The Northern Ireland College Term Dates guide helps students and families stay organised with accurate College Term Dates and Holidays. Colleges usually observe 9–11 student holidays each year, including periods when campuses are College Closed, making this Student Academic Calendar essential for stress-free planning.
This Calendar covers the Autumn Term, Spring Term, and Summer Term, with Semester Dates, Induction Day, Staff Development Day, and key Term Breaks. Find details on Half Term Break, Halloween Break, Mid-Term Break, Christmas, New Year, St Patrick’s Day, Easter Break, May Bank Holidays, August Bank Holiday, and Summer Closure for smarter Student Holidays planning.
Northern Ireland College Term Dates 2026/2027
Below are the Northern Ireland College Term Dates and holidays for 2026/27 year.
Autumn Term 2026
- Induction Day: 1–2 September 2026 (colleges vary)
- Teaching starts: 7 September 2026
- Halloween Break (Mid-Term Break): 26–30 October 2026
- Staff Development Day: 2 November 2026 (college closed)
- Term ends: 18 December 2026
- Christmas & New Year Break: 21 December 2026 – 1 January 2027
Spring Term 2027
- Term starts: 4 January 2027
- St Patrick’s Day: 17 March 2027 (college closed – NI Bank Holiday)
- Mid-Term Break: 15–19 February 2027
- Staff Development Day: 22 February 2027
- Easter Break: 29 March – 9 April 2027
- Term ends: 8 April 2027 (before Easter)
Summer Term 2027
- Term starts: 19 April 2027
- May Bank Holidays: 3 May & 31 May 2027 (college closed)
- Staff Development Day: 1 June 2027
- Teaching ends: 18 June 2027
- Student Summer Break Begins: 21 June 2027
- Summer Closure: Late June to late August 2027
Northern Ireland College Term Dates 2027/2028
Below are the Northern Ireland College Term Dates and holidays for 2027/28 year.
Autumn Term 2027
- Induction Day: 31 August – 1 September 2027
- Teaching starts: 6 September 2027
- Halloween Break: 25–29 October 2027
- Staff Development Day: 1 November 2027
- Term ends: 17 December 2027
- Christmas & New Year Break: 20 December 2027 – 2 January 2028
Spring Term 2028
- Term starts: 3 January 2028
- Mid-Term Break: 14–18 February 2028
- Staff Development Day: 21 February 2028
- St Patrick’s Day: 17 March 2028 (college closed)
- Easter Break: 10–21 April 2028
- Term ends: 6 April 2028 (pre-Easter)
Summer Term 2028
- Term starts: 24 April 2028
- May Bank Holidays: 1 May & 29 May 2028
- Staff Development Day: 30 May 2028
- Teaching ends: 23 June 2028
- Student Summer Break Begins: 26 June 2028
- Summer Closure: June to August 2028
Read More: England College Term Dates
Semester Dates & Student Academic Calendar
Most Northern Ireland colleges operate two semesters:
- Semester 1: September to January (includes Autumn Term and part of Spring Term, with Christmas & New Year Break in between).
- Semester 2: January to June (includes remainder of Spring Term and all of Summer Term).
Some colleges also offer a short Summer Term for resits or intensive courses. Your Student Academic Calendar should be downloaded from your college’s student portal. Key dates always include Induction Day, assessment weeks, and Student Holidays when no classes run but libraries may remain open.
Northern Ireland College Term Dates & Breaks
- Halloween Break – late October (1 week)
- Christmas & New Year Break – mid-December to early January (2–3 weeks)
- Mid-Term Break (Spring) – mid-February (1 week)
- St Patrick’s Day – 17 March (college closed)
- Easter Break – late March to mid-April (2 weeks)
- May Bank Holidays – early May & end of May (college closed)
- August Bank Holiday – usually last Monday in August (college closed; note many students are already on summer break)
- Student Summer Break Begins – late June
- Summer Closure – late June to late August (full college shutdown for most services)
Need Accurate UK College Holiday Information?
Staff Development Day & College Closed
Staff Development Days (sometimes called INSET days) are when lecturers train and curricula are updated. On these days, the College Closed notification applies – no classes, and often administration offices shut too. Colleges typically schedule 3–5 per academic year. They often fall just after a Half Term Break or on a Monday. Always check your college’s Calendar to avoid turning up to an empty campus.
Family Planning Around NI College Holidays
Using Northern Ireland College Term Dates for Family Planning is smart, especially if you have children in different educational stages. Term Breaks rarely align perfectly with UK School Holidays. For example, colleges often have shorter Halloween Break and Easter Break than schools. Plan childcare and holidays around the Student Academic Calendar. The Christmas & New Year Break is usually the longest consistent closure, making it ideal for family travel. Remember Staff Development Days – they can create unexpected long weekends.
Read More: Scotland College Term Dates
FAQs
What are Northern Ireland College Term Dates?
They are the official start and end dates for teaching periods, including autumn, spring, and summer terms, plus all scheduled breaks and college closures.
When is the Halloween Break in colleges?
The Halloween Break is a one-week mid-term break, usually falling in the last week of October.
Are colleges closed on St Patrick’s Day?
Yes, St Patrick’s Day is a public bank holiday in Northern Ireland, so colleges are fully closed.
What is a Staff Development Day?
It’s a non-teaching day when staff train. The college is closed to students on these days.
How long is the Christmas & New Year Break in colleges?
Typically two to three weeks, from mid-December to the first week of January.
Do colleges close for all May Bank Holidays?
Yes, both the Early May Bank Holiday and the Spring Bank Holiday (end of May) are college closures.
Official Resources:
UK GOV
Official UK bank holidays and public service information.
For Northern Ireland college term dates, public holidays and education guidance.