The standard academic calendar consists1 of two semesters and a special term. Each semester normally includes 13 weeks of instruction and 2 weeks of examinations. The special term takes place during the Semester 2 vacation period. It comprises of two parts, each of which lasts 6 weeks and is inclusive of an examination period.
The table below presents the basic chronological structure of the two main semesters in any academic year.
| Recurring events in chronological order |
Duration |
Remarks |
| Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Orientation Week |
1 week |
-- |
Commences on first Monday of August each year.
The academic year starts off with the Freshmen Inauguration Ceremony. |
Instructional Period -- part 1 |
6 weeks |
6 weeks |
In Semester 1, this starts in the week immediately following Orientation Week.
For Semester 2, this commences on the second Monday of January each year. |
Recess Week |
1 week |
1 week |
From Saturday to the following Sunday. |
Instructional Period -- part 2 |
7 weeks |
7 weeks |
Classes resume on Monday immediately following the Recess Week. |
Reading Week |
1 week |
1 week |
Lasts from Saturday of the final week of the preceding Instructional Period to Friday the following week. |
Examination |
2 weeks |
2 weeks |
Starts on the Saturday immediately following Reading Week. |
| Total Duration |
18 weeks |
17 weeks |
|
Vacation |
4-5 weeks |
12-13 weeks |
For Semester 1, this is during December to early January.
For Semester 2, this goes from May through July. The 2-part Special Term takes place during this vacation period, with each part being 6 weeks long. |
1 The Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry operate on a slightly different academic calendar structure. |
Academic Calendar
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2008/2009