The academic year is divided into two main semesters, Semester 1 (beginning on the second Monday in March) and Semester 2 (beginning in late July).

Each semester consists of 12 weeks of classes, a short study period of three days plus a weekend, and a final assessment period of up to three weeks. Each week normally has the same format, although some courses have classes for less than the full 12 weeks, and others may be run in odd or even weeks only. Classes are not scheduled on a public holiday, although arrangements may be made for students to attend other classes in that week.

Study load is measured in units of credit (uoc). A full-time load is usually 24uoc in each semester. Most first-year courses are 6uoc, so you will usually be expected take four courses each semester.

If you are enrolled in at least 75% of a full-time load (18uoc in each semester) you are considered a full-time student. International students and AUSTUDY recipients are required to be full-time.