University of Kentucky Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Lexington, Kentucky
Public | Semester System | ~33000 Students
Looking for important University of Kentucky academic calendar dates? Below you'll find registration periods, semester information, finals, commencement, and other resources.
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School Facts Card
School's Name
University of Kentucky
School's City
Lexington
School's State
Kentucky
School Semester System
Semester
School's Enrollment
33000
School's Type
Public
Important Academic Dates
Fall Semester
Fall Semester Begins
August 25, 2026
Fall Add/Drop Deadline
Fall Withdrawal Deadline
Fall Finals Week Start Date
December 10, 2026
Fall Finals Week End Date
December 18, 2026
Spring Semester
Spring Semester Begins
January 10, 2027
Spring Add/Drop Deadline
Spring Break Start Date
March 12, 2027
Spring Break End Date
March 20, 2027
Spring Withdrawal Deadline
Spring Finals Week Start Date
April 26, 2027
Spring Finals Week End Date
May 5, 2027
Other Important Dates
Commencement Date
University of Kentucky
Summer Semester Begins
Lexington
University Overview
The University of Kentucky is a public research university in Lexington, Kentucky. UK follows a semester-based academic calendar with Fall and Spring semesters, along with Winter Intersession and Summer sessions. The Office of the University Registrar maintains the official academic calendar.
Semester Overview
Fall Semester
The Fall 2026 semester begins August 24, 2026. The semester includes a Fall Break from October 12-13, Thanksgiving Break from November 23-27, and classes end December 4. Prep Days are December 7-8, followed by final examinations from December 9-15.
Spring Semester
The Spring 2027 semester begins January 11, 2027. Spring Break runs March 15-19, classes end April 28, and Reading Days are April 29-30. Final examinations are scheduled for May 3-6, with the semester ending May 7. Commencement is scheduled for May 7-8.
The University of Kentucky does not have a traditional Winter semester. Instead, UK offers an intersession between the Fall and Spring semesters. The 2026-2027 intersession begins December 15, 2026 and ends January 8, 2027, with final examinations on January 8.
Summer Semester
The Summer 2027 session begins May 17, 2027. UK offers multiple Summer course formats, so individual courses may have different start, add/drop, withdrawal, and examination dates.
Registration Overview
Registration dates vary based on the term and student status. For Spring 2027, late registration runs January 11-15, the add-class deadline is January 15, and priority registration for the following term runs March 29-April 20.
Finals Overview
Fall 2026 final examinations are scheduled for December 9-15. Spring 2027 final examinations are scheduled for May 3-6. Individual courses and programs may have additional examination requirements.
Graduation Overview
Spring 2027 commencement is scheduled for May 7-8. Students graduating in May must also meet the university's degree application and final degree requirements before commencement.
What Actually Works
Add every important academic deadline to one calendar
Review every course syllabus during the first week
Meet with your academic advisor before registration
Register as soon as your enrollment window opens
Track Winter Intersession and Summer courses separately
Pay attention to course-specific withdrawal deadlines
Begin preparing for final exams before Prep Days
Check the official academic calendar regularly for updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the official University of Kentucky academic calendar?
The University of Missouri Office of the University Registrar publishes the official academic calendar with semester dates, registration deadlines, examinations, breaks, and commencement information. Mizzou also provides detailed final examination schedules.
Does the University of Kentucky use semesters or quarters?
The University of Kentucky uses a semester-based academic calendar with Fall and Spring semesters, along with Winter Intersession and Summer sessions.
Does the University of Kentucky offer Summer courses?
Yes. UK offers Summer courses beginning May 17, 2027, with individual courses potentially following different session schedules.
When is Spring Break at the University of Kentucky?
The University of Kentucky's Spring 2027 Break runs from March 15 through March 19, with classes resuming March 22.
Final Thoughts
The University of Kentucky academic calendar is more than a schedule of important dates. It helps students coordinate coursework, registration, shorter academic sessions, internships, employment, and graduation throughout the academic year. Reviewing it regularly can help you stay organized and avoid missing important academic deadlines.
Important Note
This page is intended for informational and planning purposes only. Academic calendars may vary by academic program, degree level, and course format. Always confirm registration dates, add/drop deadlines, withdrawal deadlines, examination schedules, and commencement information using University of Kentucky's official academic calendar before making academic decisions.
