Singapore International School Holidays 2026 Guide
Understanding Singapore International School Holidays in 2026
For Australian families with children attending Singapore International Schools (SIS) or planning trips, knowing holiday dates is crucial. SIS typically refers to schools like the Singapore International School offering the Singapore MOE curriculum with international elements, popular among expat communities including Australians. These schools often align closely with Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) calendar, but international variants (e.g., those following IB or British curricula) may vary slightly.
As 2026 dates are not yet officially released (typically published mid-2025), this guide provides projections based on historical patterns from 2023-2025. Always verify exact dates directly with your child’s school or the MOE website (moe.gov.sg), as changes can occur. This is especially important for Australian expat families coordinating with home state holidays.
Typical Academic Calendar Structure for SIS
Singapore schools, including SIS, operate on a four-term system from January to November, with holidays in between. Here’s the standard breakdown:
- Term 1: Late January to mid-March (6-7 weeks)
- March Holidays: 1 week
- Term 2: Late March to mid-May (7 weeks)
- June Holidays: 1 week (shorter for primaries)
- Term 3: Late May to mid-August (7-8 weeks)
- September Holidays: 1 week
- Term 4: Late August to late November (10 weeks)
- Year-End Holidays: December to mid-January (6-7 weeks, including Christmas and New Year)
Public holidays like Chinese New Year (2 days), Hari Raya Puasa, National Day (Aug 9), and Deepavali add extra breaks. International schools may extend these for family travel.
Projected Holidays for 2026
Using MOE patterns (school year starts second week of January), here’s a reliable projection for SIS in 2026. Confirm with official sources closer to the date.
Key Holiday Periods:
- Chinese New Year Holidays: February 16-20 (tentative, based on lunar calendar; typically Mon-Fri after CNY eve on Feb 15)
- March Holidays: March 23-27
- June Holidays: June 1-6 (1 week)
- National Day & September Holidays: August 10-18 (includes Aug 9 public holiday)
- Deepavali Holidays: Integrated into November term end
- Year-End Holidays: November 30, 2026 - January 11, 2027 (approx. 6 weeks)
Public Holidays Impacting SIS (projected):
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day |
| Feb 15-16 | Chinese New Year |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 7 | Vesak Day |
| May 29 | Good Friday (if Christian-aligned) |
| Aug 9 | National Day |
| Oct/Nov | Hari Raya Puasa & Haji (lunar dates) |
| Nov 14 | Deepavali |
| Dec 25 | Christmas |
International SIS branches (e.g., those with IB programs) might add 1-2 extra days for exams or align with global calendars.
Comparing with Australian School Holidays
Australian families often travel between Singapore and Australia during overlapping breaks. Australian term dates vary by state—check your state education department (e.g., nsw.gov.au for NSW). Here’s a 2026 comparison (projections; verify officially):
| Period | Singapore SIS | Australian Average (e.g., NSW/VIC) |
|---|---|---|
| Easter | April 3-6 (Good Friday impact) | April 4-21 (2 weeks) |
| June/Winter | June 1-6 | June 29-July 13 (2 weeks) - mismatch! |
| Sept/Spring | Aug 10-18 | Sept 28-Oct 12 (2 weeks) |
| Summer | Nov 30-Dec | Dec 19-Jan 29 (6-7 weeks) - good overlap |
Tip for Aussies: The December year-end break aligns perfectly for Sydney-Melbourne-Singapore family reunions. June holidays don’t match Australia’s winter break, so plan short Singapore stays or local camps.
Family Travel Tips for Australian Expats
Aligning Trips Home
- Best Overlaps: December-January for beach holidays in Queensland or skiing in Victoria. Book Qantas/Scoot flights early—Singapore to Perth is ~5 hours, to Sydney ~8 hours.
- Visa-Free Travel: Australians enjoy 90-day visa-free entry to Singapore; kids’ passports must be valid 6 months.
Budgeting and Planning
- Accommodation: Stay in family-friendly spots like Sentosa or Orchard Road. Airbnb averages SGD 300/night for 3-bed during holidays.
- Activities: Gardens by the Bay (SGD 30/adult), Universal Studios (SGD 80/day). Free beaches at East Coast Park.
- Costs: Expect 20-30% hike during school holidays. Use Pelago or Klook for discounts.
Practical Advice
- Health/Insurance: Singapore’s healthcare is world-class but pricey—ensure travel insurance covers evac to Australia if needed.
- Packing for Holidays: Hot/humid year-round (30°C); pack reef-safe sunscreen, hydration packs. Monsoon peaks Nov-Jan.
- School Prep: Use holidays for Australian curriculum bridging if dual-enrolled.
Why Verify Dates and Stay Updated
Calendars shift due to lunar festivals or elections. Australian families should:
- Subscribe to SIS newsletters.
- Follow MOE Singapore Facebook/Twitter.
- Use apps like School Holidays SG or iCal exports.
- For Australia: State sites like education.qld.gov.au.
This ensures seamless planning. With strong Aussie-Singapore ties (over 20,000 Australians in Singapore), holidays are prime for bonding.
Word count: 748. Families, safe travels!