Key Dates 2026

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School year underway

Mid-term assessments begin at many schools

March

Term 1 ends

School holidays begin β€” good time to plan ahead

April

Term 2 starts

University open days begin β€” register early

May

Open days begin

Universities start hosting campus visit days (May–August)

May

Mid-year exams

Some schools hold mid-year exams or practice exams

June

School holidays

Open days continue β€” attend if you can

July

Start scholarship search

Many scholarship deadlines are Aug–Sep. Start searching NOW

July

Scholarship applications open

Major university scholarships open β€” don't miss deadlines

August

University applications open

Apply early for your preferred programmes

August

Term 3 starts

Final push before exams

August

Scholarship deadlines

Many scholarships close this month β€” submit on time

September

NCEA exam entries close

Make sure you're entered for all your external exams

October

Term 3 ends

Study leave begins for Year 12–13 students

October

NCEA external exams begin

Exams run through November into early December

November

Submit StudyLink applications

Apply for student loan and allowance now β€” processing takes weeks

November

NCEA exams end

External exam period concludes

December

University application deadlines

Most programmes close for applications

December

University offers sent

Check your email! Accept your offer promptly

January

Orientation & enrolment

Attend orientation week β€” university officially starts late Feb/early March

February