What is the official rule?

In July 2025, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education approved a school calendar for 2025–2026, 2026–2027 and 2027–2028, fixing the mid-year break in the last third of December to unify the academic rhythm across the country and help families plan. 4

The calendar also moved first-semester final exams to before Qatar National Day and took into account Shura Council recommendations on aligning public and private school holidays. 4

Government school dates for 2026–2027

According to Qatar Living, citing the ministry's annual school calendar, first-semester exams end on Tuesday 15 December 2026 and the mid-year break starts on Sunday 20 December. Staff return on Sunday 3 January 2027 and students on Monday 4 January. 5

The school year started for students on Sunday 30 August 2026, with a first-semester mid-term break from 25 to 29 October. 5

Private schools: practical examples

Private schools publish their own calendars, and their dates differ slightly from government schools.

At Sherborne Qatar (a British school), the autumn term ends on Thursday 17 December 2026 and the spring term starts on Monday 4 January 2027. The school says it reserves the right to amend dates when necessary. 2

At DPS-Modern Indian School, the last working day is Thursday 17 December 2026, the winter break runs from Sunday 20 to Thursday 31 December, teachers return on Sunday 3 January 2027 and students on Monday 4 January. The school notes that its holiday schedule is subject to change according to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education's instructions. 3

At Doha College, the last day of Term 1 is Thursday 17 December 2026, the winter break runs from Sunday 20 December to Sunday 3 January 2027, and Term 2 starts on Monday 4 January. The school notes that some dates, such as Ramadan and Eid, may change in line with official holidays in Qatar or Ministry of Education guidance. 1

Practical advice for parents

Treat your child's school calendar and official messages as the final word, because schools may change their dates. 1 2 3

If your child is in an external exam year, take note: Sherborne says some of these exams are held on Fridays, during Ramadan and on national holidays, and may continue until the end of June 2027, and it advises avoiding travel commitments at those times. 2