Singapore Academic Calendar 2026 & 2027: Dates & Holidays

The Singapore academic calendar sets out school term dates, vacation periods and scheduled school holidays for students and families. For 2026 and 2027, the Ministry of Education (MOE) calendar covers MOE kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools, with separate arrangements for junior colleges (JCs) and Millennia Institute (MI). Parents can use these dates to plan family trips, childcare and school activities ahead of time. But polytechnics, universities and international schools may follow different schedules, so students should check their institution’s calendar before making plans.

TL;DR: Singapore Academic Calendar at a Glance

The 2027 school year for MOE kindergartens, primary and secondary schools runs from 4 January to 19 November. It has four terms grouped into two semesters, with breaks in March, June, September and at year-end. The 2026 school year ends on 20 November. Dates for JCs, MI and other institutions can differ, so check the relevant school calendar for any special arrangements.

Singapore Academic Calendar 2026

The 2026 school calendar follows four terms, with vacation periods between Terms 1 and 2, between the two semesters, between Terms 3 and 4, and at the end of the school year. These breaks give families a useful starting point for arranging childcare, travel and student activities.

These dates apply to the general MOE kindergarten, primary and secondary school calendar. Certain examination-venue schools may finish their final term earlier to accommodate national examinations. Students sitting examinations should check their school’s notices rather than rely on the general end date alone.

Parents planning activities around the Singapore school term dates should also account for public holidays and scheduled school holidays. A public holiday may fall during a term, while a school vacation covers a longer period. They are different calendar entries, even when both mean students do not attend lessons.

Singapore Academic Calendar 2027

The Singapore academic calendar 2027 starts on Monday, 4 January for Primary 1 and Kindergarten 1 students. Primary 2 to Primary 6 and Kindergarten 2 students start on Tuesday, 5 January. The school year for MOE kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools ends on Friday, 19 November.

The MOE school terms 2027 are arranged into Semester 1, covering Terms 1 and 2, and Semester 2, covering Terms 3 and 4. The June vacation separates the two semesters, while shorter breaks fall in March and September.

There is one date that some families need to check carefully. Schools used as venues for the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) written examinations will end their final school term earlier, on Friday, 29 October 2027. The regular school-year end date does not apply to every student in those schools.

JC and MI students also follow different starting dates depending on their year group. First-year JC and MI students begin on 3 February, while the other relevant year groups start on 11 January. Their final term and year-end vacation dates may differ from those shown in the main school calendar.

Singapore School Holidays 2027

The main Singapore school holidays 2027 fall in March, June, September and November–December. MOE also lists scheduled school holidays for particular dates during the school year.

The four scheduled school holidays in 2027 are:

Youth Day falls on Sunday, 4 July, so Monday, 5 July is a school holiday. Children’s Day applies to primary schools and the primary sections of full schools only. Teachers’ Day falls on the last day of Term 3, so families should check school notices for any celebrations or related activities.

These dates are useful for planning family outings, enrichment classes and childcare. Still, a school may issue separate notices about activities or arrangements, so check the school’s announcements before assuming a normal timetable applies.

Singapore Public Holidays During the School Year

Singapore public holidays are separate from MOE school vacations. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) publishes the gazetted dates, while MOE sets school arrangements and designated school closures.

Monday, 8 February is a public holiday following Chinese New Year. MOE schools also have designated days off-in-lieu on Tuesday, 9 February, Monday, 3 May and Monday, 27 December for the relevant public-holiday arrangements.

These extra school closures are worth distinguishing from the national public-holiday list. For example, Labour Day falls on Saturday, 1 May, while the designated school closure is Monday, 3 May. Parents should check both calendars when arranging childcare or planning a trip.

Does the Academic Calendar Differ by Education Level?

Yes. The main MOE calendar applies to MOE kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools, but post-secondary institutions can follow different dates.

• MOE kindergartens and primary schools: Follow the published term and vacation dates, with specific start dates for different year groups.
• Secondary schools: Generally follow the four-term calendar, although examination-venue schools may finish earlier.
• Junior colleges and Millennia Institute: Have separate starting dates and year-end arrangements according to student year group and examination schedules.
• Polytechnics and universities: Set their own academic calendars, semesters, teaching weeks and examination periods.
• International schools: May follow an August-to-June or another academic-year structure, depending on the institution.
  Students should use their institution’s own calendar for enrolment, orientation, teaching periods and examination dates. The general MOE school calendar is not a substitute for a university or international-school schedule.

Where to Check Official Singapore Academic Calendar Updates

For school terms and scheduled holidays, consult the Ministry of Education’s official calendar. The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) publishes national examination information, while the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) provides the gazetted public-holiday dates. Parents should also check individual school announcements for changes, school events and specific arrangements that may affect their child’s timetable.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Singapore school year start in 2027?

The school year starts on 4 January 2027 for Primary 1 and Kindergarten 1 students. Primary 2 to Primary 6 and Kindergarten 2 students start on 5 January.

How many school terms are there in Singapore?

The general MOE calendar has four school terms grouped into two semesters. Vacation periods fall between Terms 1 and 2, between the semesters, between Terms 3 and 4, and at year-end.

When are the Singapore school holidays in 2027?

The main vacation periods are 13–21 March, 29 May–27 June, 4–12 September and 20 November–31 December for MOE kindergartens, primary and secondary schools.

Are JC and MI dates the same as primary and secondary school dates?

Not always. JC and MI starting dates depend on year group, and some students have different year-end vacation dates because of their examination schedules.

Where can I find the official MOE academic calendar?

Check the Ministry of Education’s official academic calendar for school terms, holidays and key dates. For examination schedules, refer to SEAB, and use the relevant institution’s calendar for tertiary or international school dates.

Conclusion

The Singapore academic calendar helps families plan school terms, holidays and activities for 2026 and 2027. Check the correct dates for your child’s education level, and remember that scheduled school holidays and public holidays are not always the same. Official school notices remain the best source for any changes.