This Oxford Term Dates 2025-2026 guide covers everything you need to know about the University of Oxford’s distinctive three-term system, including official dates, college variations, and practical planning tips for the 2025-26 academic year.
Oxford’s year is divided into three terms and three vacations. Within each term, a ‘Full Term’ of eight weeks is the main teaching period.
Unlike most universities that follow a semester system, Oxford maintains its centuries-old tradition of three distinct terms with evocative names rooted in British history and the religious calendar.
Oxford’s academic structure differs significantly from traditional semester systems:
- Three Terms Instead of Two Semesters: Each term runs approximately 8-10 weeks
- Intensive Teaching Periods: The core 8-week “Full Term” period contains concentrated academic activity
- Extended Vacation Periods: Longer breaks between terms for independent study and research
- Historic Term Names: Michaelmas (autumn), Hilary (winter), and Trinity (spring) terms
Table of Contents
Official Oxford Term Dates 2025-26
Full Term Dates (Core Teaching Period)
| Term | Full Term Start | Full Term End | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michaelmas 2025 | Sunday, October 12, 2025 | Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 8 weeks |
| Hilary 2026 | Sunday, January 18, 2026 | Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 8 weeks |
| Trinity 2026 | Sunday, April 26, 2026 | Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 8 weeks |
Extended Term Boundaries (Administrative Dates)
| Term | Term Start | Term End | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michaelmas 2025 | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 11 weeks |
| Hilary 2026 | Wednesday, January 7, 2026 | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 11 weeks |
| Trinity 2026 | Monday, April 20, 2026 | Monday, July 6, 2026 | 11 weeks |
Academic Year Overview 2025-26
Total Teaching Weeks: 24 weeks (8 weeks per term) Total Academic Weeks: 33 weeks (including extended term periods) Vacation Weeks: 19 weeks total
- Christmas Vacation: 3 weeks
- Easter Vacation: 5 weeks
- Long Vacation: 11 weeks
Understanding Full Term vs Extended Term Boundaries
Full Term: The Academic Core
Full Term represents the intensive 8-week teaching period when:
- Lectures and seminars are scheduled
- Tutorials take place
- Most assessments and examinations occur
- College formal dinners and academic events happen
- Library and facility hours are at their fullest
Extended Term: Administrative Framework
The broader term boundaries serve administrative purposes:
- Department deadline scheduling
- Staff planning and preparation
- Graduate student research periods
- International student orientation programs
Term-by-Term Breakdown: What to Expect
Michaelmas Term 2025 (Autumn Term)
Key Dates: Sunday, October 12 – Saturday, December 6, 2025
Academic Focus:
- New student matriculation ceremonies
- Freshers’ week activities and orientation
- Beginning of lecture series and tutorial cycles
- College formal halls commence
- Preliminary examinations for some courses
Weather & Atmosphere:
- Crisp autumn weather with changing leaves
- Traditional Oxford atmosphere at its peak
- Busy tourist season continues through October
- Earlier sunsets and cozy college common rooms
Hilary Term 2026 (Winter/Spring Term)
Key Dates: Sunday, January 18 – Saturday, March 14, 2026
Academic Focus:
- Continuation of annual lecture courses
- Collections (internal college examinations)
- Graduate application deadlines
- Research project intensification
- Some final examinations for graduating students
Weather & Atmosphere:
- Cold winter weather transitioning to early spring
- Fewer tourists, more focused academic environment
- Shorter daylight hours are gradually increasing
- Traditional Oxford traditions like Torpids rowing races
Trinity Term 2026 (Spring/Summer Term)
Key Dates: Sunday, April 26 – Saturday, June 20, 2026
Academic Focus:
- Final examination period
- Dissertation submission deadlines
- Graduation preparations
- Summer Schools planning
- End-of-year college events
Weather & Atmosphere:
- Pleasant spring weather with blooming gardens
- Peak examination stress period
- Beautiful college grounds in full bloom
- Encaenia ceremony (graduation) planning
College-Specific Variations and Important Considerations
Move-in and Accommodation Dates
Each of Oxford’s 39 colleges sets its own:
Typical Move-in Patterns:
- Freshers: Usually 2-3 days before Full Term starts
- Returning Students: Weekend before Full Term begins
- Graduate Students: Flexible arrangements often available
- Visiting Students: Program-specific dates
College Services During Terms
| Service Type | Full Term | Vacation Period |
|---|---|---|
| Dining Halls | Full service, formal halls | Limited service |
| Libraries | Extended hours | Reduced hours |
| Porters’ Lodge | 24/7 service | Standard hours |
| Accommodation | Full occupancy | Vacation lettings |
| Tutorial System | Active | Suspended |
Special Academic Programs and Extended Oxford University Term Dates
Clinical Medicine Students
Medical students follow extended terms due to clinical rotations:
First Clinical Year 2025-26:
- Michaelmas: Monday, September 8, 2025 – Friday, December 19, 2025
- Hilary: Monday, January 5, 2026 – Friday, April 10, 2026
- Trinity: Tuesday, April 20, 2026 – Friday, July 3, 2026
Chemistry Part II Students
Extended Term Schedule 2025-26:
- Michaelmas: Thursday, September 25, 2025 – Friday, December 19, 2025
- Hilary: Monday, January 5, 2026 – Thursday, April 2, 2026
- Trinity: Monday, April 13, 2026 – Saturday, July 4, 2026
MBA and Executive Programs
Business school programs follow modified schedules:
- Earlier start dates in late September
- Intensive module delivery
- Summer project periods
- International residencies
Visiting Students and Study Abroad Programs
Oxford Study Abroad Programme (OSAP)
Program Options:
- Full Year: September 2025 – June 2026
- Michaelmas Term Only: September – December 2025
- Hilary & Trinity: January – June 2026
- Trinity Term Only: April – June 2026
Key Dates for International Students:
- Visa Applications: 3-4 months before term start
- Orientation Week: Week before Full Term
- College Assignment: 6-8 weeks before arrival
- Academic Registration: During orientation week
Visiting Research Students
Postgraduate researchers often follow flexible schedules:
- Minimum one-term residency requirements
- Year-round laboratory access
- Conference and fieldwork accommodations
- Extended library privileges
Practical Planning Guide for Students and Families
Transportation and Travel Planning
Peak Travel Periods to Avoid:
- First week of Michaelmas Term (October 12-19, 2025)
- Last week of Trinity Term (June 14-20, 2026)
- Christmas vacation travel (December 17-January 7)
Best Booking Times:
- International Flights: 3-4 months in advance
- UK Domestic Travel: 6-8 weeks ahead
- Accommodation: As early as possible for term time
Budget Planning by Term
| Expense Category | Per Term (8 weeks) | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £2,500-4,000 | £7,500-12,000 |
| Meals | £800-1,200 | £2,400-3,600 |
| Books/Materials | £200-400 | £600-1,200 |
| Social Activities | £300-600 | £900-1,800 |
| Travel/Transport | £150-300 | £450-900 |
Academic Planning Timeline
6 Months Before Term:
- Confirm college accommodation
- Apply for necessary visas
- Research course requirements
- Book international travel
3 Months Before:
- Finalize UK accommodation
- Complete course registration
- Arrange banking and insurance
- Connect with college contacts
1 Month Before:
- Confirm arrival logistics
- Purchase required textbooks
- Join college social media groups
- Plan the orientation week schedule
1 Week Before:
- Arrive and collect keys
- Attend college orientation
- Set up academic accounts
- Begin tutorial preparations
Important Academic Deadlines and Milestones
Application Deadlines
| Program Type | Application Deadline | Decision Date |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | October 15, 2025 | January 2026 |
| Graduate | January 4, 2026 | March-May 2026 |
| Visiting Students | March 1, 2026 | April-May 2026 |
Examination Periods
Collections (Internal Exams):
- Typically, during weeks 0-1 of each term
- College-specific scheduling
- Preparation during vacation periods
University Examinations:
- Primarily during Trinity Term
- Scheduled in examination schools
- Results released in July
Dissertation Deadlines:
- Most courses: Trinity Term weeks 6-8
- Some departments: earlier submission dates
- Electronic and hard copy submissions
Cultural Events and Oxford Traditions by Term
Michaelmas Term Highlights
October 2025:
- Matriculation ceremonies
- Freshers’ Fair and society recruitment
- First formal halls of the year
- Autumn college garden parties
November 2025:
- Guy Fawkes celebrations
- Interfaculty sports competitions
- Academic society events
- College guest nights
Hilary Term Highlights
February 2026:
- Torpids rowing races
- Valentine’s balls and formal events
- Academic conferences and symposiums
- Winter sports and outdoor activities
March 2026:
- Collections, results, and academic reviews
- Spring term formal halls
- Career fairs and networking events
- Easter vacation planning
Trinity Term Highlights
May 2026:
- May Morning celebrations (May 1st)
- Summer Eights rowing races
- College garden parties and outdoor events
- Examination periods begin
June 2026:
- Encaenia ceremony (June 24, 2026)
- Graduation celebrations
- Summer balls and formal events
- Final examinations complete
Technology and Digital Resources
Essential Apps and Websites
Official University Resources:
- Oxford Student Information System
- University Card Services
- Library catalog and digital resources
- Examination timetables online
College-Specific Platforms:
- College intranets and student portals
- Accommodation booking systems
- Dining hall booking platforms
- Event calendars and announcements
Digital Calendar Integration
Adding Oxford Terms to Your Calendar:
- Download official .ics files from the Oxford University website
- Import into Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar
- Set up term-specific reminders and notifications
- Share with family and friends for coordination
Health, Wellbeing, and Support Services
Term-Time Support Available
Academic Support:
- Tutorial system for personalized guidance
- Study skills workshops
- Writing and research support centers
- Peer mentoring programs
Wellbeing Services:
- College welfare teams
- University counseling service
- Mental health first aid volunteers
- 24/7 support hotlines
Practical Support:
- International student advisors
- Disability and accessibility services
- Financial aid and hardship funds
- Career guidance and placement services
Oxford Term Dates FAQs
When do Oxford terms start and end in 2025-26?
The University’s fixed dates show Michaelmas Term running from Sunday, October 12, 2025, to Saturday, December 6, 2025; Hilary Term from Sunday, January 18, 2026, to Saturday, March 14, 2026; and Trinity Term from Sunday, April 26, 2026, to Saturday, June 20, 2026.
What is “Full Term” and why is it important?
Full Term refers to the 8-week intensive teaching period within each term when lectures, tutorials, and formal academic activities occur. This is distinct from the broader term boundaries used for administrative purposes.
Do all Oxford colleges follow the same term dates?
While colleges follow the University’s official term dates for academic purposes, they often have variations for accommodation, move-in dates, and college-specific events. Always check your specific college’s calendar.
Can I visit Oxford during term time as a tourist?
Yes, but expect busier streets, limited access to college during teaching hours, and higher accommodation costs. Vacation periods offer better access to college tours and fewer crowds.
How do Oxford terms compare to other UK universities?
Oxford’s three-term system is unique among major UK universities. Most follow a two-semester system with terms starting in September and January. Oxford’s terms are also shorter but more intensive.
What happens during vacation periods?
Vacations are not purely holidays – they’re intended for independent study, essay writing, reading, and research. Many students remain academically active during these periods.
Planning Resources and Official Links
Essential University Resources
- Official Dates of Term: University of Oxford Registrar
- College Calendars: Individual college websites
- Academic Regulations: University examination regulations
- Student Handbooks: Course-specific guidance documents
Financial Planning Resources
- Scholarship Databases: Oxford funding opportunities
- Cost of Living Calculators: Student finance planning tools
- Banking Services: International student banking options
- Insurance Providers: Student-specific coverage options
Emergency Contacts and Support
During Term Time:
- College Porter’s Lodge: 24/7 first point of contact
- University Security: Emergency response
- NHS Services: Medical emergencies
- Student Welfare: Mental health support
Pre-Arrival Support:
- International Student Office
- College Admissions Offices
- Visa and Immigration Services
- Pre-arrival online communities
Making the Most of Oxford’s Academic Year
Oxford’s distinctive three-term system provides an intensive and immersive academic experience unlike any other university.
The combination of short, focused terms with extended vacation periods for independent study creates a unique rhythm that has produced centuries of academic excellence.
Whether you’re a prospective student planning your application timeline, a current student organizing your year, or a family member supporting an Oxford student, understanding these term dates and their implications is crucial for success.
Key Takeaways:
- Mark the Full Term dates (8 weeks each) as your core academic periods
- Plan travel and accommodation around peak student movement times
- Check your specific college calendar for variations and additional events
- Use vacation periods strategically for academic work and personal development
- Take advantage of Oxford’s rich calendar of cultural events and traditions
Next Steps:
- Save these dates to your digital calendar
- Visit your college’s website for specific variations
- Join college and university social media groups for updates
- Connect with current students or alumni for insider tips
- Begin planning your academic and social year around this framework
The academic year 2025-26 promises to be another remarkable chapter in Oxford’s nearly 1000-year history of education.
Whether you’re walking the cobblestones for the first time or returning to familiar college walls, these term dates provide the framework for what could be a transformative year of learning, growth, and discovery.
For the most up-to-date information and any changes to these dates, always consult the official University of Oxford website and your specific college announcements.
