Introduction
The Saudi government will transition public schools from a three-semester to a two-semester academic year beginning in 2025 (1447/1448 Hijri), after Cabinet approval. This follows feedback from teachers, students, and parents advocating for what they believe supports better learning outcomes.
Why the Change from Three to Two Semesters?
Learning from Vision 2030 Reforms
The three-term system was introduced as part of Vision 2030, aligning with international norms of 180‑day school years. It provided structured terms broken up by holidays to maintain academic continuity, reaching approximately 180 instructional days.
Stakeholder Feedback Shapes the Decision
Despite achieving the desired number of school days, the Ministry prioritized concerns raised about pacing and structure. Teachers, students, and parents felt that fewer but longer semesters could enhance focus and reduce fragmentation in learning.
What’s Changing for Public Schools?
Two‑Semester Calendar Structure
From 2025 onwards, public schools will adopt a two‑semester system. This shift does not alter the required 180 teaching days; it merely restructures how the academic year is organized.
Continued Academic Safeguards
The Ministry emphasized that semesters are just one aspect—teacher training, curriculum quality, and class environment all remain critical components of education reform.
Regional Timing Considerations
Special regions such as Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, and Taif—which host seasonal Hajj and Umrah influxes—will benefit from more adaptable calendars under the two-semester model. This allows better local coordination during pilgrimage seasons and eases logistical burdens for schools.
Who Is Affected?
- Public Schools: Nationwide implementation of the new two-semester calendar.
- Universities, Training Institutions, Private & International Schools: Will retain the ability to determine their own academic schedules according to their needs and existing curricula.
Broader Context and Outlook
- The three-term calendar officially runs from August 18, 2024 to June 26, 2025, with semesters starting August 18, November 17, and March 2, respectively.
- Mid‑year adjustments, such as during Ramadan, have previously seen varied regional timing (e.g. Mecca and Medina schools adjusted start times during March 2025).
- Looking ahead, the Ministry may assess calendar models annually, ensuring flexibility and quality remain central to educational policy.
Summary at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Year | 2025 (Hijri 1447/1448) |
| Model | Two‑semester academic calendar for public schools |
| Total Instructional Days | At least 180 days per year |
| Flexibility | Some regional schedule adjustments (e.g. pilgrimage zones) |
| Exemptions | Private, international schools, universities maintain autonomy |
| Support Focus | Teacher training, improved learning materials, quality classrooms |
By bringing back a two-semester structure, Saudi public education aims to simplify the academic schedule without reducing learning time while elevating teacher skills, resources, and student experience remain core priorities.
