The announcement comes a few days after the Ministry said it is evaluating the pros and cons, including the risks and challenges of the three-semester system 

Riyadh, June 1, 2023: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education has announced the continuation of the three-semester system for the upcoming academic year 2023-24 for public and university education institutions as well as technical and vocational training institutions. 

The announcement comes a few days after the Ministry said it was evaluating the pros and cons, including the risks and challenges of the three-semester system.  The review was also aimed at assessing the educational, economic and social impact that this system would have during the two academic years of its implementation.  

The three-semester system was first introduced in the year 2021, when educational institutions reopened for in-person learning following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It should be noted that the country’s Shoura Council had last year asked the Ministry of Education to reconsider its application of three semesters system in public education schools and Saudi universities. 

The council, according to reports, made the request, following the best practices and global trends in the field of higher education, and consistent with the independence of universities according to their system of education.  

Apart from three semesters the new academic calendar for the year 2023-24 will include 38 academic weeks, as well as 180 school days, 60 days of various vacations, and 68 days of full summer vacation.  

The first semester of the academic year will begin on Sunday, Safar 4, 1445, corresponding to Aug 20, 2023, and continue until Nov. 16, 2023. The second semester will begin on Sunday, Jamad Al-Awwal 12, 1445, corresponding to Nov 26, 2023 and go on until Feb 22, 2024, while the third semester will start on Sunday, Shaban 22, 1445, corresponding to Mar 3, 2024, and end on June 10, 2024. 

During the academic year there would be 10 different types of holidays, including four long holidays, vacation during the end of the first and second semesters, the mid-semester vacation, apart from holidays to mark the National Day, Foundation Day holidays, as well as the Eid Al-Fitr holidays. 

According to reports, public and private universities, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), Saudi schools abroad and the community schools have been granted the flexibility to make changes in the calendar dates in accordance with the specific regulations in this respect.