Stanford Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Stanford Academic Calendar 2026-2027: Stanford Spring Break 2026
The Stanford Academic Calendar 2026-2027 is a reliable guide for the public, prospective students, and current students to stay informed about important dates and deadlines throughout the academic year. It highlights enrollment dates, course registration periods, and other key academic milestones. The calendar also includes holiday breaks, law school schedules, and the Graduate School of Business deadlines, ensuring that students from different academic paths can keep track of the events and requirements that apply to them. By reviewing the calendar, students can plan and avoid missing any crucial steps in their academic journey.
Stanford University follows the quarter system, which is an alternative to the semester and trimester systems used at many other institutions. The quarter system divides the academic year into four equal terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Each quarter generally lasts about 10 weeks of instruction, with final exams included in that period. This structure gives students multiple opportunities to begin classes, adjust their schedules, and take advantage of a wide range of course offerings throughout the year.
The 2026-2027 Stanford University Academic Calendar is more than just a list of dates, it is a planning tool that helps students balance their academic responsibilities with personal and professional goals. By checking the calendar regularly, students can stay organised, meet deadlines with confidence, and make the most of the unique learning opportunities that Stanford offers each quarter.
READ ALSO: OSU Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Stanford University Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Autumn Quarter 2026
- July 31, 2026 (Friday): Textbook adoption deadline.
- August 10, 2026 (Monday, 6:00 p.m.): Enrollment opens for M.D. and M.S.P.A. students.
- August 10, 2026 (Monday, 6:00 p.m.): Enrollment opens for J.D., J.S.M., L.L.M., and J.S.D. students.
- Week of August 19–25, 2026 (Wednesday–Tuesday): Academic Bulletin published with degree requirements and course offerings for the year.
- August 21, 2026 (Friday): Final day for departments to update course grading basis, units, or components.
August 24, 2026 (Monday):
- First day of instruction for M.D. and M.S.P.A. first- and second-year students.
- Leave of Absence deadline for M.D. pre-clerkship students for full refund.
- August 25, 2026 (Tuesday): Course planning opens for undergraduate and graduate students.
- September 1, 2026 (Tuesday): Law School instruction begins for 1st-year J.D., J.S.M., and L.L.M. students.
- September 3, 2026 (Thursday, 6:00 p.m.): Enrollment opens for undergraduates and graduate students.
- September 3, 2026 (Thursday): Application to Graduate opens.
- September 10, 2026 (Thursday): Degrees conferred for Summer Quarter.
- September 10, 2026 (Thursday): First-year M.B.A. instruction begins.
- September 11, 2026 (Friday, 5:00 p.m.): Enrollment deadline to qualify for stipend or financial aid refund.
- September 13, 2026 (Sunday): New Graduate Student Orientation begins.
- September 14, 2026 (Monday): Deadline to waive Cardinal Care.
- September 15, 2026 (Tuesday): New undergraduates arrive; New Student Orientation and Convocation.
- September 17, 2026 (Thursday): Undergraduate housing opens for returning students.
September 21, 2026 (Monday):
- First day of the quarter; instruction begins.
- Preliminary Study List deadline (5:00 p.m.); students must be “at status.”
- Leave of Absence deadline for full tuition refund.
- Law School instruction begins for 2nd/3rd-year J.D. and advanced degree students.
- September 25, 2026 (Friday): Add/drop deadline for GSB M.B.A. and MSx courses.
- October 9, 2026 (Friday): GSB Centennial Celebration.
- October 9, 2026 (Friday, 5:00 p.m.): Final Study List deadline (except GSB). Last day to add/drop, adjust variable units, or receive tuition reassessment.
- October 13, 2026 (Tuesday): Grading basis change deadline for GSB M.B.A. and MSx courses.
- October 22, 2026 (Thursday): Term withdrawal deadline for M.D. pre-clerkship students (partial refund).
- November 2, 2026 (Monday, 5:00 p.m.): Term withdrawal deadline (partial refund).
- November 3, 2026 (Tuesday): Democracy Day (no classes).
November 13, 2026 (Friday, 5:00 p.m.):
- Last day to change grading basis (except GSB).
- Course withdrawal deadline (except GSB, Law, M.D.).
- Application deadline for Autumn degree conferral.
- November 16, 2026 (Monday): Grade rosters open.
- November 20, 2026 (Friday): Last day of Law School classes.
- November 22, 2026 (Sunday): Extended Maintenance Window – systems may be unavailable.
- November 23–27, 2026 (Monday–Friday): Thanksgiving Recess (no classes).
- November 28–December 3, 2026 (Saturday–Thursday): Law School Reading Period.
- November 30–December 6, 2026 (Monday–Sunday): End-Quarter Period.
December 4, 2026 (Friday):
- Last day of classes (unless Saturday classes), except Law.
- Last chance to arrange an Incomplete.
- Deadline for thesis, D.M.A. project, or Ph.D. dissertation submission (noon).
- Late degree conferral application deadline with $50 fee (5:00 p.m.).
- December 4–11, 2026 (Friday–Friday): Law School examinations.
- December 7–11, 2026 (Monday–Friday): End-Quarter examinations.
- December 12, 2026 (Saturday, noon): Undergraduate housing closes for Winter Break.
- December 14, 2026 (Monday): Deadline for Cardinal Care Petition for Early Cancellation due to Degree Conferral.
- December 15, 2026 (Tuesday, 11:59 p.m.): Final grades due.
- December 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (Saturday–Sunday): Winter Closure.
- January 4, 2027 (Monday, 5:00 p.m.): Final Recommending Lists due.
- January 7, 2027 (Thursday): Degrees conferred for Autumn Quarter.
READ ALSO: Drexel Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Winter Quarter 2026
- November 10 (Mon): Textbook Adoption deadline; see University Bookstore website.
- November 21 (Fri, noon): Deadline for departments to update course grading basis, unit, and/or component configuration.
- November 25 (Tue): Winter course planning opens in Axess for undergraduates and graduates.
- December 4 (Thu, 5:30 p.m.): Axess opens for course enrollment. See Enrollment Groups for details.
- December 4 (Thu): Application to Graduate opens for Winter.
- December 15 (Mon): Cardinal Care Waiver deadline; see Cardinal Care website.
- December 26 (Fri, 5 p.m.): At-status enrollment deadline for stipend or financial aid refund within the first week.
- January 3 (Sat): Undergraduate housing opens; see Residential & Dining Enterprises Calendar.
- January 5 (Mon): First day of quarter; instruction begins.
January 5 (Mon, 5 p.m.):
- Preliminary Study List deadline. Students must be “at status.”
- Deadline to submit Leave of Absence for full refund (see Tuition and Refund Schedule).
- January 9 (Fri): GSB M.B.A. and MSx course add/drop deadline.
- January 19 (Mon): Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (holiday, no classes).
January 23 (Fri, 5 p.m.):
- Final Study List deadline (except GSB M.B.A. and MSx).
- Final day to add/drop a class or adjust variable-unit courses.
- Last day for tuition reassessment.
- January 23 (Fri): Change of grading basis deadline for GSB M.B.A. and MSx courses.
- February 16 (Mon): Presidents’ Day (holiday, no classes; Law holds classes).
- February 17 (Tue): GSB Monday classes meet (M.B.A. and MSx only).
- February 18 (Wed, 5 p.m.): Term withdrawal deadline; last day to submit Leave of Absence with partial refund.
February 27 (Fri, 5 p.m.):
- Application deadline for Winter degree conferral.
- Change of grading basis deadline (except GSB M.B.A. and MSx).
- Course withdrawal deadline (except GSB, Law, M.D.).
- March 2 (Mon): Grade rosters open.
- March 9 (Mon): Last day of Law classes.
- March 9–15 (Mon–Sun): End-Quarter Period.
- March 10–12 (Tue–Thu): Law School Reading Period.
March 13 (Fri):
- Last day of classes (unless Sat class), except Law.
- Last chance to arrange Incomplete.
- Thesis, D.M.A. project, Ph.D. dissertation due (noon).
- Late application deadline for degree conferral ($50 fee).
- March 13–20 (Fri–Fri): Law School examinations.
- March 15 (Sun): Spring Quarter Cardinal Care Waiver Deadline.
- March 16–20 (Mon–Fri): End-Quarter examinations.
- March 21 (Sat): Undergraduate housing move-out for students not in spring residence.
- March 22 (Sun): UIT Extended Maintenance Window; Axess may be unavailable.
- March 24 (Tue, 11:59 p.m.): Grades due.
- March 26 (Thu, 5 p.m.): Final Recommending Lists due.
- April 2 (Thu): Conferral of degrees, Winter Quarter. Certifications and transcripts available next day.
- April 15 (Wed): Cardinal Care Petition for Early Cancellation due (for degree conferral).
Spring Quarter 2026
- February 2 (Mon): Textbook Adoption deadline.
- February 20 (Fri): Deadline for departments to update course grading basis, unit, or component configuration.
- February 24 (Tue): Spring course planning opens.
- March 5 (Thu, 5:30 p.m.): Enrollment opens.
- March 5 (Thu): Application to Graduate opens.
- March 15 (Sun): Cardinal Care Waiver deadline.
- March 20 (Fri): At-status enrollment deadline for stipend or financial aid refund.
- March 28 (Sat): Undergraduate housing move-in date.
- March 30 (Mon): First day of quarter; instruction begins.
March 30 (Mon, 5 p.m.):
- Preliminary Study List deadline. Students must be “at status.”
- Deadline to submit Leave of Absence for full refund.
- April 2 (Thu): GSB instruction begins.
- April 7 (Tue): GSB course add/drop deadline.
- April 10 (Fri, 5 p.m.): Application deadline for degree conferral.
April 17 (Fri, 5 p.m.):
- Final Study List deadline (except GSB).
- Last day to add/drop a class or adjust units.
- Last day for tuition reassessment.
- April 17 (Fri): Change of grading basis deadline for GSB.
- May 11 (Mon, 5 p.m.): Term withdrawal deadline for partial refund.
- May 17 (Sun): Maintenance window; systems may be unavailable.
May 22 (Fri, 5 p.m.):
- Change of grading basis deadline (except GSB).
- Course withdrawal deadline (except GSB, Law, and M.D.).
- May 25 (Mon): Memorial Day (holiday, no classes).
- May 26 (Tue): Grade rosters open.
- May 29 (Fri): Last day of Law classes.
- May 29 (Fri, 5 p.m.): Late application deadline for degree conferral ($50 fee).
- May 29–June 4 (Fri–Thu): End-Quarter Period.
- May 30–June 1 (Sat–Mon): Law School Reading Period.
- June 2–7 (Tue–Sun): Law School examinations.
June 3 (Wed):
- Last day of classes.
- Last chance to arrange Incomplete.
- June 4 (Thu): Day before finals, no classes.
- June 5 (Fri, noon): Thesis, D.M.A. project, or Ph.D. dissertation due.
- June 5–10 (Fri–Wed): End-Quarter examinations.
- June 10 (Wed, noon): GSB grades for graduating students due.
- June 12 (Fri, 11:59 p.m.): Grades for graduating students due.
- June 12 (Fri): Undergraduate housing move-out (not involved in Commencement).
- June 13 (Sat): Baccalaureate Saturday, Senior Class Day, Law School Graduation, GSB Graduation, School of Medicine Graduation.
- June 14 (Sun): Commencement.
June 15 (Mon):
- Posting of J.D. and M.D. degrees.
- Undergraduate housing move-out for graduates and others with permission.
- June 16 (Tue, noon): Final Recommending Lists due.
- June 16 (Tue, 11:59 p.m.): Grades for non-graduating students due.
- June 18 (Thu): Posting of degrees, certifications and transcripts available the next day.
Summer Quarter 2026
- March 27 (Fri): Deadline for departments to update course grading basis, unit, or component configuration.
- March 31 (Tue): Summer quarter planning opens for enrollment.
- April 6 (Mon, 5:30 p.m.): Enrollment opens.
- April 27 (Mon): Textbook Adoption deadline.
- June 6 (Sat): Application to Graduate opens.
- June 12 (Fri): At-status enrollment deadline for stipend or financial aid refund.
- June 15 (Mon): Cardinal Care Waiver deadline.
June 22 (Mon):
- First day of quarter; instruction begins.
- Preliminary Study List deadline (5 p.m.).
- Deadline to submit Leave of Absence for full refund.
- July 3 (Fri): Independence Day holiday (no classes).
- July 6 (Mon, 5 p.m.): Final Study List deadline. Final day to add/drop a class, adjust variable units, or receive tuition reassessment.
- July 24 (Fri, 5 p.m.): Term withdrawal deadline for partial refund.
July 31 (Fri, 5 p.m.):
- Change of grading basis deadline.
- Course withdrawal deadline.
- Application deadline for Summer degree conferral.
- August 3 (Mon): Grade rosters open.
- August 8–13 (Sat–Thu): End-Quarter Period.
August 13 (Thu):
- Last day of classes.
- Last chance to arrange Incomplete.
- August 14–15 (Fri–Sat): End-of-quarter examinations.
- August 25 (Tue, 11:59 p.m.): Grades due.
August 28 (Fri):
- Thesis, D.M.A. project, or Ph.D. dissertation due (noon).
- Late application deadline for degree conferral with $50 fee (5 p.m.).
- September 4 (Fri, 5 p.m.): Final Recommending Lists due.
- September 10 (Thu): Conferral of degrees; certifications and transcripts available the next day.
How To Access And Download Stanford Academic Calendar 2026-2027
The Stanford Academic Calendar 2026-2027 can be accessed online through the official Stanford University website. The Registrar’s Office provides the most accurate and updated version of the calendar, ensuring students, faculty, and the public have the right information about deadlines, registration dates, and quarter schedules. To download or view the calendar, simply:
- Go to the Stanford University Registrar’s website.
- Find the Academic Calendar section listed under student resources.
- Select the link for the 2026-2027 calendar to view important dates.
- Download the PDF version if you would like to save it for offline use.
Keeping a copy of the calendar is useful for tracking registration deadlines, exam schedules, and holiday breaks throughout the year. Many students prefer saving a digital version for quick reference, while others print it out to keep on hand for planning purposes.
Contact Stanford University
TELEPHONE
- Campus operator
- 650-723-2300
PRIMARY ADDRESS
Stanford University
- 450 Jane Stanford Way
- Stanford, CA 94305–2004
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