Gov’t Announces Changes to Academic Calendar, Shifts New Academic Year Start

The Ministry of Education has revealed that the current academic year 2023-2024’s second term is scheduled to conclude on April 30, with the new academic year set to commence on May 26. 

This move aligns with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment to altering the start date of the academic year and associated holidays.

According to the minister, the government plans to gradually shift the start date of the academic year to January, incorporating minor modifications to the semester structure rather than an abrupt, complete overhaul. The proposed changes are as follows:

• Second term of the 2023-2024 academic year: January 7 to April 30
• 2024-2025 academic year: May 26 to February 20 of the following year
• 2025 academic year: March 9 to December 18 of that year

Starting from 2026, the new academic year will officially begin in January, in line with President Muizzu’s commitment.

During a Cabinet meeting, it was decided to designate December as the significant school holiday from the following year, a change intended to be implemented gradually over the next two years. The President’s Office emphasized the government’s approach of evolving the academic calendar systematically instead of opting for an immediate shift.

Muizzu’s pledge to move the main holiday to December was reiterated during his presidential campaign. The decision includes introducing a four-week school holiday in June-July, providing students with a substantial break in December, typically spanning one and a half months. The rationale behind this decision is to allow students time for both academic pursuits and other activities.

Muizzu clarified that the decision was made following consultations with education experts, emphasising the careful consideration given to the potential impact on students and the education system.

It is worth noting that the previous government under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had moved the main holiday to May-June, citing reasons such as the tourism-dependency of the country and the impracticality of school holidays during the peak season in December. 

Additionally, concerns were raised about adverse weather conditions at the year-end, prompting the decision to shift the primary holiday period to June-July.