Over 3.3 million students begin new school year in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.03,2015) — More than 3.3 million students across Cambodia have started the 2025–2026 academic year, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport said Monday.

Approximately 3.36 million students from preschool to upper secondary levels have enrolled nationwide, supported by around 130,000 teachers. Classes officially resumed on Nov. 1 in over 9,500 schools across the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at Hun Sen Chongkal High School in Oddar Meanchey province, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron said 9,541 public schools reopened as scheduled.

However, five schools — one in Banteay Meanchey, two in Oddar Meanchey and two in Preah Vihear province — remained closed due to unexploded ordnance left from past border conflicts.

The ministry said it is working with local authorities to provide alternative learning arrangements, including home-based study, temporary classrooms and split teaching shifts at nearby schools.

Hang Chuon Naron added that the ministry is distributing essential teaching materials and thanked donors and community members for contributing food, supplies and equipment to affected students and teachers.

He said the ministry is also strengthening cooperation between provincial education departments and schools in border areas, with a focus on rebuilding infrastructure and improving education quality and resilience.