School holidays in the Republic of Cyprus for the 2025/2026 academic year

In public schools of the Republic of Cyprus, the main holidays for the 2025/2026 academic year are distributed as follows: Christmas — from December 24, 2025, to January 6, 2026; Easter — from April 6 to April 17, 2026; summer holidays begin after the end of the school year: for primary schools — from approximately June 18, 2026, and for gymnasiums and lyceums — after the exams in June 2026. The academic year traditionally starts at the beginning of September. There are no separate autumn holidays in the education system of the Republic of Cyprus, but public holiday breaks are provided.

• School Holiday Calendar 2025/2026
• Christmas Holidays
• Easter Holidays
• Summer Holidays
• Additional School Days Off
• Holidays in Private Schools
• Frequently Asked Questions

School Holiday Calendar 2025/2026

Christmas Holidays

Christmas holidays in the schools of the Republic of Cyprus take place annually in late December and early January. During this period, all public educational institutions are closed.

In the 2025/2026 academic year, children are on break from December 24, 2025, to January 6, 2026, inclusive.

Easter Holidays

Easter holidays are the second major break period in the academic year. Their duration is usually about two weeks.

In 2026, Orthodox Easter falls on April 12, so school holidays are set from April 6 to April 17, 2026.

Summer Holidays

Summer holidays begin after the completion of exams and the curriculum.

• Primary school — from approximately June 18, 2026;
• Gymnasiums — mid-June 2026;
• Lyceums — after final exams in June 2026.

During this same period, child engagement programs — summer schools — are organized in public schools of the Republic of Cyprus. Detailed operating dates, a list of institutions, and registration procedures are described in a separate article: Summer Schools in the Republic of Cyprus.

Summer holidays continue until the start of the new academic year in September.

Additional School Days Off

In addition to holidays, the schools of the Republic of Cyprus provide for individual festive days without classes.

• October 1 — Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus;
• October 28 — National holiday "Ochi Day";
• January 30 — Day of the Three Holy Hierarchs (school day off);
• Green Monday — the date changes annually;
• April 1 — National holiday;
• June 11 — St. Barnabas Day;
• The day of the patron saint of the school or the locality.

Holidays in Private Schools

Private schools in the Republic of Cyprus can set their own academic calendar. In particular, some international schools provide for:

• Autumn half-term (usually October);
• Short winter break in February;
• An earlier end to the academic year.

Exact dates should be checked directly with the specific school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there autumn holidays in public schools in the Republic of Cyprus?

No, there is no separate autumn holiday period. Instead, festive public holidays are provided.

When does the school year end in the Republic of Cyprus?

The school year usually ends in June, followed by the start of the summer holidays.

When does the academic year begin?

Classes in public schools usually start in the first days of September.

Are the holiday dates the same for all schools?

For public schools, yes. Private schools can set their own calendar.

How long do summer holidays last for schoolchildren?

Usually about 10–11 weeks — from mid-June to early September.