The 2026–2027 academic year begins on Sunday, 30 August 2026, for students in Qatar’s government schools. Many private and international schools also begin on this date, although every school follows its own approved calendar.
For families, 30 August is the main date to plan around when arranging uniforms, transport, registration documents and the return from summer travel.
This Qatar Living guide brings together the main term dates, holidays and examination periods for autumn 2026. Always confirm the final dates with your child’s school before booking travel.
When does school start in Qatar in autumn 2026?
The main dates are:
- Government-school students: Sunday, 30 August 2026
- Many private-school students: Sunday, 30 August 2026
- Some senior grades: An earlier return date may apply
For example, students in Grades X–XII at DPS-Modern Indian School Doha return on Sunday, 23 August, while students from KG1 to Grade IX return on 30 August.
Families returning to Qatar during the summer should leave enough time to arrange school transport, collect uniforms and complete any outstanding registration requirements.
Government school calendar 2026–2027
Autumn term dates
Students in government schools begin the academic year on 30 August 2026.
The mid-term break runs from Sunday, 25 October to Thursday, 29 October 2026, with students returning on Sunday, 1 November.
First-semester final examinations take place before Qatar National Day. The exact timetable depends on the student’s grade and will be issued through the school.
Mid-term and winter breaks
The main government-school dates during the first semester are:
- Mid-term break: 25–29 October 2026
- Students return: 1 November 2026
- Mid-year break: 20 December 2026–3 January 2027
- Second semester begins: 4 January 2027
The first-semester examinations finish before Qatar National Day on 18 December, allowing students to begin the mid-year break immediately afterwards.
Private school calendars: examples
Private and international schools publish their own calendars. Many follow a similar late-August start and October half-term, but parents should rely on the dates issued by their child’s school.
Sherborne Qatar
- Autumn term starts: Sunday, 30 August 2026
- Half-term break: Sunday, 25 October–Thursday, 29 October 2026
- Autumn term ends: Thursday, 17 December 2026
- Spring term starts: Monday, 4 January 2027
Pre-School and Reception pupils may begin with shorter or staggered days. The school will send the detailed arrangements directly to parents.
DPS-Modern Indian School Doha
- Grades X–XII return: Sunday, 23 August 2026
- KG1–Grade IX return: Sunday, 30 August 2026
- Mid-term break: Sunday, 25 October–Thursday, 29 October 2026
- Students return: Sunday, 1 November 2026
- Last working day before winter: Thursday, 17 December 2026
- Winter break: Sunday, 20 December–Thursday, 31 December 2026
- Teachers return: Sunday, 3 January 2027
- Students return: Monday, 4 January 2027
The school notes that its holiday dates may change in line with instructions from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Exam timelines to plan around
Government-school final examinations for the first semester take place before Qatar National Day. Schools will issue the detailed timetable for each grade.
Private-school assessment dates vary by school and curriculum. British, Indian, American, IB and other schools may follow different examination schedules.
Parents should check:
- Mid-term assessment dates
- First-semester examination dates
- Project and coursework deadlines
- External examination registration dates
- Attendance rules before and during examinations
Students taking IGCSE, A-Level, CBSE or other external examinations may follow dates that do not match the school holiday calendar. Avoid booking travel until the school confirms the complete examination schedule.
How to prepare for back to school in Doha
A little preparation can make the first week much easier:
Arrange transport early: Confirm your child’s school-bus place or test your driving route before the first day. Allow additional travel time during the opening week.
Order uniforms: Use the supplier approved by the school and check whether separate uniforms are required for physical education or other activities.
Check the stationery list: Requirements differ by grade, so wait for the official school list before buying everything.
Review registration documents: Ensure your child’s Qatar ID, passport, residency documents, birth certificate and health file are valid and available.
Registration and transfer applications for government schools reopen through the Ma‘aref Public Services Portal from 25 August to 1 October 2026.
Update medical information: Inform the school of any allergies, medication or health conditions and submit the required medical documents.
Plan the term budget: Allow for uniforms, books, devices, transport, activities and any costs not covered by tuition fees.
You can also browse tutors, uniforms, books and other back-to-school listings through the Qatar Living community.
FAQs
When does school start in Qatar in 2026?
Government-school students begin the 2026–2027 academic year on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
Many private schools also begin on this date, although some schools or senior grades may return earlier.
When is the autumn mid-term break in Qatar in 2026?
The government-school mid-term break runs from Sunday, 25 October to Thursday, 29 October 2026. Students return on Sunday, 1 November.
Sherborne Qatar and DPS-Modern Indian School Doha list the same mid-term dates.
When does the winter break start for Qatar schools?
The government-school mid-year break begins on Sunday, 20 December 2026 and continues until Sunday, 3 January 2027. The second semester begins on Monday, 4 January.
Private-school dates may differ. DPS-Modern Indian School Doha lists its winter break from 20 to 31 December, while Sherborne Qatar ends its autumn term on 17 December.
When does the autumn term end in Qatar?
Government-school first-semester examinations finish before Qatar National Day.
Many private schools end their autumn term on 17 December, but parents should check their school’s official calendar.
Do private schools in Qatar follow the government-school calendar?
Not exactly.
Many private schools use similar start dates and holiday periods, but they set their own term dates, assessment schedules and staff-training days.
When do examinations take place during the autumn term?
Government-school first-semester final examinations take place before Qatar National Day.
Private-school examination dates depend on the school and curriculum. Parents should request the confirmed timetable at the beginning of the term.
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