The UGA academic calendar 2026-2027 provides all the essential dates you need to know. The UGA academic calendar follows a traditional semester system with fifteen-week terms for fall and spring, plus flexible summer sessions including the popular Maymester.
Understanding these UGA academic calendar key dates is crucial for course registration deadlines, enrollment verification, and maintaining your University of Georgia academic timeline.
Table of Contents
UGA Academic Calendar Fall 2026
UGA semester length: Based on 55-minute classes (MWF), 80-minute classes (TTH), 15 weeks of classes + Exams.
The fall semester starts in mid-August, marking the beginning of the traditional fifteen-week term.
The fall semester includes important breaks like Labor Day and Fall Break, plus the traditional Thanksgiving holiday period before final examinations and December commencement.
- UGA Fall 2026 classes start on Monday, August 17, 2026. It is the first day of classes.
- Drop/Add for undergraduate and graduate level courses takes place from Monday, August 17, 2026, through Friday, August 21, 2026.
- The Labor Day holiday, during which there are no classes, takes place on Monday, September 7, 2026.
- Midterm takes place on Monday, October 5, 2026, according to the UGA Academic Calendar 2026-2027.
- UGA Fall Break 2026, during which there are no classes, takes place on Friday, October 30, 2026.
- The withdrawal deadline is Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
- The last day of classes prior to Thanksgiving Break is Friday, November 20, 2026.
- UGA Thanksgiving Break 2026 is from Monday, November 23, 2026, through Friday, November 27, 2026. Classes resume on Monday, November 30, 2026.
- The WF and Friday-only class schedule, which does not include MWF classes, is in effect on Tuesday, December 1, 2026.
- Classes end on Tuesday, December 1, 2026.
- Reading Day takes place on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
- Final exams take place from Thursday, December 3, 2026, through Wednesday, December 9, 2026.
- Commencement takes place on Friday, December 11, 2026.
- Grades are due at noon on Monday, December 14, 2026.
UGA Academic Calendar Spring 2027
How long is a semester at UGA: Based on 55-minute classes (MWF), 80-minute classes (MW, WF, TR), 15 weeks of classes + Exams.
The spring 2027 semester continues the fifteen-week term format with slightly longer class periods to accommodate the academic calendar.
- UGA Spring 2027 classes start on Monday, January 11, 2027.
- Drop/Add for undergraduate and graduate level courses takes place from Monday, January 11, 2027, through Friday, January 15, 2027.
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday takes place on Monday, January 18, 2027.
- Midterm takes place on Monday, March 1, 2027. The last day of classes prior to Spring Break is Friday, March 5, 2027.
- UGA Spring Break 2027 is from Monday, March 8, 2027, through Friday, March 12, 2027. Classes resume on Monday, March 15, 2027.
- The withdrawal deadline is Wednesday, April 7, 2027.
- The MW and Monday-only class schedule, which does not include MWF classes, is in effect on Monday, April 26, 2027.
- Spring 2027 classes end on Monday, April 26, 2027, according to the UGA Academic Calendar 2026-2027.
- Reading Day takes place on Tuesday, April 27, 2027.
- Final exams take place from Wednesday, April 28, 2027, through Tuesday, May 4, 2027.
- Graduate commencement takes place on Thursday, May 6, 2027.
- Undergraduate commencement takes place on Friday, May 7, 2027.
- Grades are due at noon on Monday, May 10, 2027.
UGA Academic Calendar Summer 2026
The UGA summer session credits system offers flexible academic options through multiple session formats.
The UGA summer eleven-week session provides full-semester equivalent coursework, while the popular UGA summer session Maymester offers intensive three-week courses.
These accelerated programs are perfect for students looking to advance their degree progress, make up credits, or explore new subjects.
Summer sessions also affect UGA tuition per credit hour calculations and may impact UGA housing residency requirements for students planning to stay on campus during the summer months.
- Classes begin for the May Session on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
- The drop/add period is available for May Session students from Tuesday, May 12, to Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
- The drop/add period is available for Extended Summer Session students from Tuesday, May 12, to Monday, May 18, 2026.
- Midterm examinations are scheduled for the May Session, and the withdrawal deadline occurs for the Extended Summer Session on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
- The withdrawal deadline occurs for May Session students on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, according to the UGA Academic Calendar.
- Classes end for the May Session on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
- Final examinations are conducted for the May Session on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
- Classes begin for Short Session I and Thru Term on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
- The drop/add period is available for Short Session I students from Thursday, June 4, to Friday, June 5, 2026.
- Drop/add period is available for Thru Term students from Thursday, June 4, to Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
- Midterm examinations are scheduled for Short Session I on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
- The withdrawal deadline occurs for Short Session I students on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
- Midterm examinations are scheduled for the Extended Summer Session on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
- Midterm examinations are scheduled for the Thru Term, and classes end for Short Session I on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
- Final examinations are conducted for Short Session I on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
- Independence Day Observance is held with no classes on Friday, July 3, 2026.
- Grades are due for Short Session I, and classes begin for Short Session II on Monday, July 6, 2026.
- The drop/add period is available for Short Session II students from Monday, July 6, to Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
- Midterm examinations are scheduled for Short Session II on Friday, July 17, 2026.
- The withdrawal deadline occurs for Short Session II students on Thursday, July 23, 2026, according to the UGA Academic Calendar.
- Classes end for the Extended Summer Session and Thru Term on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
- Classes end for Short Session II on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
- Final examinations are conducted for the Extended Summer Session and Thru Term from Thursday, July 30, to Friday, July 31, 2026.
- Final examinations are conducted for Short Session II on Friday, July 31, 2026.
- The date of Conferral of Degrees occurs for all summer sessions on Monday, August 3, 2026.
- Grades are due for all summer sessions on Monday, August 3, 2026, at noon, according to the UGA Academic Calendar 2025-2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About the UGA Academic Calendar 2026-2027
What day do classes start for UGA?
For the Fall semester 2026, classes begin on Monday, August 17, 2026. The UGA Fall 2026 classes’ start date follows the traditional mid-August schedule, allowing students to settle in before the academic year begins.
How long is a semester at UGA?
The UGA semester length consists of approximately fifteen weeks each for both fall and spring semesters. The fall semester runs from mid-August to mid-December, while the spring semester extends from early January to early May. This UGA fifteen-week semester system provides comprehensive time for in-depth learning and academic engagement.
Does UGA have quarters or semesters?
UGA operates on a semester system rather than quarters. The University System of Georgia switched from quarters to semesters in 1999, aligning with most U.S. universities. This UGA semester vs quarter system provides longer, more intensive academic periods compared to the quarter system.
How many hours is a full-time student at UGA?
For UGA full-time credit hours, undergraduate students must carry at least 12 credit hours per term during fall or spring semesters. Graduate students have different requirements and must carry at least 9 credit hours per term to maintain full-time enrollment status.
Can I take a semester off at UGA?
Yes, UGA allows students to take breaks under its leave-of-absence policy. If you plan to attend another institution and transfer credits, you should follow the UGA transient student procedures. Before taking a UGA take semester off, consult with Financial Aid, Housing, and your academic advisor to understand the implications and requirements for returning.
What is reading day at UGA?
UGA reading day is the designated study day that occurs before final examinations begin in each term. This UGA exam study day provides students with dedicated time to prepare for finals without scheduled classes. The UGA reading day before finals is clearly marked on each semester’s academic calendar.
How many hours can you take at UGA?
Undergraduate students can typically enroll in up to 18 credit hours per semester without special permission. Exceeding this limit usually requires approval from your academic advisor and dean. This UGA course overload approval process ensures students can handle the additional academic workload.
How to get proof of enrollment at UGA?
UGA enrollment verification can be obtained through the Registrar’s office or online through the student portal. Students can request an official UGA enrollment certificate for employers, scholarship purposes, or other verification needs through the Registrar’s services.
How much is UGA tuition per credit hour?
UGA tuition per credit hour varies based on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and specific program requirements. Students should refer to the UGA Bursar’s Office website for current tuition rates and fee schedules for their specific term and program.
How many summer classes can you take at UGA?
Students may enroll in multiple UGA summer session credits across different sessions, including Maymester, Summer I, and Summer II. The UGA summer session credit limit typically allows up to 9-12 credits total across all summer sessions, though specific limits depend on session length and course load policies.
For more on the UGA Academic Calendar 2026-2027 PDF, visit the University of Georgia Registrar’s Website. It is the same schedule for the University of Georgia, Athens, academic calendar.
