Holiday calendar 2026-2027
Are you planning to go on vacation? Make sure you plan it right!
If you're starting your studies at Fontys, you'll likely want to know when you can take a break. We have prepared a holiday schedule for you. However, please be aware that your specific study programme might follow a different schedule. If you're looking to book a vacation, we recommend contacting the administrative office of your study programme.
Academic calendar 2026-2027
Purple introduction week
24-08-2026 / 28-08-2026
Educational period 1
31-08-2026 / 15-11-2026
Educational period 2
16-11-2026 / 08-02-2027
Educational period 3
16-02-2027 / 25-04-2027
Educational period 4
03-05-2027 / 25-07-2027
Vacation and holidays
Autumn break
19-10-2026 / 25-10-2026
Christmas break
21-12-2026 / 03-01-2027
Spring break
09-02-2027/ 15-02-2027
Good Friday
26-03-2027
Easter Monday
29-03-2027
May break
26-04-2027 / 02-05-2027
Liberation day
05-05-2027
Ascension Day and the day after
06-05-2027 / 07-05-2027
Whit Monday
17-05-2027
Summer break
25-07-2027 / 05-09-2027
Understanding Dutch holidays
Below, you'll find brief explanations of each holiday and break included in our calendar. These descriptions can give you some insight into the culture and history behind each special day, enriching your experience at Fontys. Whether it's a time for celebration, reflection, or relaxation, each holiday has its unique charm and significance.
There is a week-long break in October, giving students and staff a pause from their academic and work activities to enjoy the autumn season.
This two-week holiday in late December to early January celebrates Christmas and New Year. It's a time for families and friends to gather, share meals, and exchange gifts, marking the end of the year and the beginning of a new one.
Carnival is a festive season before Lent, with public celebrations, parades, and parties. The break in February allows participants to partake in these lively and colourful festivities, which are particularly popular in the southern provinces of the Netherlands.
The day after Easter Sunday, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It's a public holiday in the Netherlands, often spent with family and involved in springtime activities.
The May break occurs at the end of April and goes into early May. It includes King's Day and Liberation Day. This period is full of celebrations across the country, with events and activities that honour the Netherlands' history and culture.
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday. It commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. The following day is often given as an extended break to create a long weekend.
On Monday, the day after Pentecost, we celebrate when the Holy Spirit came to Jesus' followers. In the Netherlands, it's a time for spring festivals and cultural events.
The long summer holiday in July and August marks the end of the academic year. Students and staff enjoy a prolonged break to relax, travel, and engage in leisure activities before the new academic year begins.