Wales University Holidays brings 8 official bank holidays across the academic year. If you are planning around semester dates or checking when Term begins and Term ends, this page covers every key date you need.
From Autumn Term to Summer Term, including mid-term breaks, Reading Weeks, and exam periods, here is your complete calendar.
Wales University Academic Calendar
The Welsh academic calendar typically follows a two-semester model. Autumn Term usually runs from late September to mid-December. Spring Term picks up in January and runs through to late March or early April. Summer Term concludes the academic year, with Exam Periods often stretching into May or early June.
Wales University Holidays 2026/2027
Below is the full breakdown for Wales University Holidays and Term Dates for the 2026-27 year.
| Day | Date | Term/Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 21 September 2026 | Welcome Week begins |
| Monday | 28 September 2026 | Autumn Term begins |
| Monday | 14 December 2026 | Christmas break begins |
| Friday | 25 December 2026 | Christmas Day (University closed) |
| Monday | 28 December 2026 | Boxing Day (substitute, University closed) |
| Friday | 1 January 2027 | New Year’s Day (University closed) |
| Monday | 4 January 2027 | Spring Term begins |
| Friday | 26 March 2027 | Good Friday (University closed) |
| Monday | 29 March 2027 | Easter Monday (University closed) |
| Monday | 3 May 2027 | Early May bank holiday |
| Monday | 31 May 2027 | Spring bank holiday |
| Monday | 30 August 2027 | Summer bank holiday |
Note: Individual universities may vary. Always confirm with your institution.
Wales University Holidays 2027/2028
Below is the full breakdown for Wales University Holidays and Term Dates for the 2027-28 year.
| Day | Date | Term/Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 20 September 2027 | Welcome Week begins |
| Monday | 27 September 2027 | Autumn Term begins |
| Monday | 13 December 2027 | Christmas break begins |
| Monday | 27 December 2027 | Christmas Day (substitute, University closed) |
| Tuesday | 28 December 2027 | Boxing Day (substitute, University closed) |
| Monday | 3 January 2028 | New Year’s Day (substitute, University closed) |
| Monday | 10 January 2028 | Spring Term begins |
| Friday | 14 April 2028 | Good Friday (University closed) |
| Monday | 17 April 2028 | Easter Monday (University closed) |
| Monday | 1 May 2028 | Early May bank holiday |
| Monday | 29 May 2028 | Spring bank holiday |
| Monday | 28 August 2028 | Summer bank holiday |
Wales University Holidays 2028/2029
Below is the full breakdown for Wales University Holidays and Term Dates for the 2028-29 year.
| Day | Date | Term/Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 25 September 2028 | Autumn Term begins |
| Monday | 18 December 2028 | Christmas break begins |
| Monday | 25 December 2028 | Christmas Day (University closed) |
| Tuesday | 26 December 2028 | Boxing Day (University closed) |
| Monday | 1 January 2029 | New Year’s Day (University closed) |
| Monday | 8 January 2029 | Spring Term begins |
| Friday | 30 March 2029 | Good Friday (University closed) |
| Monday | 2 April 2029 | Easter Monday (University closed) |
| Monday | 7 May 2029 | Early May bank holiday |
| Monday | 28 May 2029 | Spring bank holiday |
| Monday | 27 August 2029 | Summer bank holiday |
Major Welsh University Holiday Periods (2027)
Spring break: Most Welsh universities schedule a two-to-three-week Spring break in late March or early April, aligning with the Easter weekend.
University Christmas Holidays: Typically spanning three weeks from mid-December to early January.
University Easter Holidays: A three-to-four-week window that often merges with the Spring break.
University Summer Holidays: The longest break — running from June through to late September for most students.
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Wales University Holidays and Key Dates
| Holiday | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 | Friday, January 1 | Monday, January 3 (substitute) |
| Good Friday | April 3 | March 26 | April 14 |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | March 29 | April 17 |
| Early May bank holiday | May 4 | May 3 | May 1 |
| Spring bank holiday | May 25 | May 31 | May 29 |
| Summer bank holiday | August 31 | August 30 | August 28 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | December 27 (substitute) | December 25 |
| Boxing Day | December 28 (substitute) | December 28 (substitute) | December 26 |
Key Dates Explained
Spring break
The Spring break gives students a vital breather before the final push of the academic year.
New Year’s Day
A Welsh bank holiday and universal day off. Universities are closed on this date.
Good Friday
Falls in late March or early April. All Welsh universities observe this as a University closed day.
Easter Monday
The Monday after Easter Sunday. Another University closed date across Wales.
Early May bank holiday
First Monday in May. A welcome Wales bank holiday that often falls during revision season.
Spring bank holiday
Last Monday in May. Typically aligns with the end of Exam Periods for many students.
Summer bank holiday
Last Monday in August. Marks the tail end of the Summer Holidays before the new academic year begins.
Christmas Day
December 25. Universities close, and students enjoy the heart of the Christmas Holidays.
Boxing Day
December 26 (or the substitute day when it falls on a weekend). The second of the festive university-closed days.
Explore UK University Holidays
Find useful information about university holidays, term dates, reading weeks, and other key academic dates.
List of Universities
- Aberystwyth University Term Dates
- Bangor University Term Dates
- Cardiff Metropolitan University Term Dates
- Cardiff University Term Dates
- University of Chichester Term Dates
- University of South Wales Term Dates
- Swansea University Term Dates
- University of Wales Trinity Saint David Term Dates
- Wrexham University Term Dates
- University of Wales Term Dates
Official Source
FAQs
No. Each university sets its own academic calendar, though most follow a similar September-to-June pattern.
Yes. Wales bank holidays apply universally, but universities may add discretionary closure days.
No. Reading Weeks are study periods — campuses remain open, but teaching pauses.
Exam Periods vary by department and programme level.
Yes. Boxing Day is observed, with a substitute day when it falls on a weekend.
Always cross-reference with your specific institution. Wales University calendars can shift, and your programme is the final authority.
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