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

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

  1. The textbook adoption deadline for Spring Quarter is Monday, February 1, 2027.
  2. The deadline for departments to update the course grading basis, unit, and/or component configuration for Spring classes is Friday, February 19, 2027.
  3. Spring course planning opens in Axess for undergraduate and graduate students on Tuesday, February 23, 2027.
  4. Axess opens for course enrollment at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2027.
  5. The application to graduate for Spring Quarter opens on Wednesday, March 3, 2027.
  6. The Spring Quarter Cardinal Care Waiver Deadline is Monday, March 15, 2027.
  7. The at-status enrollment deadline to receive a stipend or financial aid refund during the first week of the term is Friday, March 19, 2027.
  8. Undergraduate housing move-in for Spring Quarter is Saturday, March 27, 2027.
  9. The first day of the Spring 2027 Quarter and the first day of classes for all students, except M.B.A. and MSx courses, is Monday, March 29, 2027.
  10. The Preliminary Study List Deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2027.
  11. The deadline to submit a Leave of Absence for a full refund is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2027.
  12. Instruction for Graduate School of Business (M.B.A. and MSx) courses begins on Thursday, April 1, 2027.
  13. The GSB M.B.A. and MSx course add/drop deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2027.
  14. The application deadline for Spring Quarter degree conferral is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2027.
  15. The Final Study List Deadline, the last day to add or drop a class, the last day to adjust units on a variable-unit course, and the last day for tuition reassessment for dropped courses or units is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 16, 2027.
  16. The change of grading basis deadline for GSB M.B.A. and MSx courses is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 16, 2027.
  17. The term withdrawal deadline and the last day to submit a Leave of Absence for a partial refund is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2027.
  18. The UIT Extended Maintenance Window takes place on Sunday, May 16, 2027.
  19. The change of grading basis deadline, except for GSB M.B.A. and MSx courses, is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2027.
  20. The course withdrawal deadline, except for GSB, Law, and M.D. courses, is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2027.
  21. Grade rosters open for the Spring Quarter on Tuesday, May 25, 2027.
  22. The last day of Law classes is Friday, May 28, 2027.
  23. The late application deadline for Spring Quarter degree conferral, with a $50 fee, is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 28, 2027.
  24. The End-Quarter Period takes place from Friday, May 28, 2027, through Thursday, June 3, 2027.
  25. The Law School Reading Period takes place from Saturday, May 29, 2027, through Monday, May 31, 2027.
  26. Monday, May 31, 2027, is Memorial Day, and no classes are held.
  27. The Law School examination period takes place from Tuesday, June 1, 2027, through Saturday, June 5, 2027.
  28. The last day of classes is Wednesday, June 2, 2027.
  29. The last opportunity to arrange an Incomplete in a course is Wednesday, June 2, 2027.
  30. GSB Monday classes meet on Wednesday, June 2, 2027, for M.B.A. and MSx courses only.
  31. Thursday, June 3, 2027, is the day before finals, and no classes are held.
  32. The last day to submit a University thesis, D.M.A. final project, or Ph.D. dissertation is 12:00 noon on Friday, June 4, 2027.
  33. The End-Quarter examination period takes place from Friday, June 4, 2027, through Wednesday, June 9, 2027.
  34. GSB grades for graduating students are due by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 9, 2027.
  35. Grades for graduating students are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2027.
  36. Undergraduate housing move-out for students not participating in Commencement is Friday, June 11, 2027.
  37. Baccalaureate Saturday takes place on Saturday, June 12, 2027.
  38. Senior Class Day takes place on Saturday, June 12, 2027.
  39. The Law School Graduation Ceremony takes place on Saturday, June 12, 2027.
  40. The Graduate School of Business Graduation Ceremony takes place on Saturday, June 12, 2027.
  41. The School of Medicine Graduation Ceremony takes place on Saturday, June 12, 2027.
  42. Commencement takes place on Sunday, June 13, 2027.
  43. The posting of J.D. and M.D. degrees takes place on Monday, June 14, 2027.
  44. Undergraduate housing move-out for graduates and approved Commencement participants is on Monday, June 14, 2027.
  45. Final Recommending Lists are due by 12:00 noon on Tuesday, June 15, 2027.
  46. Grades for non-graduating students are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2027.
  47. The Spring Quarter Cardinal Care Petition for Early Cancellation due to Degree Conferral deadline is Tuesday, June 15, 2027.
  48. The posting of degrees takes place on Thursday, June 17, 2027.

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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