For domestic students, start your study journey here.
Academic calendar 2025 for international students
Our academic year is divided into two semesters made up of four terms, with breaks in between.
English language course sessions start every five weeks.
Certificate and diploma courses
| Semester 1 (February Intake) | Dates (2025) | Semester 2 (July intake) | Dates (2025) |
| Term 1 | 3 Feb - 13 Apr | Term 3 | 21 Jul - 28 Sep |
| Autumn vacation | 14 Apr - 27 Apr |
Spring vacation | 29 Sep - 12 Oct |
| Term 2 (April* intake) | 28 Apr - 22 Jun |
Term 4 (September intake) | 13 Oct - 7 Dec |
| Winter vacation | 7 Jul - 20 Jul |
Summer vacation | 8 Dec -TBA |
*Only available for some courses.
Degree courses
| Semester 1 (February Intake) | Dates (2025) |
Semester 2 (July Intake) | Dates (2025) |
| Term 1 | 3 Feb - 11 Apr |
Term 3 | 21 Jul - 26 Sep |
| Autumn vacation | 14 Apr - 25 Apr |
Spring vacation | 29 Sep - 10 Oct |
| Term 2 | 28 Apr - 20 Jun |
Term 4 | 13 Oct - 28 Nov |
| Winter vacation | 23 Jun - 18 Jul |
Summer vacation | 1 Dec - TBA |
Higher Education census dates
The census date is the last day you can make important changes to your study, without financial penalty. There are different census dates for each teaching period. These are your deadlines to:
- Drop a subject: If you're not enjoying and engaging with a subject, or if the study load is too much, it’s important to complete the Withdrawal Interruption Application form by the census date to avoid your grades being affected.
- Leave your course: If you feel that this course is not for you and want to withdraw, please complete the Withdrawal Interruption Application form by the census date to avoid paying for more classes.
- Take a break and defer from your studies: You can ask for a break from your studies by requesting to interrupt/suspend your studies for a period, without any financial consequences. This won't show up on your academic record.
- Enrol in a subject: It's also the last day you can officially sign up for a subject for the current semester.
Semester 1 - 12 March 2025
Semester 2 - 27 August 2025
English language courses
New students can start on Monday of any week. However, at some English Language Centres on TAFE NSW campuses, sessions start every five weeks.
Please speak with the English Language Centre at your chosen study location to find out the best study plan and starting date that suits you.
| Session | Dates (2024) | Dates (2025) |
|
| Session 1 | 2 Jan - 2 Feb | 6 Jan - 7 Feb | |
| Session 2 | 5 Feb - 8 Mar | 10 Feb - 14 Mar | |
| Session 3 | 11 Mar - 12 Apr | 17 Mar - 18 Apr | |
| Session 4 | 15 Apr - 17 May | 21 Apr - 23 May | |
| Session 5 | 20 May - 21 Jun | 26 May - 27 Jun | |
|
Session 6 |
24 Jun - 26 Jul | 30 Jun - 1 Aug | |
| Session 7 | 29 Jul - 30 Aug | 4 Aug - 5 Sep |
|
| Session 8 | 2 Sep - 4 Oct | 8 Sep - 10 Oct |
|
| Session 9 | 7 Oct - 8 Nov | 13 Oct - 14 Nov |
|
| Session 10 | 11 Nov - 13 Dec | 17 Nov - 19 Dec | |
We’re here to help
At TAFE NSW we ensure every international student has the support of an International Customer Experience Coordinator. They can assist you in accessing the right support services.
You can also check out our international student frequently asked questions.