University of Cambridge Term Dates and Calendar

Last Updated: 1 October 2026

The University of Cambridge Term Dates for 2026/27 and 2027/28 are now confirmed. Cambridge’s academic calendar runs from 1 October to 30 September and is split into three terms: Michaelmas term, Lent term and Easter term. Each is an 8-week full-term period.

University of Cambridge Term Dates and Academic Calendar
University of Cambridge Term Dates and Academic Calendar

University of Cambridge Term Dates 2026/2027

Here is the complete University of Cambridge Term Dates 2026/2027 schedule, covering Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.

Michaelmas 2026

  • Term starts: Thursday 1 October 2026
  • Full Term starts: Tuesday 6 October 2026
  • Full Term ends: Friday 4 December 2026
  • Term ends: Saturday 19 December 2026

Lent 2027

  • Term starts: Tuesday 5 January 2027
  • Full Term starts: Tuesday 19 January 2027
  • Full Term ends: Friday 19 March 2027
  • Term ends: Thursday 25 March 2027

Easter 2027

  • Term starts: Saturday 17 April 2027
  • Full Term starts: Tuesday 27 April 2027
  • Full Term ends: Friday 18 June 2027
  • Term ends: Friday 25 June 2027

University of Cambridge Term Dates 2027/2028

The University of Cambridge Term Dates 2027/2028 follow the same structure, with Michaelmas 2027, Lent 2028 and Easter 2028.

Michaelmas 2027

  • Term starts: Friday 1 October 2027
  • Full Term starts: Tuesday 5 October 2027
  • Full Term ends: Friday 3 December 2027
  • Term ends: Sunday 19 December 2027

Lent 2028

  • Term starts: Wednesday 5 January 2028
  • Full Term starts: Tuesday 18 January 2028
  • Full Term ends: Friday 17 March 2028
  • Term ends: Friday 24 March 2028

Easter 2028

  • Term starts: Monday 17 April 2028
  • Full Term starts: Tuesday 25 April 2028
  • Full Term ends: Friday 16 June 2028
  • Term ends: Sunday 25 June 2028

Check more: England University Holidays

Cambridge Academic Year Structure

Cambridge’s academic year starts on 1 October and ends on 30 September. Simple enough. But the internal structure is where things get interesting.

The academic year has 3 Terms:

  • Michaelmas — the autumn term, named after the Feast of St Michael
  • Lent — the winter/spring term, named after the Christian season
  • Easter — the summer term, named after, you guessed it, Easter

Each term contains a Full Term period of eight weeks. Undergraduate teaching happens then. The rest of the term covers exams, matriculation, graduation ceremonies, and administrative milestones.

Information for New Students

Starting at Cambridge is exciting, and slightly overwhelming. Here’s the key thing: your College, Faculty, or Department will send you information about preparing for your time in Cambridge, including when to arrive.

Don’t guess your arrival date. Wait for that official guidance.

A few practical tips:

  • Check your term start date, not just the Full Term start date. They differ.
  • Book travel early — Cambridge gets busy at the start of Michaelmas.
  • Confirm move-in windows with your college directly.
  • Keep an eye on your email for faculty department guidance.

Arriving a day early or late can throw off your whole induction. So plan around the official dates, not assumptions.

University of Cambridge Holidays & Key Dates

The University of Cambridge Holidays fall between and around the three terms.

Holiday PeriodApproximate Window
Christmas VacationLate December to early January
Easter VacationLate March to mid-April
Summer VacationLate June to late September

Keep in mind: the University of Cambridge Semester Dates aren’t a perfect match for every college or course. Always cross-check with your department.

Official University Source

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official source:

FAQs

When does Cambridge term start?

Cambridge term typically starts in early October for Michaelmas, early January for Lent, and mid-April for Easter. Each term begins on a specific date set by the university.

Do all Cambridge students follow the same term dates?

Mostly yes, but postgraduate students may have different schedules. Always check with your faculty or department.

Do Cambridge holidays match school holidays?

University of Cambridge Holidays follow the university’s own vacation pattern, which differs from UK school terms.

Where can I find official Cambridge term dates?

The official website at cam.ac.uk publishes the authoritative University of Cambridge Term Dates and academic calendar.

Does Cambridge have a summer term?

Yes, the Easter term serves as the summer term, running from mid-April to late June.

UK University Holidays is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the University of Cambridge. All University of Cambridge term dates, holiday periods, and academic calendar details are provided for general guidance only and may be subject to change. Always verify official dates directly with the University of Cambridge.

Also Check: University of Birmingham Term Dates