As a student, knowing your school’s academic calendar is one of those small things that make a big difference. It helps you plan your studies, personal time, and even finances without stress. When you know what to expect and when to expect it, you stay one step ahead instead of rushing at the last minute.

The University of Calabar has now released its approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 academic session. The calendar clearly shows the important dates for both freshers and returning students, covering lectures, breaks, examinations, and major school events.

UNICAL Academic Calendar 2025/2026

First Semester

Activity

Date

Arrival of new students

Friday, September 26, 2025

Screening and registration (new students)

From Monday, September 29, 2025

Arrival of returning students

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Lectures begin (all students)

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Solemn Assembly

Monday, October 6, 2025

Freshers’ orientation

October 13–14, 2025

Matriculation ceremony

Friday, November 21, 2025

Christmas break

December 19, 2025 – January 9, 2026

Revision begins

Monday, January 12, 2026

GSS examinations

January 26 - 31, 2026

Other course examinations

February 2, 2026

End of first semester

February 26, 2026

Second Semester

Activity

Date

Inaugural Lecture

18 March, 2026

Students return to campus

20 March, 2026

Registration begins for 500 Level (Stream B)

23 March, 2026

38th Convocation Ceremony

23 – 28 March, 2026

Lectures begin for all students

30 March, 2026

Inaugural Lecture

8 April, 2026

Inaugural Lecture

22 April, 2026

Late registration begins for 500 Level (Stream B)

27 April, 2026

Late registration ends for 500 Level (Stream B)

4 May, 2026

Inaugural Lecture

6 May, 2026

Continuous Assessment

11 – 16 May, 2026

Inaugural Lecture

20 May, 2026

Add and drop courses close for 500 Level (Stream B)

1 June, 2026

Inaugural Lecture

3 June, 2026

Revision week

15 – 19 June, 2026

GSS Examinations

22 – 27 June, 2026

Exams for other courses begin

29 June, 2026

Examinations end

20 July, 2026

Long vacation begins

21 July, 2026

Resumption Date for Freshers

Newly admitted students are expected to arrive on campus on September 26, 2025, with registration officially starting on September 29, 2025.

Make sure you complete all your registrations before lectures begin to avoid late registration fees and missing classes.

If you have not yet confirmed your admission status, you can check your name on the UNICAL admission list before resumption.

Resumption Date for Returning Students

Returning students are to resume on September 30, 2025, with registration opening on October 2, 2025.

Lectures will begin the same day registration starts, so students are advised to complete payments and course registration promptly to avoid missing classes.

Examination Timeline

The First semester exams will take place from January 26 to February 26, 2026. Second semester exams will run from June 22 to July 20, 2026.

Important Information

  • Get all the necessary documents ready for registration before resumption to avoid mistakes.

  • Make sure all fees and payments are made correctly. You can also check the Unical School Fees Schedule for more info on fees and steps to take.

  • One more thing, if you want to stay in the school hostel, don’t wait around. Check out the UNICAL hostel fees and registration guide and lock in your spot before spaces get filled up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is UNICAL resuming for the 2025/2026 academic session?
A: The University of Calabar will resume academic activities on September 26, 2025, for both freshers and returning students.

Q: Has UNICAL released the academic calendar for 2025/2026?
A: Yes, UNICAL has officially released the approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session, covering lectures, examinations, and breaks.

Q: When will lectures start at UNICAL for new students?
A: Lectures for newly admitted students will begin after registration opens on September 29, 2025.

Q: How long is the first semester at UNICAL?
A: The first semester at UNICAL lasts 16 weeks, made up of 12 weeks of lectures and 4 weeks of examinations.

Q: When is UNICAL's first semester examination starting?
A: The first semester examination will begin on January 26, 2026, after a revision period scheduled from January 19 to 24.

Q: Is there a Christmas break in the UNICAL academic calendar?
A: Yes, UNICAL will observe a Christmas break starting from December 19, 2025, before academic activities resume in January.