When Does School Start Across Europe? In Some Countries, Students Returned in August

School starts at different times across the European Union, with classes beginning in August in several countries and as late as September 30 in Malta, according to a schedule published by the European Commission.

In Finland, the school year begins between August 6 and 13. Germany’s start dates range from August 7 to September 14, depending on the state. Denmark starts between August 10 and 13, Sweden between August 17 and 19, and the Netherlands between August 17 and 31.

Students return on September 1 in Czechia, Estonia, France, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Croatia and Romania begin on September 7, while Austria and Cyprus start on September 7 or 14. Spain begins between September 7 and 15, and Italy between September 7 and 21. Greece starts on September 11, Portugal between September 11 and 21, Bulgaria on September 15, Luxembourg between September 15 and 17, and Malta on September 30.

Romania’s 2026-2027 school year begins on Monday, September 7. Classes will run for 36 weeks across five modules, with holidays scheduled between them. Most students will finish on June 18, 2027, although final-year classes will end earlier. The new school year also brings changes, including the first organization of baccalaureate skills examinations in April. Students entering ninth grade will be the first generation to study under new framework plans and school curricula.