Saudi Arabia returns to two-semester school year, unveils four-year academic roadmap

Dubai: The Saudi Cabinet has approved the reinstatement of a two-semester academic year for public schools starting in the 1447/1448 Hijri academic year (2025–2026), the Ministry of Education announced on Tuesday.

While the two-term structure will apply to public schools nationwide, the Ministry clarified that private, international, and higher education institutions will retain the flexibility to choose the academic system that best suits their needs.

The decision follows a comprehensive review of the three-semester model, introduced as part of educational reforms under Vision 2030.

The three-term system—implemented to secure a minimum of 180 instructional days annually, in line with OECD and G20 averages of 180–185 days—faced scrutiny for its rigidity in regions with unique seasonal demands, such as Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and Taif.

These key cities, central to the Hajj and Umrah seasons, will benefit from tailored schedules. This includes an extended summer break starting on 8/3/1447H (August 10, 2025) and approximately 14 instructional days during Ramadan.

The Ministry stressed that educational quality depends more on teacher training, curriculum development, school environments, governance, and local autonomy than on the number of semesters alone.

A nationwide study involving educators, administrators, students, and parents highlighted the need for greater flexibility to accommodate regional priorities—particularly in pilgrimage-heavy areas.

The Ministry also released the academic calendar for the next four years, reaffirming a consistent two-semester structure through 1451H (2029–2030).

Each academic year will continue to meet the international benchmark of 180 instructional days, aligning with standards set by the OECD and G20, where academic years range from 180 to 200 days.

Key highlights for the 1447/1448 academic year:

• First day of school: 1 Rabi’ Al Awwal 1447H

• Staff return: Public school teachers and administrators will resume work a few days earlier for preparations

• Regional flexibility: Students in Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, and Taif will receive an extra week of summer break, with classes starting on 8 Rabi’ Al Awwal

• Breaks: Nine official breaks scheduled, including National Day, Foundation Day, and both Eid holidays

• Ramadan schedule: ~14 instructional days, with shortened hours to accommodate fasting students

Academic year breakdown (1447H–1451H):

• 1447/1448H: Two terms, 59 holiday days (excluding summer break)

• 1448/1449H: Continuation of the two-term model with similar holidays; school resumes on 10/3/1448H

• 1449/1450H: Begins on 20/3/1449H; maintains the two-term format with national and religious breaks

• 1450/1451H: Starts on 29/3/1450H; includes a dedicated spring break in addition to Eid and other holidays

Each academic year features strategically placed breaks aimed at supporting student well-being, enhancing teaching effectiveness, and aligning with the Kingdom’s cultural and religious calendar.

While the earlier three-semester model succeeded in achieving academic rigour and meeting instructional day targets, the Ministry acknowledged that true educational quality goes beyond calendar design.

The revised academic structure aims to balance standardised learning outcomes with regional autonomy, reflecting a more adaptable and student-centred approach to national education.