Graduate Calendar 2025-2026
Please check with the Graduate Division of your professional school or the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences for the last date to schedule a master’s final exam, a doctoral oral comprehensive exam, or a final doctoral oral exam for each semester or term.
The deadlines below represent the final University deadlines and are subject to change. Professional schools or the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences may set earlier deadlines. Students are advised to consult with the appropriate school or College to confirm all deadlines. Academic calendar dates may be viewed at the KU Registrar Calendar link below.
| FALL 2025 | Date |
|---|---|
| Classes Begin | August 18 |
| Labor Day | September 1 |
| Early Graduation Deadline (1) | September 2 |
| Fall Break | October 11-14 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 26-30 |
| Last Day of Classes | December 4 |
| Final Examinations | December 8-12 |
| Degree Requirements Deadline (2) | December 12 |
| Doctoral Hooding Ceremony (4) | May 16, 2026 |
| Degrees Post to Transcripts | January 19, 2026 |
| Commencement (5) | May 17, 2026 |
| SPRING 2026 | Date |
|---|---|
| Classes Begin | January 20 |
| Early Graduation Deadline (1) | February 3 |
| Application for Graduation Deadline for Inclusion in Ceremony Materials (3) | March 2 |
| Spring Break | March 16-22 |
| Last Day of Classes | May 7 |
| Final Examinations | May 11-15 |
| Application for Graduation Deadline (final) | May 15 |
| Degree Requirements Deadline (2) | May 15 |
| Degrees Post to Transcripts | TBD; check Registrar's website for most up-to-date information |
| Commencement | May 17 |
| SUMMER 2026 | Date |
|---|---|
| Classes Begin | June 8 |
| Early Graduation Deadline (1) | June 22 |
| Last Day of Classes | July 31 |
| Degree Requirements Deadline (3) | July 31 |
| Doctoral Hooding Ceremony (4) | May 16 |
| Degrees Post to Transcripts | TBD; check Registrar's website for most up-to-date information |
| Commencement (5) | May 17 |
Additional Information
- A student who was enrolled the previous semester and submits all degree requirements by this date will have the degree conferred for this semester but is not required to enroll for this semester.
- Candidates for Spring and Summer degrees only: Meeting this deadline will ensure the candidate is included on the mailing list for information about the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony and will ensure the student's name is included in all University graduate ceremony materials.
This is the last day to submit ALL requirements for a degree to be conferred that semester. University degree requirements include:
- Electronic filing of thesis or dissertation (if applicable)
- Submission of paperwork to the Graduate Division of the appropriate professional school or the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Submission of the Application for Graduation (AFG) in Enroll & Pay.
Students should consult with their professional school or the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences for additional degree requirements.
- This date is subject to change. Please visit https://doctoral-hooding.ku.edu/ for the most up-to-date schedule and to find other important information about the ceremony.
- Information about KU commencement ceremonies is available at https://commencement.ku.edu/