The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) publishes its dates in an almanac, which includes the academic terms, registration windows and graduation ceremonies for the year. When we checked on 5 November 2026, the 2027 almanac was not yet on the UMP website, and the latest almanac was for 2026. UMP states that each almanac is valid for its own year only. This page sets out what UMP has confirmed for 2027 and uses the 2026 almanac to show the usual shape of the year.
What UMP has confirmed for 2027
- Applications opened: 1 June 2026
- Undergraduate and advanced diploma applications close: 30 November 2026
- Honours, postgraduate diploma, master's and doctoral applications close: 30 January 2027
The 2026 almanac as a guide
- University opens: 5 January 2026
- New student registration: 26 to 30 January 2026
- Returning student registration: 2 to 6 February 2026
- Orientation of new students: 2 to 6 February 2026
- Lectures commence: 9 February 2026
- Late registration: 16 to 27 February 2026
- First term: 9 February to 2 April 2026
- Second term: 13 April to 29 May 2026
- Third term: 20 July to 11 September 2026
- Fourth term: 21 September to 23 October 2026
- Semester 2 registration: 20 to 31 July 2026
- Master's and doctoral registration: 2 January to 30 April 2026
What the pattern tells you
UMP's first semester has two terms with a short break in early April, and its second semester has two terms with a break in the second half of the year. In 2026 the gap between the second and third terms was about seven weeks, because it held the mid-year examinations and the winter recess. The year ended in late October for lectures, and examinations followed. If UMP keeps this shape for 2027, expect registration at the end of January, orientation in the first week of February and lectures in the second week of February.
Graduation and postgraduate dates
The 2026 almanac also lists special graduation ceremonies in the first week of May, from 5 to 8 May, in several sessions a day. Master's and doctoral students register over a long window that stretches from early January to the end of April, and they have their own orientation in the first week of May. If you plan to study at postgraduate level in 2027, apply by 30 January 2027, because registration runs on separate dates from the undergraduate windows.
Cautions
Do not treat the 2026 dates as final. UMP can move dates from one year to the next, and the 2027 calendar might also reflect changes to public holidays. The application deadline for undergraduate programmes on 30 November 2026 is the date to act on first, and offers will explain your registration dates.
While you wait
- Keep your offer letter and your registration documents together.
- Check the UMP almanac page every few weeks for the 2027 almanac.
- Tell your funder the approximate registration window, but wait for official dates before travelling.
See how to apply to UMP, the UMP fees page and UMP bursaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has UMP published its 2027 almanac?
Not when we checked on 5 November 2026. The latest almanac is for 2026.
When did UMP lectures start in 2026?
Lectures commenced on 9 February 2026.
When do UMP undergraduate applications for 2027 close?
On 30 November 2026.
When do UMP postgraduate applications close?
On 30 January 2027 for honours, postgraduate diploma, master's and doctoral programmes.