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 an agent, partner or external stakeholder?
Head to our flex-semester academic calendar public project 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, these tips will help you prepare for a smooth transition to the flex-semester model:
- Start planning early: Review your program requirements and map out potential pathways as soon as possible.
- Prioritise core subjects: Complete your core subjects early on to ensure you meet program requirements and unlock advanced courses earlier in your program. We suggest planning your course selection in this order: core subjects, electives and then general education courses to allow increased flexibility for any studies required in 2028.
- Consider accelerating your studies: You may wish to take additional courses in 2026 and 2027 to build more flexibility into your program and completion. Under the current 3+ trimester model, this could mean completing up to nine courses per year. This will help you progress more quickly and create space for future flexibility and contingencies.
- Explore summer term options: Consider taking a course in Summer Term 2027 to lighten your load or get ahead in your program progression.
- 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 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.
We are currently updating myPlan to reflect the new flex-semester structure. In the meantime, we encourage you to plan your program in the 3+ calendar as this helps us understand which courses students need and when.
If you need help in the meantime, consult the UNSW handbook, view support resources for current students or visit The Nucleus: Student Hub.
Why are we moving to the flex-semester model?
UNSW is transitioning to the flex-semester following significant staff and student consultation. Designed with students at the forefront, the flex-semester supports real-life flexibility and elevates your learning experience. Discover the benefits below:
Increased flexibility and opportunities
You'll have the option to enrol in summer and winter terms to get ahead, and make time 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 work-life balance
Manage your commitments 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 student resources and information available and use myPlan to see how your remaining courses fit into the new calendar.
- Late 2026: Attend student town hall events to ask questions and hear updates.
- Early 2027: Join 'Plan Your Pathway' workshops for faculty-specific guidance.
- Mid 2027: Attend bespoke drop-in sessions and access support from advisors, guides and peer mentors.
- Late 2027: Finalise your course enrolment and class registration for Semester 1 2028.
- January 2028: The first flex-semester commences!
⏳ Coming soon!
We will share details and dates for upcoming events, workshops and support sessions - so check back regularly!
Key dates
- Summer Term 2028
- Semester 1 2028
- Winter Term 2028
- Semester 2 2028
| Session | Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer teaching period (U1) | Tuesday 4 January - Friday 11 February |
| Exam period (U1) | Saturday 12 February - Tuesday 15 February |
| Session | Dates |
|---|---|
| O-Week | Monday 21 February - Friday 25 February |
| Teaching period S1 | Monday 28 February - Friday 26 May |
| Teaching period S1A | Monday 28 February - Friday 7 April |
| Mid-semester break (S1) | Monday 10 April - Friday 14 April |
| Teaching period S1B | Monday 17 April - Friday 26 May |
| Study period (S1) | Saturday 27 May - Thursday 1 June |
| Exam period (S1) | Friday 2 June - Monday 19 June |
| Session | Dates |
|---|---|
| Winter teaching period (W1) | Tuesday 20 June - Friday 28 July |
| Exam period (W1) | Saturday 29 July - Tuesday 1 August |
| Session | Dates |
|---|---|
| O-Week | Monday 7 August - Friday 11 August |
| Teaching period S2 | Monday 14 August - Friday 10 November |
| Teaching period S2A | Monday 14 August - Friday 22 September |
| Mid-semester break (S2) | Monday 25 September - Friday 29 September |
| Teaching period S2B | Tuesday 3 October - Friday 10 November |
| Study period (S2) | Saturday 11 November - Thursday 16 November |
| Exam period (S2) | Friday 17 November - Saturday 2 December |
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 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.
Note that these dates are subject to change.
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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 – a tool to plan program progression - will assist with mapping the progression of transitioning students and this data will be used to provide enrolment advice and support effective course offerings during the transition period.
Early awareness communications have commenced to support students and more tailored advice based on a student's unique cohort is coming soon. Faculties and schools will plan ways to best support transition students to move through their program at their planned pace, for example by increasing courses offered during 2028.
The University will also enhance support services for students including academic advice and mental health resources to enable students to best adapt to the flex-semester calendar structure.
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The standard study load for Summer Term and Winter Term is typically one intensive course worth 6 units of credit (UOC).
These terms are shorter in duration 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 a student is expected to finish their studies by the end of 2027, no immediate action is required but having general awareness of the flex-semester transition is encouraged.
If you are continuing your studies into 2028, it is important for you to consider what this may mean for your enrolment plans and expected completion timeline. So, we encourage you to stay informed and explore our current students guide and planning tips and regularly check for updates, FAQs and guidance.
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Bookmark this page and visit regularly!
The Flex-Semester Student Website will be updated with developments. We encourage you to explore the website and planning tips to self-manage before getting in contact with The Nucleus: Student Hub.
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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.).
You should utilise the planning tips and tools for proactive planning or contact The Nucleus: Student Hub for more specific advice.
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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 calendar.
Students who are not transitioning will be contacted directly and given confirmation of the academic calendar and study pathway that applies to them.
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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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UNSW is in the process of updating myPlan to reflect the new Flex-Semester structure with an indicative view of 2028 course offerings. We will let students know via email and the Flex-Semester Student Website once this becomes available later in 2026.
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Students who didn't receive a direct email yet are likely part of a cohort or program that is unlikely to be transitioning to the Flex-Semester Academic Calendar.
You will receive tailored communications specific to your cohort or program soon, with relevant guidance and confirmation of future academic calendar structure.
You can still explore the Flex-Semester Student Website for general awareness if you are interested to learn more at this point in time.
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Mid-semester breaks will be one week and holidays will be seven weeks in duration.
This will vary for students opting in for Summer or Winter terms.
The mid-semester and winter breaks will improve upon 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 the Flex-Semester Student Website here and to utilise the planning tips and tools to self-manage before getting in contact.
If you’d like to get in contact to speak about your personal circumstances, please contact The Nucleus: Student Hub.
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From 2028, the University will move to a flex-semester 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. You’ll receive updates and tailored advice from 2026, so you’ll know exactly what changes apply to your program and how to plan ahead.
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Programs that currently operate on bespoke calendars are being reviewed individually to determine the most appropriate approach.
Programs and cohorts not transitioning to the flex-semester will receive tailored communication specific to their cohort or program soon, with guidance relevant to their cohort. More information will be provided once 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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No, the move to the flex-semester calendar is not intended to increase the overall duration of your degree or program.
A standard full-time study load under the flex-semester model is 48 UOC per year, typically taken as 24 UOC per semester (usually 4 × 6 UoC courses). This is designed to support students completing their program within the standard program duration.
Students will also have opportunities to accelerate their studies by taking courses during summer or winter terms. The option to overload in a semester will also remain available, subject to course availability and academic performance.
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Some courses may be adjusted to align with the new calendar, but UNSW will provide detailed guidance well in advance of any changes.
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Students can use myPlan, a free tool that helps map out remaining courses, check prerequisites, and plan your pathway to graduation.
Currently, myPlan supports enrolment planning for 2026 and 2027 within the existing 3+ calendar structure. UNSW is in the process of updating myPlan to reflect the new Flex-Semester structure, and we will let students know once an indicative view of 2028 course offerings becomes available later in 2026.
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No, the cost to study is calculated on the Units of Credits (UOC) being taken. The Units of Credit will be the same under the flex-semester calendar.
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We do not expect any changes to Centrelink arrangements. The full-time study load for each year will remain the same as it currently is. As part of the implementation consultation process, we will be informing Centrelink of changes to the academic calendar. We will continue to update relevant cohorts.
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Minimum full-time status will remain at 36 UOC per year. Having this study load will ensure you are eligible for relevant concession cards.
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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.
International students will be kept updated with specific advice. In the case where a visa extension may be required, the University will provide early assistance and guidance on this process.
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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.