Recruiting students during school holidays in Belgium: 2026 calendar and useful tips

Are you planning to recruit students in 2026 to strengthen your team during busy periods?

Then it’s important to know the school holiday dates in Belgium. The school calendar differs between Flanders and French-speaking Belgium (Wallonia-Brussels).

Whether you’re active in hospitality, retail, tourism, events, or logistics, school holidays are the key moments when extra student workers can really make a difference. By knowing these holiday periods, you can plan your student recruitment more effectively.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the 2026 school holidays, along with practical tips to help you recruit the right student workers more efficiently.

🗓️ School Holiday Calendar in Belgium in 2026

School holidays in Flanders:

• Carnival break 2026: From Monday, February 16, 2026 to Sunday, February 22, 2026

• Easter break 2026: From Monday, April 6, 2026 to Sunday, April 19, 2026

• Summer break 2026: From Wednesday, July 1, 2026 to Monday, August 31, 2026

• Autumn break 2026: From Monday, November 2, 2026 to Sunday, November 8, 2026

• Christmas break 2026: From Monday, December 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027

School holidays in French-speaking Belgium (Wallonia-Brussels):

• Carnival break 2026: From Monday, February 16, 2026 to Sunday, March 1, 2026

• Easter break 2026: From Monday, April 27, 2026 to Sunday, May 10, 2026

• Summer break 2026: From Saturday, July 4, 2026 to Sunday, August 23, 2026

• Autumn break 2026: From Monday, October 19, 2026 to Sunday, November 1, 2026

• Christmas break 2026: From Monday, December 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027

🚀 Tips for recruiting students at the right time:

1. Post your vacancies 6 to 8 weeks before the holiday

Students often start applying early, especially for the summer and Easter holidays. Many students plan their schedules well in advance, and the best candidates are often hired several weeks before the holiday starts.

So don’t wait too long and make sure to post your vacancy in time.

2. Adapt your planning by region

A student in Flanders does not always have holidays at the same time as a student in Wallonia or Brussels.

Also read: Faster and Smarter Employer Dashboard Built for Your Hiring Success

So take the different school calendars into account when planning your job postings or scheduling students.

3. Anticipate peak periods

Periods such as Carnival, Easter, the summer holidays, and Christmas often bring extra demand in sectors like hospitality and retail. By planning ahead, you can hire student workers in time and avoid staff shortages when things get busy.

4. Make your job offer attractive to students

Good student workers are in high demand, so it’s important that your job offer is clear and appealing. Make sure to include details such as clear working hours, a positive team atmosphere, flexibility, and a location that is easy to reach.

In addition, adding a few photos of the workplace or team to your vacancy can help attract motivated candidates more quickly.

🎯 Conclusion: Smart student recruitment in 2026 starts with anticipation

Companies that manage their seasonal recruitment well don’t wait until the last minute.

They anticipate.

By already taking the 2026 school holidays into account, you can:

✔ better plan your need for student workers

✔ post your vacancies at the right time

✔ attract strong candidates before your competitors do

✔ avoid stress and staff shortages during busy periods

Do you already know you’ll need extra help during the Easter or summer holidays in 2026?

👉 Post your vacancy today and start receiving applications from motivated students..

👉 Or contact our team and work together on a plan to recruit students throughout the year.

Early hiring is smart hiring. Don’t wait for the rush, secure your student workers today.