Stellenbosch University (SU) splits its year into two semesters of two terms each, with a recess after each term. Senate approved changes to the 2026 and 2027 calendar in May 2025, mainly because student numbers have grown and the old calendar left too little time between November assessments and graduation. SU lists its 2026 and 2027 dates side by side on its Dates page, and this guide sets out the 2027 column, checked on 5 November 2026.
First semester 2027
- University reopens: 4 January 2027
- First term: 8 February to 25 March 2027
- Recess: 26 March to 4 April 2027
- Second term: 5 April to 14 May 2027
- First semester ends: 25 June 2027
- Recess: 26 June to 18 July 2027
Second semester 2027
- Third term: 19 July to 3 September 2027
- Recess: 4 to 12 September 2027
- Fourth term: 13 September to 22 October 2027
- Second semester ends: 10 December 2027
Assessment periods
SU holds its main assessments in two blocks, one in June and one in November. Each block has a first opportunity and a second opportunity, which SU calls the A2 and A3 periods.
- June, first opportunity: 17 May to 7 June 2027
- June, second opportunity: 8 to 22 June 2027
- November, first opportunity: 25 October to 15 November 2027
- November, second opportunity: 16 to 29 November 2027
Graduation and open day
From 2027 SU holds one graduation series a year, in April. The 2027 ceremonies run from 5 to 13 April, and they serve students who finish their programmes in 2026. SU's undergraduate open day for 2027 is on Saturday 17 April.
How the term pattern works
Each semester has two terms, and the first term of each semester is the longer one. The recesses after the second term are the longest breaks, so the winter recess lasts about three weeks. Because the second assessment opportunity follows straight after the first, SU students who miss a paper or want to improve a mark do not have to wait long. The gap between the end of lectures and the first assessment period is short, so revision should start before the final week of term.
Why these dates matter for applicants
If you are applying for 2028, you will use this calendar's pattern to plan your own year, but expect SU to publish new dates later. If you hold a bursary for 2027, note that the long recess from 26 June to 18 July falls inside the semester break, and many funders expect you to use it for vacation work or to send in results. Results from the June assessments can affect bursary renewal, so submit them quickly.
Related pages
See how to apply to Stellenbosch, the Stellenbosch fees page and the Stellenbosch bursaries page. Dates may change, so check the SU Dates page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do classes start at Stellenbosch University in 2027?
The first term starts on 8 February 2027. The university reopens on 4 January 2027.
When are the 2027 June and November assessments?
June assessments run from 17 May to 22 June, and November assessments run from 25 October to 29 November 2027.
When does the 2027 year end?
The second semester ends on 10 December 2027.
When is Stellenbosch graduation in 2027?
The April 2027 graduation series runs from 5 to 13 April.