The UAE has set the dates for the 2025–2026 academic calendar for higher education. If you’re a student, educator, or international partner, here’s your quick snapshot of what’s changing and why it matters.
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Key dates you need to know
- Start date: 25 August 2025
- Winter break: 8 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 (4 weeks)
- Spring break: 16–29 March 2026 (2 weeks)
- End date: 3 July 2026
- Flexibility: Universities can adjust by ±1 week; international branches may follow home calendars.
Why this matters
This unified calendar is more than logistics—it’s about balance and global alignment. The Ministry says the update supports family time, student wellbeing, and smoother coordination between local and international universities.
For you, that means:
✅ Easier planning for study, internships, and travel.
✅ More balanced breaks to reduce burnout.
✅ Less confusion across institutions and global programs.
Universities: what to check now
- Adjust programs, internships, and summer modules to the new dates.
- Confirm calendar rules for international branches.
- Update visas, housing, and financial aid cycles.
- Communicate clearly if making ±1 week changes.
The bigger picture
This isn’t just an admin update. Academic calendars shape the student experience. If implemented well, this change could boost student wellbeing, retention, and international collaboration across the UAE.
EDU Passport’s role
We don’t just share dates—we bring you the bigger education picture:
- News + policy updates like this one
- Global jobs and scholarships
- Student deals and discounts
- A social feed to connect with the education world
👉 Grab our free UAE 2025–2026 Academic Calendar PDF + Checklist and join EDU Passport today. Stay ahead of every shift in the education world.
