Malaysia’s Ministry of Education Sets School Calendar and Holidays for Students 2027

The Ministry of Education has released the official school calendar for Malaysia, outlining term dates and holidays for students 2027 across public primary and secondary schools. The schedule, which applies to all government and government-aided schools, divides the academic year into three terms with designated breaks that vary by state group.

Under the 2027 calendar, schools in Group A and Group B will follow slightly different holiday periods, a standard practice that aligns with the lunar calendar and regional festivities. The ministry’s directive ensures that teaching days, examination periods, and public holidays are harmonised while accommodating the unique needs of each state grouping.

Term Structure and Key Dates for 2027

The academic year for 2027 begins in early January for most schools, though the exact start date depends on the state group. Group A, which includes Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perlis, typically starts the year earlier to account for the fasting month and Hari Raya celebrations. Group B, comprising the remaining states and the federal territories, follows a schedule that aligns with the national calendar.

Each term lasts approximately 11 to 12 weeks, with a one-week mid-term break and a longer end-of-term holiday. The first term runs from January to March, followed by a two-week break. The second term spans April to June, with a one-week break in May for Wesak Day and other observances. The third term, from July to November, includes a mid-year break in August and concludes with the year-end holidays for students 2027 starting in November.

State Groupings and Their Impact on School Breaks

Malaysia’s school calendar has long used state groupings to synchronise holidays with regional cultural and religious events. For 2027, the ministry has maintained this system, which is especially important for families planning ahead. The holidays for students 2027 will differ between Group A and Group B for key periods such as the Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali.

Group A schools, for example, will have their Chinese New Year break in late January or early February, while Group B schools may see the same break a week later. This staggered approach helps reduce congestion during peak travel periods and allows schools to manage local festivities without disrupting the national syllabus.

Group A States in 2027

The states in Group A are Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perlis. These states observe the Friday-Saturday weekend, meaning their school week runs from Sunday to Thursday. The calendar for this group places the Hari Raya Puasa holiday in the first term, allowing students to celebrate with their families before the examination period begins.

Group B States in 2027

Group B includes the remaining states and federal territories: Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan. These states follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend, with schools operating from Sunday to Thursday. The calendar for Group B places the Hari Raya Puasa break later in the first term, reflecting the lunar date differences.

Public Holidays and School Closure Periods

The ministry’s calendar incorporates all gazetted public holidays, ensuring that schools close on these days. Key holidays that affect the school schedule in 2027 include Chinese New Year (January 28-29), Hari Raya Puasa (approximately late March or early April, subject to moon sighting), Wesak Day (May 1), Deepavali (approximately October 23), and Christmas (December 25).

In addition to these national holidays, state-specific holidays such as the Sultan of Kedah’s birthday or the Sarawak Independence Day are observed locally. Schools in those states will close on these dates, which are factored into the overall term plan.

Examination Periods and Holiday Alignment

The school calendar also accounts for major examinations, including the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) for primary schools and the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) for secondary schools. These examinations typically take place in the third term, with SPM written papers scheduled from October to December. The holidays for students 2027 are designed to give students adequate study time before these assessments, with breaks placed strategically to avoid disruption.

For SPM candidates, the year-end holidays begin after the last paper, usually in late November or early December. This allows students to rest and prepare for results announcements in the following year. The ministry has emphasised that the calendar balances academic rigour with well-being, ensuring students have sufficient rest periods throughout the year.

Implications for Parents and Educators

The release of the 2027 school calendar provides parents and educators with a clear framework for planning family holidays, tuition schedules, and school activities. Knowing the exact dates of the holidays for students 2027 helps families book travel and accommodation in advance, avoiding last-minute price surges. It also allows teachers to plan their lesson modules and assessment schedules with confidence.

For international schools and private institutions that follow a different academic year, the ministry’s calendar serves as a reference point. Many private schools align their breaks with the public school system to facilitate family trips and sibling coordination. The consistency of the calendar year on year helps reduce confusion among parents who may have children in different state groups.

How the Calendar Is Developed

The Ministry of Education develops the annual school calendar in consultation with state education departments, religious authorities, and other government agencies. Factors considered include the lunar calendar for Islamic and Chinese festivals, the Deepavali date based on the Hindu calendar, and the Wesak Day observance. The ministry also takes into account the academic needs of students, such as the timing of national examinations and the length of terms.

Once finalised, the calendar is published on the ministry’s official portal and distributed to all schools. It is also shared with education journalists and trade press to ensure wide dissemination. The ministry does not typically make changes to the calendar after publication, though it may issue adjustments in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or public health emergencies.

Comparing 2027 with Previous Years

The 2027 calendar follows the same structure as recent years, with three terms and state-based groupings. One notable difference in 2027 is the alignment of the Hari Raya Puasa holiday with the first term, which may result in a longer break for students in some states. For Group A, the Hari Raya Puasa break is expected to fall in late March, while Group B will observe it in early April. This staggered approach mirrors the pattern seen in 2024 and 2025, providing continuity for families accustomed to the system.

The year-end holidays for students 2027 are also consistent with the previous year, with the break starting in late November for most states. The length of the year-end holiday is approximately six weeks, giving students ample time for rest and recreation before the new academic year begins in January 2028.

Guidance for Parents Planning Ahead

For parents, the key takeaway from the 2027 school calendar is the importance of checking their child’s state grouping before making travel plans. A family in Johor, for example, will have different holidays for students 2027 than a family in Selangor. This distinction is critical when booking flights or planning visits to grandparents in other states.

The ministry encourages parents to refer to the official school calendar published on the Ministry of Education website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Schools also distribute a printed version of the calendar at the beginning of the academic year. Parents who are unsure of their state grouping can contact their child’s school or the state education department for clarification.

About This Guide

This article is based on the official school calendar for Malaysia, covering term dates, holidays, and state groupings as set by the Ministry of Education. It serves as a reference for parents, educators, and journalists seeking reliable information on the academic year.