Save the date(s): UNSW year-end shutdown

Start preparing for your end-of year-break – the shutdown dates have been announced 

UNSW’s  year-end shutdown will begin from close of business on Monday 21 December 2026, with the University reopening on Monday 4 January 2027. 

Key dates for your diary 

The year-end period includes: 

• shutdown annual leave days: Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 December 2026 
• public holidays: Friday 25, Monday 28 December 2026 and Friday 1 January 2027  
• University holidays: Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 December 2026. 

What does shutdown mean for your leave? 

For professional staff (fixed term and continuing), the three annual leave days will be deducted automatically, except in approved circumstances where staff are required to perform essential work during this time. 

Academic staff who have already taken the required amount of annual leave during the year may work from home on these days. 

Staff with excess leave balances may be directed to take annual leave. Directed leave for professional staff will commence on Monday 4 January 2027 and for academic staff on Tuesday 22 December 2026. 

What do you need to do? 

Please review your current leave balance, consider what additional year-end leave you may wish to take and discuss your leave plans with your manager.  

You also can view and forecast your leave balance and submit any additional leave applications via myUNSW. Navigate to My Staff Profile > Absence Information in the Manage my Profile section. 

Taking regular leave is important for your mental health and wellbeing. The year-end shutdown provides an opportunity for you to disconnect from work and return refreshed in 2027. 

More details about the year-end shutdown will be shared later in the year. If you have any questions, please contact the People Experience Team.