This information was shared by Nguyen Ha Nguyen, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, at a professional meeting on general education on the morning of 9/12.

Typically, workers and public offices observe a one-day new year holiday. For the upcoming 2026 new year, 1/1 falls on a thursday. Following inquiries from several principals about granting students leave on 2/1 (a friday) to create a four-day consecutive break, Nguyen stated that the department has given schools the autonomy to make this decision. Principals will decide on this. Make-up classes can be conducted online to ensure the curriculum is completed.

Students at Bui Van Moi Primary School, Phuoc Long ward, Ho Chi Minh City, 9/2025. Photo: Quynh Tran

Ho Chi Minh City currently has 2.6 million preschool and general education students, making it the largest student population nationwide. According to the academic year framework set by the Ministry of Education and Training, provinces and cities have the flexibility to determine their school schedules, provided they ensure a minimum of 35 weeks of actual study per year. The study period must also align with the specific characteristics and practical conditions of each locality.

Thanh Hang