When Does International School Start in Myanmar? A 2027 Guide

Most international schools in Myanmar begin their academic year in August, running through to June. Myanmar's basic education schools, government and monastic, follow a June start instead, confirmed nationally each year, with the 2026 to 2027 academic year opening on 1 June 2026 across the country.

That's roughly a two-month gap between the two systems, and worth planning around if you're comparing local and international options in Yangon or Mandalay. For 2027 to 2028, international schools should hold their usual August window, though exact dates are typically confirmed by each school around 12 months out.

Why the dates differ

Myanmar's basic education calendar, June to March, is set nationally and marked with opening-day ceremonies at schools across the country each year. International schools in Yangon and Mandalay don't follow this, running instead on the northern hemisphere calendar tied to their curriculum, most commonly a Cambridge or American-based programme, starting in August and finishing the following June.

Term dates and key holidays

Within the August-to-June international school year, you can generally expect:

• Thingyan: Myanmar's water festival and New Year in mid-April is one of the country's biggest holidays, closing every school for around a week.
• Winter break: Around two weeks over Christmas and New Year at international schools.
• Full Moon days: Several Buddhist full moon days through the year are public holidays, observed by both local and international schools, with dates set by the lunar calendar.
• Summer break: The longest holiday of the year for international schools, typically June to August.
• Plan ahead: International schools in Myanmar each set their own calendars, and published dates can shift with little notice, so confirm directly with the school close to the start of term.

What to prepare, and from when

Five popular international schools in Myanmar

1. Yangon International School, Yangon. IB continuum alongside an American curriculum, ages 4 to 18, around 240 pupils. MMK 29,180,111 to 59,048,937 a year (approx. USD 13,900 to 28,100) depending on grade.

2. MIA International School, Mandalay. Part of a four-branch school network including a Chinese-language stream, ages 5 to 18, around 230 pupils. Fee details aren't published on doris for this school, contact the school directly for current tuition.

3. ILBC International School Mandalay, Mandalay. Cambridge curriculum to IGCSE across multiple campuses. MMK 5,380,000 to 12,538,000 a year (approx. USD 2,600 to 6,000) depending on campus and grade.

4. Global Pathways International School, Mandalay. Cambridge IGCSE pathway, ages 14 to 19. MMK 1,900,000 to 12,880,000 a year (approx. USD 900 to 6,100) depending on year group.

5. Mandalay International School of Acumen (MISA), Mandalay. Cambridge curriculum from primary through to A Level, ages 4 to 18, around 400 pupils. Fee details aren't published on doris for this school, contact the school directly for current tuition.

Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.

Check school availability in Myanmar on doris

Schools in Myanmar may have waiting lists for certain year groups, so it helps to prepare well ahead of your preferred start date.

Start by exploring schools in Myanmar on doris and opening the profiles of those on your shortlist. You can review admissions details and, where available, check availability or send an enquiry to ask about places, waiting lists and application requirements. Include your child’s age and intended start date so the school can give you relevant guidance.

View the school overview and hover to check availability.

View admissions details, scholarships and waiting list information.

Start your school search early to give your family more time to explore options and prepare your application.

FAQ

What month does international school usually start in Myanmar? Most international schools start in August. Local basic education schools start in June, confirmed nationally each year with opening ceremonies.

What are the term dates for schools in Myanmar? Local basic education schools run June to March. International schools generally run August to June, following whichever curriculum they teach.

Does the international school year in Myanmar match the local school year? No. The two run roughly two months apart. Both close for major national holidays, including Thingyan, regardless of which calendar they otherwise follow.

When should we start applying for a 2027 start in Myanmar? Around 12 months ahead, particularly for younger year groups at popular Yangon schools.

Why does the local school year in Myanmar start in June? It's the long-standing national pattern for basic education, set by the Ministry of Education and marked with a coordinated opening day at schools across the country each year.

doris is a free, impartial international school discovery platform designed to help parents find the right international school for their children worldwide. Every school profile includes fees, curriculum, admissions, pupil numbers and more. Parents can compare schools, contact schools directly, access expert parent guides, and connect with a community of parents around the world. Start your search at doris.school.

This guide was written by Aziza F, part of the doris editorial team. doris sources school data from institutions worldwide and speaks directly with parents navigating the school search process. Fee data reflects published and publicly available information for the 2026 to 2027 academic year and is reviewed annually. External sources: school academic calendars and fee pages, Myanmar Ministry of Education.

Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.