The 2026 academic year will officially kick off next week with teachers resuming their duties on Monday January 19th and students returning to school on January 26th.

The academic year will run for a total of 41 weeks, covering the entire year.

This was clarified by Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra today in Port Moresby city.

He also addressed rumors circulating on social media of a ‘teacher’s strike’ next week Monday, 19th of January 2026.

Kombra stated firmly that only the PNG Teachers Association has the authority to lead such actions, and no individual can organize a protest.

Lawyers have been instructed to investigate and track down the person behind these claims.

The education system remains on track, with teachers and students set to return on intended dates, ensuring that the academic year continues as planned.

The government’s free education policy will continue this year, with a significant increase in funding over the past five years—from K732 million in 2022 to K904 million this year.

The policy ensures that every child, regardless of background or location, has access to education.

While the government will cover tuition and project fees through a 160-million-kina allocation, parents are still responsible for providing daily meals, clothing, transport, study materials, and supporting schools with self-reliance projects.