The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) publishes its term dates for each year in advance, and the 2027 table is already live on its website. Wits divides the year into four teaching blocks with study breaks and two examination periods. Wits states that its 2027 term dates add up to 130 teaching days. This page explains those dates in plain language, using the table Wits published for 2027 and checked on 5 November 2026.
Before lectures start
- Matric results published: Tuesday 12 January 2027
- Returning student registration (undergraduate and postgraduate): 4 January to 5 February 2027, including an earlier online registration date
- Gateway to Success and postgraduate orientation: 25 January to 5 February 2027
- Start of term: Monday 8 February 2027
Teaching blocks and breaks
- First teaching block: 8 February to 24 March
- Mid-term break: 25 March to 11 April
- Second teaching block: 12 April to 27 May
- Study break: 28 to 30 May
- First examination period: 31 May to 28 June
- Winter break: 29 June to 18 July
- Third teaching block: 19 July to 3 September
- Mid-term break: 4 to 12 September
- Fourth teaching block: 13 September to 26 October
- Study break: 27 to 31 October
- Second examination period: 1 to 26 November
- Last day of term: Friday 26 November 2027
Public holidays and religious days
The Wits table lists public holidays and religious holy days. Wits is closed on public holidays such as Human Rights Day, Good Friday, Heritage Day and the Day of Reconciliation. It will not schedule an examination on a recognised holiday or holy day, so check the list if you observe one.
Online degree intakes
Wits also runs online degrees with six intakes through the year. Intake 1 runs from 11 January to 7 March 2027 and intake 6 runs from 18 October to 12 December 2027. These dates follow their own cycle, so they do not match the campus teaching blocks.
Health Sciences differ
Wits warns that the Faculty of Health Sciences may follow different term dates. If you are applying for medicine or another health programme, check the faculty's own calendar before you plan travel or accommodation.
What the block pattern means for you
Wits teaches in four blocks of roughly six to seven weeks, and each block ends with a break or an examination period. The first three blocks each have between 32 and 34 teaching days, and the fourth has 31. The two examination periods are each about four weeks long, which gives faculties room to schedule papers without clashes. Many students use the winter break to rest and to prepare for the second half, so it is worth planning any holiday work or vacation programme with your funder before June.
How to plan with these dates
Work backwards from 8 February. Register as soon as your faculty opens its window, pay the minimum fee, and arrange residence early. Funders often tie payments to registration, so send them proof of registration promptly. See the Wits how to apply page, the Wits fees page and the Wits bursaries page for the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Wits 2027 academic year start?
Term starts on Monday 8 February 2027, and registration for returning students opens on 4 January.
When do Wits exams run in 2027?
The first examination period is 31 May to 28 June, and the second is 1 to 26 November 2027.
When is the last day of term in 2027?
Friday 26 November 2027.
Do all Wits students follow the same dates?
No. The Faculty of Health Sciences may differ, and online degrees follow their own intake dates.