Planning for the 2026 school year in South Africa? The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially released the 2026 school calendar, making it easier for parents, teachers, and students to organize their year.
Whether you’re arranging family vacations, study schedules, or school events, having the full list of term dates and holidays in one place can make all the difference.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the school holidays in South Africa for 2026, along with a free PDF download of the official calendar and an optional JPEG image version for quick reference.
Why You Need the 2026 School Calendar
The school holidays calendar is more than just a list of dates; it’s a planning tool that helps families and schools stay organized throughout the year.
With South Africa’s diverse education system and provincial variations, keeping track of official term dates ensures students don’t miss important learning days or national breaks.
The 2026 academic year follows a similar pattern to previous years, with four terms spread across the year and holiday breaks in between for rest and family time. This makes it easier to balance study, travel, and personal time.
Highlights of the 2026 School Year
Here’s a general outline of what to expect from the 2026 South African school holidays:
- Term 1: Begins mid-January and ends in late March.
- Term 2: Runs from early April to mid-June.
- Term 3: Starts in mid-July and continues until late September.
- Term 4: Begins in early October and concludes in early December.
Each term is separated by school holiday breaks, allowing students time to rest and families to plan vacations. Public holidays such as Human Rights Day, Freedom Day, Youth Day, and Heritage Day will also fall within or near some of these breaks.
Download the Official PDF Calendar
To make your planning even easier, the Department of Basic Education provides an official PDF version of the 2026 school calendar. This document includes:
- All four school terms
- Public holidays for 2026
- Start and end dates for each term
- Provincial variations, where applicable
You can download the official 2026 South Africa school calendar PDF using the link below:
(Click Here To Download.PDF)
Having a digital or printed copy of the calendar ensures you can access it anytime, whether on your phone, laptop, or notice board at school.
The 2026 South Africa school holidays provide valuable time for rest, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re a parent planning family activities or an educator organizing school programs, keeping the calendar handy will help you make the most of every term and holiday period.
Tip: Save both the PDF and JPEG versions for quick access, and share them with friends or colleagues to help everyone stay organized in 2026.
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