UW Madison Academic Calendar 2026-2027

UW Madison Academic Calendar 2026-2027

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Academic Calendar for 2026–2027 provides important dates and deadlines for students, faculty, and staff. The academic calendar outlines the schedule for fall, spring, and summer semesters, including start and end dates for classes, study days, exam periods, holidays, and commencement ceremonies. Understanding these dates is essential for planning coursework, vacations, and other academic activities.

The faculty of the University of Wisconsin–Madison has the authority to set the academic calendar in line with Faculty Policies and Procedures. While creating the calendar, they must follow specific rules and guidelines established by the Board of Regents, the Faculty Senate, and legislation from the State of Wisconsin. This ensures that the calendar aligns with university-wide standards and state regulations.

Every five years, the Faculty Senate reviews and establishes a new academic calendar that typically spans the next five years. This long-term planning allows the university community to prepare in advance for upcoming academic years.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, the calendar will detail the dates for major events, including the beginning and end of semesters, breaks such as Thanksgiving and spring recess, examination schedules, and commencement weekends. Summer sessions and holiday observances like Memorial Day and Independence Day are also included.

Staying informed about the UW–Madison academic calendar helps students manage their studies effectively and ensures that faculty and staff can coordinate academic activities smoothly. For the most accurate and updated information, it is recommended to check the official university website.

UW Madison Academic Calendar 2026-2027

Fall Semester 2026

Faculty contract year begins: Monday, August 17, 2026
Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026
Classes begin: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Thanksgiving recess: Thursday to Sunday, November 26–29, 2026
Last day of classes: Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Study day: Thursday, December 10, 2026
Final exams: Friday, December 11 to Thursday, December 17, 2026
Commencement: Sunday, December 13, 2026
Grading deadline: Sunday, December 20, 2026

Spring Semester 2027

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 18, 2027
Classes begin: Tuesday, January 19, 2027
Spring recess: Saturday, March 20 to Sunday, March 28, 2027
Classes resume: Monday, March 29, 2027
Last day of classes: Friday, April 30, 2027
Study day: Saturday, May 1, 2027
Final exams: Sunday, May 2 to Friday, May 7, 2027
Commencement weekend: Friday to Sunday, May 7–9, 2027
Grading deadline: Monday, May 10, 2027
Faculty contract year ends: Sunday, May 16, 2027

Summer Sessions 2027

Memorial Day (observed): Monday, May 31, 2027
3-week session: Monday, May 24 to Sunday, June 13, 2027
4-week session: Monday, May 17 to Sunday, June 13, 2027
8-week session: Monday, June 14 to Sunday, August 8, 2027
Independence Day: Sunday, July 4, 2027
Grading deadline for 8-week session: Wednesday, August 11, 2027

READ: Buckinghamshire New University Acceptance Rate 2026/2027

UW Madison Application Deadlines 2026-2027

First-year applications for both fall and spring terms open on August 1. For the spring term, students applying through the regular decision plan must submit their applications by October 1, with all required materials due by October 15. Decisions are released on or before December 31.

For the fall term, students can choose between early action and regular decision. The early action application deadline is November 1, and materials must be submitted by November 10. Admission decisions for early action applicants are released on or before January 31. The regular decision deadline for fall is January 15, with materials due by January 22, and decisions announced on or before March 31.

For Spring 2026, there are two start dates available.

Start 1 begins with applications opening on August 1, 2025. The application deadline is December 15, 2025, and classes will start on January 22, 2026.
Start 2 also opens for applications on August 1, 2025. The deadline for this start date is February 15, 2026, and classes will commence on March 18, 2026.

How To Apply At UW Madison 2026-2027

Follow the step-by-step guide to apply for the 2026-2027 academic year;

Select an Application Platform

You can apply using the Common Application or the UW System Application if you are a first-year student. Transfer students must use the UW System Application.

Fill Out the Application

Complete all required sections with your details, academic background, and preferred major.

Write and Upload Essays

Prepare your statement or essays and include them in your application.

Send Transcripts

Ask your school to send official high school or college transcripts directly to UW–Madison.

Submit Test Scores (Optional)

ACT or SAT scores are not required but can be included if you want them considered.

Pay the Application Fee

Submit the nonrefundable application fee unless you are eligible for a fee waiver.

Add a Recommendation Letter

Provide at least one recommendation letter from a teacher or counselor who knows your academic strengths.

Review and Submit

Check your application carefully for errors or missing information before submitting it.

Track Your Status

After submission, log in to your applicant portal to monitor your application progress and see if any additional information is needed.

Contact UW Madison

133 Bascom Hall 500 Lincoln Drive
Madison, Wisconsin 53706
Email: admin@secfac.wisc.edu
Phone: 608-262-3956

Visit the official website of UW Madison for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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