNSW in either semester will be expected to arrive in time for orientation and remain until the end of the exam period.
Each semester runs for 17 weeks, which includes orientation week, 13-week teaching period (with a one-week mid-semester break), a one-week study vacation (Stuvac) and a two-week exam period.
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Exchange students can enrol in Semester 1 and Semester 2 courses only. Summer Term and Winter Term courses are excluded from the Student Exchange Program.
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Study Abroad students can only commence in Semester 1 or Semester 2. You may choose to add Summer Term or Winter Term courses at the end of your semester studies.