Academic Calendar

Stanford Academic Calendar 2026–2027: Important Dates

By eriq elikplim
Stanford Academic Calendar.

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The Stanford Academic Calendar 2026–2027 provides essential dates and deadlines for students, including the first and last day of classes, tuition payment due dates, academic holidays, and key enrollment cutoffs for each quarter.

Staying updated with the Stanford University academic calendar is critical for planning your coursework, internships, and graduation timeline.

Stanford operates on a quarter system, not semesters or trimesters, with academic terms beginning in late September, a later start than most U.S. universities.

Each academic year at Stanford is divided into four quarters: fall (Autumn), winter, spring, and summer. Each quarter is approximately 10 weeks, with a shorter summer term of about 8 weeks that still offers full academic credit.

To be considered full-time at Stanford, undergraduates must enroll in a minimum of 12 units per quarter, with most students completing around 180 units over four years to graduate.

This makes Stanford a four-year private university with a rigorous academic load; students often report studying over 40 hours per week.

As of the 2026–27 academic year, Stanford’s undergraduate tuition is approximately $62,000 per year, with the total cost of attendance exceeding $250,000 over four years.

However, Stanford offers generous financial aid packages, and PhD students typically receive full funding and stipends.

Whether you’re reviewing Stanford’s academic calendar for 2026–27 or exploring specific schedules for programs like Stanford Law, this resource will help you stay on track throughout your academic journey.

Stanford Academic Calendar Fall Quarter 2026

Here are important dates and deadlines on the Stanford University academic calendar for Fall 2026.

  1. The textbook adoption deadline for Autumn Quarter is Friday, July 31, 2026.
  2. Axess opens for course enrollment for M.D. and M.S.P.A. students on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
  3. Axess opens for course enrollment for J.D., J.S.M., L.L.M., and J.S.D. students on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
  4. The Stanford Bulletin is published during the week of Monday, August 10, 2026, through Friday, August 14, 2026.
  5. The deadline for departments to update course grading basis, units, and/or components is Friday, August 21, 2026.
  6. M.D. and M.S.P.A. first- and second-year instruction begins on Monday, August 24, 2026.
  7. The M.D. pre-clerkship leave of absence deadline for full refund is Monday, August 24, 2026.
  8. Autumn course planning opens in Axess on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
  9. Law School instruction begins for 1st-year J.D., J.S.M., and L.L.M. students on Monday, August 31, 2026.
  10. Axess opens for undergraduate and graduate course enrollment on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
  11. The application to graduate opens for Autumn Quarter on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
  12. The conferral of degrees for Summer Quarter 2025–2026 takes place on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
  13. M.B.A. first-year instruction begins on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
  14. The at-status enrollment deadline is Friday, September 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  15. New graduate student orientation begins on Monday, September 14, 2026.
  16. The Cardinal Care waiver deadline is Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
  17. New undergraduate students arrive on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
  18. New student orientation and convocation begin on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
  19. Undergraduate housing opens for returning students on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
  20. Yom Kippur, during which there are no classes, takes place on Monday, September 21, 2026.
  21. Stanford Fall 2026 classes start on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. It is the first day of quarter and instruction begins.
  22. The preliminary study list deadline is Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  23. The deadline to submit leave of absence for full refund is Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  24. Law School instruction begins for 2nd- and 3rd-year J.D. and advanced degree students on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
  25. The GSB M.B.A. and MSx course add/drop deadline is Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
  26. The final study list deadline (except GSB M.B.A. and MSx courses) is Friday, October 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  27. The change of grading basis deadline for GSB M.B.A. and MSx courses is Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
  28. The M.D. pre-clerkship term withdrawal deadline is Thursday, October 22, 2026.
  29. Democracy Day, during which there are no classes, takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, according to the Stanford Holiday Calendar 2026-2027.
  30. The term withdrawal deadline is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  31. The application deadline for Autumn Quarter degree conferral is Friday, November 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  32. The change of grading basis deadline (except GSB M.B.A. and MSx courses) is Friday, November 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  33. The course withdrawal deadline (except GSB, Law, and M.D. courses) is Friday, November 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  34. Grade rosters open for Autumn Quarter on Monday, November 16, 2026.
  35. Stanford Thanksgiving Break 2026 takes place from Monday, November 23, 2026, through Friday, November 27, 2026.
  36. The end-quarter period begins on Monday, November 30, 2026.
  37. The last day of Law classes is Monday, November 30, 2026.
  38. Law School reading period takes place from Tuesday, December 1, 2026, through Thursday, December 3, 2026.
  39. The last day of classes (except Law) is Friday, December 4, 2026.
  40. The deadline to arrange an incomplete is Friday, December 4, 2026.
  41. The thesis, D.M.A. final project, or Ph.D. dissertation submission deadline is Friday, December 4, 2026, at noon.
  42. The late application deadline for Autumn Quarter degree conferral is Friday, December 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  43. Law School examinations take place from Friday, December 4, 2026, through Friday, December 11, 2026.
  44. End-quarter examinations take place from Monday, December 7, 2026, through Friday, December 11, 2026.
  45. Undergraduate housing closes for winter break on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at noon.
  46. Grades are due on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
  47. Autumn Quarter Cardinal Care petition deadline is Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
  48. Stanford Winter Break 2026 takes place from Saturday, December 19, 2026, through Saturday, January 3, 2027.
  49. Final recommending lists are due on Monday, January 4, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.
  50. Autumn Quarter degrees are conferred on Thursday, January 7, 2027.

Stanford Academic Calendar Winter Quarter 2027

Here are important dates and deadlines on the Stanford University academic calendar for Winter 2027.

  1. The textbook adoption deadline for Winter Quarter 2027 is Monday, November 9, 2026.
  2. The deadline for departments to update course grading basis, unit, and component configuration for Winter Quarter 2027 courses is Friday, November 20, 2026, at noon.
  3. Winter course planning for undergraduate and graduate students opens in Axess on Tuesday, November 24, 2026.
  4. Axess opens for course enrollment for Winter Quarter 2027 on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
  5. The application to graduate for Winter Quarter 2027 opens on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
  6. The Winter Quarter 2027 Cardinal Care waiver deadline is Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
  7. The at-status enrollment deadline to receive stipend or financial aid refund within the first week of term is Saturday, December 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  8. Undergraduate housing for Winter Quarter 2027 opens on Saturday, January 2, 2027.
  9. Stanford Winter 2027 classes start on Monday, January 4, 2027. It is the first day of Winter Quarter 2027 instruction for all students.
  10. The preliminary study list deadline for Winter Quarter 2027 is Monday, January 4, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.
  11. The deadline to submit a leave of absence for full refund for Winter Quarter 2027 is Monday, January 4, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.
  12. The GSB MBA and MSx course add/drop deadline for Winter Quarter 2027 is Friday, January 8, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
  13. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on Monday, January 18, 2027, and there are no classes.
  14. GSB Monday classes meet on Wednesday, January 20, 2027, for MBA and MSx courses only.
  15. The final study list deadline for Winter Quarter 2027 is Friday, January 22, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.
  16. The change of grading basis deadline for GSB MBA and MSx courses is Friday, January 22, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
  17. Presidents’ Day is observed on Monday, February 15, 2027, and there are no classes, although Law classes do meet.
  18. The term withdrawal deadline for Winter Quarter 2027 is Wednesday, February 17, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.
  19. The application deadline for Winter Quarter 2027 degree conferral is Friday, February 26, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.
  20. The change of grading basis deadline for all courses except GSB MBA and MSx courses is Friday, February 26, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.
  21. The course withdrawal deadline for Winter Quarter 2027 is Friday, February 26, 2027, at 5:00 p.m., excluding GSB, Law, and MD courses.
  22. Grade rosters for Winter Quarter 2027 open on Monday, March 1, 2027.
  23. The last day of Law classes for Winter Quarter 2027 is Monday, March 8, 2027.
  24. The Winter Quarter 2027 end-quarter period takes place from Monday, March 8, 2027, through Sunday, March 14, 2027.
  25. The Law School reading period takes place from Tuesday, March 9, 2027, through Thursday, March 11, 2027.
  26. The last day of Winter Quarter 2027 classes (excluding Law courses) is Friday, March 12, 2027.
  27. The last opportunity to arrange an incomplete in a course is Friday, March 12, 2027, at the end of class.
  28. The deadline to submit theses, dissertations, or final projects for Winter Quarter 2027 is Friday, March 12, 2027, at noon.
  29. The late application deadline for Winter Quarter 2027 degree conferral is Friday, March 12, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.
  30. The Law School examination period for Winter Quarter 2027 takes place from Friday, March 12, 2027, through Friday, March 19, 2027.
  31. The Spring Quarter Cardinal Care waiver deadline is Monday, March 15, 2027.
  32. The Winter Quarter 2027 end-quarter examinations take place from Monday, March 15, 2027, through Friday, March 19, 2027.
  33. Undergraduate housing move-out for students not returning for spring quarter occurs on Saturday, March 20, 2027.
  34. Stanford Spring Break 2027 is from Saturday, March 20, 2027, to Sunday, March 28, 2027.
  35. The UIT extended maintenance window occurs on Sunday, March 21, 2027.
  36. Grades for Winter Quarter 2027 are due on Tuesday, March 23, 2027, at 11:59 p.m.
  37. Final recommending lists for Winter Quarter 2027 are due on Thursday, March 25, 2027, at 5:00 p.m.
  38. Winter Quarter 2027 degree conferral occurs on Thursday, April 1, 2027.
  39. The Winter Quarter 2027 Cardinal Care petition deadline for early cancellation due to degree conferral is Thursday, April 15, 2027.

    Stanford Academic Calendar Spring Quarter 2026

    Here are important dates and deadlines on the Stanford University academic calendar for Spring 2026.

    1. Spring textbook adoption is due Monday, February 2, 2026.
    2. Course configuration updates are due Friday, February 20, 2026.
    3. Spring course planning opens Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
    4. Axess opens for enrollment on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 5:30 PM.
    5. Spring graduation applications open Thursday, March 5, 2026.
    6. Spring Cardinal Care waiver deadline is Sunday, March 15, 2026.
    7. At-status enrollment deadline is Friday, March 20, 2026.
    8. Undergraduate housing move-in is Saturday, March 28, 2026.
    9. Spring instruction begins (non-GSB) Monday, March 30, 2026.
    10. Preliminary Study List and Leave of Absence (full refund) deadlines are Monday, March 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    11. GSB M.B.A./MSx instruction begins Thursday, April 2, 2026.
    12. GSB M.B.A./MSx add/drop deadline is Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
    13. Spring graduation applications are due Friday, April 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    14. The final Study List deadline (non-GSB) and GSB grading basis change are Friday, April 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    15. The term withdrawal deadline (partial refund) is Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    16. UIT maintenance may disrupt systems on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
    17. Non-GSB grading basis and course withdrawal deadlines are Friday, May 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    18. Memorial Day (no classes) is Monday, May 25, 2026.
    19. Spring grade rosters open Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
    20. Law School classes end Friday, May 29, 2026.
    21. The end-quarter Period runs from Friday, May 29, to Thursday, June 4, 2026.
    22. The Law School Reading Period is from Saturday, May 30 to Monday, June 1, 2026, according to the Stanford Law academic calendar.
    23. Law School exams run from Tuesday, June 2, to Sunday, June 7, 2026.
    24. Non-Law classes end Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
    25. No classes on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
    26. Late graduation applications ($50 fee) and thesis/dissertation submissions are due Friday, June 5, 2026 (noon/5:00 PM).
    27. End-Quarter exams run from Friday, June 5, to Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
    28. GSB grades for graduates are due Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at noon.
    29. Graduating student grades are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
    30. Undergraduate housing move-out (non-commencement) is Friday, June 12, 2026.
    31. Baccalaureate/Senior Class Day and graduation ceremonies are Saturday, June 13, 2026.
    32. Stanford University Commencement 2026 is on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
    33. J.D./M.D. degrees post and housing move-out (graduates) is Monday, June 15, 2026.
    34. Final Recommending Lists are due Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at noon.
    35. Non-graduating student grades are due Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
    36. All other degrees post-Thursday, June 18, 2026.

    Stanford Academic Calendar Summer Quarter 2026

    Here are important dates and deadlines on the Stanford University academic calendar for Summer 2026.

    1. Course configuration updates are due Friday, March 27, 2026.
    2. Summer course planning opens Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
    3. Axess opens for enrollment on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM.
    4. Summer textbook adoption is due Monday, April 27, 2026.
    5. Summer graduation applications open on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
    6. At-status enrollment deadline is Friday, June 12, 2026.
    7. Summer Cardinal Care waiver deadline is Monday, June 15, 2026.
    8. Summer instruction begins Monday, June 22, 2026.
    9. Preliminary Study List and Leave of Absence (full refund) deadlines are Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    10. Independence Day (no classes) is Friday, July 3, 2026.
    11. The final Study List deadline is Monday, July 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    12. The term withdrawal deadline (partial refund) is Friday, July 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    13. Grading basis change, course withdrawal, and graduation application deadlines are Friday, July 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    14. Grade rosters open Monday, August 3, 2026.
    15. The end-of-quarter Period runs from Saturday, August 8, to Thursday, August 13, 2026.
    16. Classes end Thursday, August 13, 2026.
    17. End-quarter exams run from Friday, August 14, to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
    18. Grades are due Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
    19. Thesis/dissertation submissions are due Friday, August 28, 2026, at noon.
    20. Late graduation applications ($50 fee) are due Friday, August 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    21. Final Recommending Lists are due Friday, September 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
    22. Summer degrees are conferred on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

    For more on the Stanford Academic Calendar 2026-2027, visit the Stanford University Calendar website.

    eriq elikplim
    eriq elikplimhttps://acadcalendar.com
    Eric Elikplim is the lead editor of AcadCalendar.com. Eriq draws on 10 years of experience in edtech and project management. He has collaborated directly with multiple universities, establishing processes to cross-check term dates, registration deadlines, and exam schedules. Beyond calendar data, Eriq contributes thought leadership on academic productivity: he has authored articles on semester planning, and consulted with student organizations to refine reminder features and user experience.

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