When Is Semester Break in Malaysia: All You Need to Know

If you’re studying in Malaysia or planning to, you might be wondering: When is semester break in Malaysia? 

Good news… semester breaks are not only a time to relax but also perfect for travel, internships, and catching up on life outside the classroom. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through semester break dates in Malaysia, how they’re different across universities, and what you can do to make the most of your time off.

Semester Break in Malaysia: An Overview

In Malaysia, most universities follow either a semester system (two main semesters per year) or a trimester system (three shorter semesters). 

While public universities typically follow the semester system, private universities might follow a trimester or other flexible structures.

Here’s how it usually looks:

Each semester is typically followed by a break ranging from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the academic calendar.

Typical Semester Break Periods in Malaysia (2025 Edition)

While dates vary, here are the general semester break periods in Malaysia for most universities:

• Mid-Year Break: June – July

• Year-End Break: December – February

Let’s look at examples from a few popular universities:

• University of Malaya (UM): Breaks in July and January

• Taylor’s University: Shorter breaks spread throughout the year due to trimester system

• Sunway University: Breaks in June and December, depending on intake

Note of the day: Always check your own university’s academic calendar to confirm the exact semester break dates.

Cultural and Festive Breaks

Malaysia is known for its multicultural festivals, and these often influence semester break timings. 

Universities can schedule longer breaks around major celebrations such as:

• Chinese New Year (January/February)

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri (varies each year)

• Deepavali (October/November)

For many students, semester breaks are a chance to travel home and celebrate with family.

What Students Usually Do During Semester Break in Malaysia

Semester break isn’t just about sleeping in… here’s how Malaysian students usually spend their time off:

🌴✈ï¸�Traveling: Explore Malaysia’s islands, cities, and nature spots — or even visit nearby countries like Thailand, Indonesia, or Singapore.

💼📚Internships: Many students take this chance to gain work experience.

🕒💰Part-time jobs: Great for earning some extra money.

🧘‍♂ï¸�🛀Relaxation: Take a well-deserved mental break before the next semester.

Know more about student discounts in Malaysia in this article.

How to Make the Most of Your Break

Make your semester break count with these quick tips:

1. Check your break dates early to plan internships or travel.

2. Balance rest and productivity — don’t burn out or waste the break entirely.

3. Use student travel deals — buses, trains, and budget airlines often have promos.

4. Explore new hobbies or try volunteering for a rewarding experience.

FAQs: Semester Break in Malaysia

How long is the semester break?

Typically 2 to 8 weeks, depending on your university’s schedule.

Do all universities have the same break dates?

No, break dates vary, so check your university’s official calendar.

Can international students stay in Malaysia during the break?

Yes, your student visa remains valid, and many students use the break to explore Malaysia.

Are campus facilities open during the break?

Some facilities like libraries and cafes may or may not remain open.