The official Mauritius School Calendar 2026 sets out the term dates for primary and secondary schools, including the January admission date, reopening dates and the holidays between each term.
For parents, however, knowing the first and last day of each term is only part of the planning. You may also need to arrange uniforms, textbooks, school transport, childcare during the holidays and time off around public holidays.
This complete parent guide brings the important 2026 school dates together in one place and explains when new pupils are admitted, when all classes resume and which public holidays fall during the academic year.
Important: The dates below are based on the official calendar published by the Mauritius Ministry of Education and Human Resource. Individual private or international schools may issue their own calendars, orientation dates or examination schedules, so parents should also check notices sent directly by their child’s school.
Table of Contents
Mauritius School Calendar 2026 at a Glance
The 2026 academic year is divided into three school terms.
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| First Term | Monday, 12 January 2026 | Friday, 3 April 2026 |
| Second Term | Monday, 20 April 2026 | Friday, 17 July 2026 |
| Third Term | Monday, 17 August 2026 | Friday, 30 October 2026 |
Although the first term officially begins on 12 January, that date is reserved for the admission of specific new-entry groups. Most returning pupils resume classes on Tuesday, 13 January.
When Do Schools Reopen in Mauritius in 2026?
The first school reopening dates depend on the pupil’s grade.
Monday, 12 January 2026
This is the admission and orientation date for:
- Grade 1 pupils entering primary school
- Grade 7 pupils entering regional secondary schools
- Grade 10 pupils entering academies
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
All other primary and secondary classes resume on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
Parents of pupils entering Grade 1, Grade 7 or Grade 10 should follow any separate instructions provided by the school regarding reporting times, documents, uniforms and whether parents are expected to remain for an orientation session.
Reopening after the first-term break
Schools reopen for the second term on Monday, 20 April 2026.
Reopening after the winter holidays
Schools reopen for the third term on Monday, 17 August 2026.
Important School Dates by Term
First Term
- Admission of Grade 1: Monday, 12 January 2026
- Admission of Grade 7 in regional schools: Monday, 12 January 2026
- Admission of Grade 10 in academies: Monday, 12 January 2026
- Resumption of all other classes: Tuesday, 13 January 2026
- Last day of first term: Friday, 3 April 2026
The first term is usually the busiest preparation period for parents because it involves new classrooms, teachers, transport arrangements, book lists and uniform requirements.
Second Term
- Second term begins: Monday, 20 April 2026
- Labour Day public holiday: Friday, 1 May 2026
- Last day of second term: Friday, 17 July 2026
The second term runs for almost three months and ends before the main winter school holiday.
Third Term
- Third term begins: Monday, 17 August 2026
- Ganesh Chaturthi public holiday: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
- Last day of the 2026 school year: Friday, 30 October 2026
Ganesh Chaturthi was originally listed for 16 September but was officially amended to Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
Mauritius School Holidays 2026
The official calendar provides the last day of each term and the reopening date of the next term. The holiday periods can therefore be calculated as follows.
| Holiday | Holiday Begins | Schools Reopen |
|---|---|---|
| First-term or Easter break | After classes on Friday, 3 April | Monday, 20 April 2026 |
| Winter school holidays | After classes on Friday, 17 July | Monday, 17 August 2026 |
| End-of-year holidays | After classes on Friday, 30 October | 2027 reopening date not yet published |
First-Term or Easter Holidays
The first term ends on Friday, 3 April, and the second term begins on Monday, 20 April. Pupils therefore have no scheduled classes from Saturday, 4 April to Sunday, 19 April 2026.
This gives families a 16-day break when weekends are included.
Winter School Holidays
The second term ends on Friday, 17 July, and the third term begins on Monday, 17 August.
The winter holiday therefore runs from Saturday, 18 July to Sunday, 16 August 2026, giving families approximately one month between terms.
If you are planning a family trip during this period, our guide to Mauritius in July and August explains the winter weather, beaches and family activities available during the school holidays.
End-of-Year School Holidays
The third term ends on Friday, 30 October 2026. The end-of-year holiday begins on Saturday, 31 October.
The official 2026 calendar does not provide the reopening date for the 2027 academic year. Parents should avoid relying on estimated dates and wait for the Ministry of Education to publish the official 2027 school calendar.
Public Holidays During the 2026 School Year
Several Mauritius public holidays fall during a school term or immediately beside a school holiday. Parents should include these dates when planning childcare, transport and family activities.
| Public Holiday | Date | Position in the School Calendar |
|---|---|---|
| Abolition of Slavery and Thaipoosam Cavadee | Sunday, 1 February | First term, but falls on a weekend |
| Maha Shivaratree | Sunday, 15 February | First term, but falls on a weekend |
| Chinese Spring Festival | Tuesday, 17 February | First-term weekday public holiday |
| Independence Day and Republic Day | Thursday, 12 March | First-term weekday public holiday |
| Ugaadi | Thursday, 19 March | First-term weekday public holiday |
| Eid-Ul-Fitr | Saturday, 21 March | First term, but currently falls on a weekend |
| Labour Day | Friday, 1 May | Second-term weekday public holiday |
| Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Saturday, 15 August | During the winter school holidays |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Tuesday, 15 September | Third-term weekday public holiday |
| Arrival of Indentured Labourers | Monday, 2 November | After the school year has ended |
| Divali | Sunday, 8 November | During the end-of-year holidays |
| Christmas | Friday, 25 December | During the end-of-year holidays |
Eid date notice: The exact date of Eid-Ul-Fitr remains subject to confirmation because it depends on the visibility of the moon.
Parents should also monitor official announcements because schools can occasionally close for reasons not included in the annual calendar, such as severe weather or cyclone warnings.
For more context on one of the school-year public holidays, read our article about Labour Day in Mauritius. Our guide to Mauritian culture also explains the diverse religious and cultural traditions behind many national holidays.
Download or Print the Mauritius School Calendar 2026
The Ministry of Education provides an official PDF containing the primary and secondary school dates for 2026.
Download the official Mauritius School Calendar 2026 PDF
You can also view the latest calendar information on the official Ministry of Education school-calendar page.
School Preparation Checklist for Parents
Starting preparations several weeks before reopening can reduce last-minute pressure, particularly for children moving into Grade 1 or Grade 7.
Four Weeks Before School Reopens
- Confirm the admission or reopening date with the school.
- Review the official book and stationery list.
- Check whether the existing uniform still fits.
- Order uniforms early if alterations are required.
- Confirm school transport or private van arrangements.
- Check whether any admission, transfer or medical documents are outstanding.
Two Weeks Before Reopening
- Label uniforms, books, bags and lunch containers.
- Check shoes, sportswear and rain protection.
- Update emergency contact details with the school.
- Inform the school about allergies or relevant medical requirements.
- Begin moving bedtime and morning routines back to school hours.
During the Final Week
- Prepare the school bag and first-day documents.
- Confirm the school starting and finishing times.
- Check the transport pickup point and expected arrival time.
- Plan breakfast, lunch and after-school arrangements.
- Charge any approved digital devices required for class.
Families comparing general household expenses may also find our guide to the cost of living in Mauritius helpful when budgeting for transport, uniforms, food and school supplies.
For medical appointments, vaccination records or general health information, see our guide to the healthcare system in Mauritius.
Planning School Transport
School transport arrangements should ideally be confirmed before the January reopening and checked again before each new term.
Parents should confirm:
- The morning pickup time and exact location
- The afternoon return time
- Who will collect younger children
- What happens when the child is absent
- The contact number for the driver or transport provider
- Alternative arrangements if a bus or van is unavailable
Pupils using public transport should practise the route before the first school day where possible. Allow extra time during the opening week, when roads around schools can be busier.
Our Mauritius bus guide explains routes, fares and practical bus travel. You can also read the broader Mauritius transport guide.
For older pupils who need reliable access to online learning platforms, our guide to internet in Mauritius compares fibre, mobile data and home internet options.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do schools reopen in Mauritius in January 2026?
Grade 1 pupils, Grade 7 pupils entering regional schools and Grade 10 pupils entering academies are admitted on Monday, 12 January 2026. All other classes resume on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
When does the second school term begin in Mauritius?
The second term begins on Monday, 20 April 2026 and ends on Friday, 17 July 2026.
When do schools reopen after the winter holidays?
Primary and secondary schools reopen for the third term on Monday, 17 August 2026.
When are the Easter school holidays in Mauritius in 2026?
The first term ends on Friday, 3 April. Schools reopen on Monday, 20 April, so the break runs from Saturday, 4 April to Sunday, 19 April 2026.
When are the winter school holidays in Mauritius in 2026?
The winter holidays begin after classes on Friday, 17 July. The third term begins on Monday, 17 August 2026.
When does the 2026 school year end?
The third and final term ends on Friday, 30 October 2026.
How many school terms are there in Mauritius?
The official 2026 primary and secondary school calendar is divided into three terms.
When do Grade 1 pupils start school in Mauritius in 2026?
Grade 1 admission takes place on Monday, 12 January 2026.
When do Grade 7 pupils start secondary school in 2026?
Grade 7 pupils entering regional schools are admitted on Monday, 12 January 2026.
When do Grade 10 pupils enter academies in 2026?
Grade 10 pupils entering academies are admitted on Monday, 12 January 2026.
Is Ganesh Chaturthi on 15 or 16 September 2026?
The amended official public-holiday notice confirms that Ganesh Chaturthi will be observed on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, rather than Wednesday, 16 September.
Are schools closed for Divali and Christmas?
In 2026, the school year ends on 30 October. Divali on 8 November and Christmas on 25 December therefore fall during the end-of-year school holiday.
When will schools reopen in January 2027?
The official 2026 calendar does not provide a January 2027 reopening date. Parents should wait for the Ministry of Education to publish the 2027 school calendar.
Where can I download the official Mauritius School Calendar PDF?
The official PDF is available from the Mauritius Ministry of Education and Human Resource. A direct download link is provided in the calendar download section above.
Official Sources
- Ministry of Education and Human Resource: School Calendar 2026
- Official Primary and Secondary School Calendar 2026 PDF
- Prime Minister’s Office: Amended Public Holidays 2026
