Private and international public education institutions are allowed to determine the start and end dates of semesters and vacations according to Ministerial Circular No. 4401204734 dated 11/12/1444 AH, which approves the implementation of the academic calendar in these institutions, while also granting them the flexibility to determine these dates in accordance with the following controls:
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The total number of school days for the academic year should adhere to the approved calendar, with the possibility of increasing it. The start of the academic year may be subject to alteration, either brought forward or postponed, with a maximum extension of two weeks beyond the officially approved academic calendar.
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The possibility of arranging and organizing vacations, with the importance of the institution’s commitment to the vacations included in the approved academic calendar, and ensuring the continuation of study on the dates specified for implementing international and national examinations, should the school be included in the target sample.
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The educational institution wishing to determine the beginning and end of semesters and vacations is required to submit a time plan within two weeks of the approved calendar being announced. The time plan should specify the start and end dates of each semester and the included vacations. The plan must be approved by the Department of Education/Global Education Office. The institution is then responsible for announcing its plan to the beneficiaries at least two weeks prior to the start of the school year.