School Summer vacation schedule announced! School Break Begins

As the third academic semester of the year comes to an end, students and parents across Saudi Arabia are getting ready for the much-awaited summer vacation.

The Ministry of Education has officially announced the holiday schedule for schools in 1446 Hijri, which brings some relief and joy to families planning their summer.

When Does Summer Vacation Start?

According to the Ministry’s announcement, Thursday, June 27, 2025 (1 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446) will be the last day of school for the academic year. Students in all schools will begin their summer break right after that day. This marks the official start of the summer vacation for school children across the Kingdom.

The vacation is designed to give students time to rest, travel, and refresh their minds and bodies after a long academic year. It’s a break from homework, exams, and early mornings — something many have been looking forward to.

What About University Students?

The schedule is slightly different for university students. Their summer vacation will begin later, depending on when their second semester ends. Most universities are expected to go on break after mid-Dhu al-Qadah 1446.

During this time, university students are encouraged to participate in summer training programs, internships, or volunteer work. These experiences help students gain real-world skills, expand their knowledge, and prepare for their future careers.

When Does School Resume?

Students will return to school after the summer break on Sunday, August 17, 2025 (14 Safar 1447). This makes the total summer vacation around 51 days long.

While this may feel shorter than in the past, it’s part of the new three-semester academic system introduced in recent years. The change means that students get shorter but more frequent breaks throughout the year, helping them avoid burnout and study stress.

How Has the Three-Semester System Changed Things?

The three-semester system has affected how vacations are spread out during the school year. While the traditional long summer vacation is now shorter, the new structure includes regular breaks between semesters, allowing students to rest more often and avoid long periods of continuous study.

Parents have mixed reactions. Some prefer the older long summer vacations, while others welcome the new system for giving students more consistent rest periods.