School Holidays 2026
Malaysia's public school calendar is set by the Ministry of Education (KPM). Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan follow Group B scheduling with a Saturday-Sunday weekend. The school year runs January to November, with approximately 200 instructional days.
Sabah, Sarawak, and Federal Territory of Labuan follow Group B. Weekend is Saturday-Sunday. School week is Monday to Friday. Group A states (Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu) have a different break schedule.
2026 School Calendar (Group B)
Term Dates & Breaks
| Period | Dates (Group B) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 starts | Mon 5 January 2026 | — | First day of school |
| Mid-term break 1 | 14–22 March 2026 | 9 days | Good for short family trips |
| Term 1 ends | Fri 22 May 2026 | — | — |
| Semester break | 23 May – 7 June 2026 | 16 days | Longest mid-year break. Overlaps with Kaamatan! |
| Term 2 starts | Mon 8 June 2026 | — | — |
| Mid-term break 2 | 15–23 August 2026 | 9 days | Near Merdeka Day (31 Aug) |
| Term 2 ends | Fri 20 November 2026 | — | After SPM/exams end |
| Year-end holiday | 21 November – 31 December 2026 | 41 days | Longest break of the year |
KPM typically confirms the exact calendar in late December of the preceding year. Dates above are based on the latest confirmed schedule. Check moe.gov.my for official updates.
Exam Periods
Major national examinations in 2026 (estimated windows — exact dates confirmed by LPM mid-year):
| Exam | Level | Estimated Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSR | Year 6 (Primary) | September 2026 | Replaced by Pentaksiran Bilik Darjah (PBD) — school-based assessment. No more national exam since 2021. |
| PT3 | Form 3 | October 2026 | School-based assessment (PBS). No national written exam since 2022. |
| SPM | Form 5 | Oct–Nov 2026 | The main national exam. Results typically March 2027. |
| STPM | Form 6 | Nov 2026 | 3-semester exam system. Final semester exam in Nov. |
| School-level exams | All levels | Mar/Jun/Sep/Nov | Mid-year (Jun) and final year (Oct-Nov) are the main school exams. |
International Schools
International schools in Sabah follow their own academic calendars based on their curriculum. All are located in or near Kota Kinabalu.
Kinabalu International School (KIS)
The most established international school in Sabah. Offers Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma. Academic year: August–June. Annual fees: RM18,000–45,000 depending on year level.
Jesselton International School (JIS)
Follows British National Curriculum. Pre-school through secondary. Annual fees: RM15,000–38,000.
Charis International School
More affordable international option. Cambridge Primary and IGCSE. Annual fees: RM8,000–20,000.
Tips for Parents
Book Travel Early
Flights and hotels spike during school breaks — especially year-end (Nov–Dec) and semester break (May–Jun). Book 4–6 weeks ahead.
Holiday Programmes
Many centres in KK offer holiday camps: coding, sports, art, nature. Look for programmes at Sabah Parks, City Library, or private enrichment centres. Book 2–3 weeks before the break starts.
Plan Around Exams
SPM runs Oct–Nov. Avoid planning major family events during this period if you have Form 5 students. Mid-year exams are usually in June.
Teacher's Day
16 May — not a holiday, but schools organise celebrations. Students often bring gifts. There may be early dismissal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is the difference between Group A and Group B schools?
Malaysia divides public schools into two groups:
- Group A — Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu. Weekend is Friday-Saturday. Mid-term breaks differ slightly.
- Group B — All other states including Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. Weekend is Saturday-Sunday. Standard Mon-Fri school week.
The total number of school days and exam dates are the same for both groups. Only break timing differs.
Q When are SPM exams in 2026?
SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia / Malaysian Certificate of Education) exams typically run from late October to early December. For 2026, the estimated window is:
- Written papers: ~26 October – 28 November 2026
- Results: Typically released March of the following year
Form 5 students usually finish school earlier than other forms. Exact dates are confirmed by MOE mid-year.
Q How much do international schools in Sabah cost?
Annual tuition fees vary significantly:
- Kinabalu International School (KIS) — RM18,000–45,000/year depending on year level
- Jesselton International School (JIS) — RM15,000–38,000/year
- Charis International School — RM8,000–20,000/year
Additional costs include registration fees (RM1,000–5,000 one-time), uniforms, books, and transport. Some schools offer sibling discounts.
Q Can my child attend a Malaysian public school as a foreigner?
Expatriate children can attend Malaysian public schools, but places are not guaranteed and depend on availability. Requirements:
- Valid student/dependent pass
- Application through the nearest District Education Office (PPD)
- Previous school records (translated to Malay if needed)
Teaching is in Malay with English for science and math in some schools. Most expat families opt for international schools due to language and curriculum differences.
Q When should I book travel during school holidays?
Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead for domestic travel during school breaks. Prices and availability are worst during:
- Year-end break (Nov–Dec) — Peak season, prices up 30–50%
- Semester break (late May–early Jun) — Coincides with Kaamatan, moderate surge
- Mid-term breaks — Less extreme but still busier than term-time
Best value: Travel in March or September when no major breaks fall.
Sources & References 6 sources
Last verified: March 2026