International Schools in Singapore

Diploma and graduate hat - Fotolia

You will find below a list of the most popular international and bilingual schools for expats in Singapore with fee information. The list includes nursery schools, primary and secondary (high) schools for you to find the right school to prepare for the International Baccalaureate and other accreditation in Singapore. Some schools may follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs while others are regulated under the French, Chinese, Indonesian, German etc. language and system.

Education in Singapore

The standard of education is very high in Singapore, with a high rate of literacy among Singaporeans. The primary language of instruction is English, with second languages compulsory and third languages an option.

Children may attend private-sector pre-school (kindergarten) from the ages of three to six, where they will learn variety of subjects such as maths, music and English and their official mother tongue (Mandarin, Malay or Tamil).

Primary education starts for children from the age of 6. They enter school at Grade 1, and go through to Grade 6, when they have to take the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to ensure that they are ready to leave primary education and to allocate them a suitable secondary school.
Secondary school pupils have to take a second language (usually mother tongue and, if they choose to and qualify, higher mother tongue: English), and have the option of taking a third (foreign) language. Pupils usually take between six and ten subjects at O-level, with five compulsory subjects – mother tongue or higher mother tongue, maths, English, a humanities elective and a science elective.

After passing their O-levels, pupils then go to junior college to take their Singapore-Cambridge A-levels.

Expats in Singapore who are on employment / professional visit passes wishing to send their children to a government or government-aided school are entitled to apply for admission through the Ministry of Education (MOE). Among the benefits of this are:

  • Singapore schools have a very high standard of education
  • The school fees are considerably lower than in the private international schools
  • Your children get to integrate into the local community

However, the process of getting accepted into a local school is rather more drawn out than that of entering an international school, so this is something to be taken into consideration.

More information on the stages of education and schools can be found in the EasyExpat.com Guide to Singapore.

International Schools

International schools can be the perfect solution for an expat student (multinational corporation executives, children of diplomats, NGO staff) in Singapore. Many schools provide similar standards of schooling around the globe, providing for an easy transition between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. There may be some local population, but the schools are usually geared for an international student body. Schools may follow a curriculum model from the US, UK, France, etc. Primary instruction may be any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English, French, Spanish, German, or Japanese. Schools also provide internationally accepted accreditation such as the international baccalaureate.

Admission and enrolment procedures vary from school to school. Space is often limited and preference may be given to students based on nationality. Tuition tends to be expensive based on local standards, but offers high standards of learning, boast smaller class sizes, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular. Boarding facilities are available at some schools, but most only provide day classes.

Accreditation & Membership

  • The CoIS (Council of International Schools) is a non-profit association of international schools and post-secondary institutions which provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance assistance and help with founding new schools.
  • European Council of International Schools (ECIS) is a collaborative network promoting the ideals and best practice of international education, complemented by grants and awards.
  • Council of British International Schools (COBIS) is a responsive organisation that serves, supports and represents its member schools.
  • New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) is a regional accrediting association which establishes standards for all levels of education, from pre-K to doctoral.
  • Agency for French Education Abroad (Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger, AEFE) is a national public agency under the administration of the French government that assures the quality of schools teaching the French national curriculum outside France.
  • National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) represents over 1100 independent schools and associations in the United States and abroad.

International schools in Singapore

Stamford American International School (SAIS) Singapore
Woodleigh Campus: 1 Woodleigh Lane (Off Upper Serangoon Road),
Singapore 357684
Tel: +65 6602 7247 (Admissions)
Email: admissions@sais.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $39,028 Singapore dollar (US$25,300) to $44,210 Singapore dollar (US$28,660) [school year 2021/22]

As one of the leading international schools in Singapore, Stamford American International School (SAIS) offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme integrated with US Standards, combined with the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) courses. In 2021 it was voted “Singapore International School of the year”.

Dover Court Preparatory School
301 Dover Road
139644 Singapore
Tel: +65 6775 7664
Email: enquiries@dovercourt.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $27,030 Singapore dollar (US$17,520) to $45,210 Singapore dollar (US$29,300) [school year 2021/22]

Dover Court International School is an international school in Singapore. The school delivers the English National Curriculum and International Baccalaureate Diploma Program to students between the ages of 3 and 18. In 2015, Dover Court International School registered with the Committee for Private Education of Singapore and since April 2014 has been part of the Nord Anglia Education group of schools. It is also a member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), and accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

NPS International School
10 & 12 Chai Chee Lane,
Singapore 469021 & 469022
Tel: +65 6294 2400
Email: register@npsinternational.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $22,620 Singapore dollar (US$16,785) to $27,600 Singapore dollar (US$20,480) [school year 2022/23]

NPSI offers Montessori, Kindergarten, Grade 1 to Grade 12 in Singapore. NPSI has the following affiliations for examinations: University of Cambridge Assessment Education (CAIE), UK, for International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for Grades IX and X; the IB Diploma Programme by International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), Geneva, Switzerland, for Grades XI and XII; Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for Grades IX, X, XI and XII.

North London Collegiate School
130 Depot Road
Singapore 109708
Tel: +65 6989 3000
Email: admissions@nlcssingapore.sg
Tuition Rates: From $31,545 Singapore dollar (US$23,405) to $46,803 Singapore dollar (US$34,725) [school year 2021/22]

North London Collegiate School is an independent educational institution founded in England. Sister schools were opened in South Korea, on Jeju Island, in Dubai and in Singapore; all are coeducational day and boarding schools offering the British curriculum. North London Collegiate School Junior School is for students from Pre-Kindergarten through to Grade 5 (Nursery to Year 6 in the UK system). It consists of the First School (Pre-KG to Grade 1) and Lower School (Grades 2 to 5). The Senior School is for students in Grades 6 to 12 (Years 7 to 13 in the UK system) and includes a Sixth Form (Grades 11-12) from August 2021.

Nexus Interantional School
1 Aljunied Walk Singapore 387293
Tel: +65 6536 6566
Email: enquiry@nexus.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $32,440 Singapore dollar (US$24,070) to $40,760 Singapore dollar (US$30,240) [school year 2021/22]

Nexus is an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). It is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), and an approved Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Centre, and is EduTrust certified. It offers educational programs from Early childhood to Secondary education with Bilingual and Multilingual Language (BML) Specialists who work with each child, helping them to confidently and accurately communicate in English both socially and academically. They have previously offered Mother Tongue language classes in Dutch, French, Japanese, Russian and Polish.

EtonHouse International School Broadrick
51 Broadrick Road, Singapore 439501
Tel: +65 6746 3333
Email: broadrick@etonhouse.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: Around $30,608 Singapore dollar (US$22,710) from Grade 1 to Grade 5 – Primary school [school year 2021/22]

EtonHouse International School on Broadrick Road (East Coast) is one of the most established IB schools in Singapore. Students are offered the IB Primary Years and Cambridge IGCSE secondary programmes. The school is also known for its strong second language curriculum in Chinese, Hindi, Japanese and Spanish. Secondary students transit to EtonHouse's Orchard campus for their High School education.

Global Indian International School
27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore 828649 (SMART Campus)
82 Cheviot Hill, Singapore 459663 (East Coast Campus)
Tel: +65 6914 7100
Email: admissions.sg@globalindianschool.org
Tuition Rates: From $10,645 Singapore dollar (US$7,900) to $14,384 Singapore dollar (US$ 10,675) [school year 2021/22]

Global Indian International School (GIIS) is a network of international schools with over 21 campuses in 7 countries - Singapore, Japan, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, UAE, and Thailand. Global Indian International School has been considered one of the best international schools in Singapore, offering holistic programs to nurture well-rounded students. They provide students from Pre-K to Grade 12 a complete international curriculum. Families have the option to choose between IB, CBSE, and Cambridge curriculum for their higher studies and the flexibility to alternate curricula.

To Hwa Chong International School (HCIS)
663 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269783
Tel: +65 6464 7077
Email: admissions@hcis.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Hwa Chong International School is a co-educational local international school in Singapore. Hwa Chong International School (HCIS) is a member of the Hwa Chong family of schools. It began operation in 2005. The school offers a 6-year programme that culminates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). At the end of Year 3, students who wish to explore alternative pathways so as to connect to other education systems may choose to study and take part in the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations in Year 4. The students receive instruction in English and Chinese Language.

Insworld Institute
100 Victoria St, #08-02, National Library Building Singapore,
Singapore 188064
Tel: +65 6732 1728
Email: enquiries@insworld.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $22,500 Singapore dollar (US$14,585) to $25,500 Singapore dollar (US$16,530) [school year 2021/22]

Insworld Institute is a private school in Singapore offering programmes taught exclusively in English for local and international students. The range of programmes includes pre-high school courses such as Edexcel International Tuition Programme (an International Lower Secondary Programme), and English for Academic Study. It also offers preparation coursed for Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level, GCE A-Level, and IGCSE examinations. All school’s curriculums are British-based and are benchmarked to UK standards. British qualifications such as A-Level and IGCSE are recognized as valid qualifications by all universities in Singapore, the UK and Australia, as well as leading international universities.

Tanglin Trust School: British International School in Singapore
95 Portsdown Road
Singapore 139299
Tel: +65 6770 3583
Email: admissions@tts.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $37,575 Singapore dollar (US$24,355) to $46,965 Singapore dollar (US$30,440) [school year 2021/22]

Whilst the school's academic traditions and approach to learning are grounded in a broad, balanced and rigorous British Curriculum, it has been developed to reflect its international setting and to celebrate diversity. Tanglin is a place where children can thrive, inspired by passionate teachers and supported by excellent pastoral care.

Australian International School
1 Lorong Chuan
Singapore 556818
Tel: +65 6664 8127
Email: admissions@ais.com.sg
Tuition Rates: From $37,575 Singapore dollar (US$24,355) to $46,965 Singapore dollar (US$30,440) [school year 2021/22]

The Australian International School is the only southern-hemisphere school in Singapore that offers an Australian curriculum-based global education for students from the age of 2 months to 18 years. This truly international education begins with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) from Preschool to Year 5, Australian Curriculum for Grade 6 to 8, Cambridge IGCSE in Grade 9 and 10, and the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP) for Grade 11 and 12.

The International Community School (ICS)
7A Jubilee Road
Singapore 128574
Tel: +65 6776 7435
Email: info@ics.edu.sg / admissions@ics.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $26,900 Singapore dollar (US$17,435) to $34,300 Singapore dollar (US$22,230) [school year 2021/22]

The International Community School (ICS) is a K4-Grade 12 international school offering an American curriculum with Christian foundations. ICS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). It is also registered under the Council of Private Institutions (CPE) and EduTrust.

Canadian International School (CIS)
7 Jurong West Street 41 Singapore 649414 and 371 Tanjong Katong Rd
Singapore 437128
Tel: +65 6467 1732 / +65 6345 1573
Email: communications@cis.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $16,300 Singapore dollar (US$10,565) to $41,700 Singapore dollar (US$27,030) [school year 2021/22]

Canadian International School have two campuses in Singapore. Lakeside in the west (for students aged 2 to 18) and Tanjong Katong in the east (for students aged 3 to 12). CIS is one of the few international schools in Singapore to offer all three International Baccalaureate programmes, from Primary Years through to the Diploma Programme. CIS has over 3,000 students from more than 70 nationalities enrolled across two campuses.

Overseas Family School (OFS)
81 Pasir Ris Heights,
Singapore 519292
Tel: +65 6738 0211
Email: support@ofs.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $16,300 Singapore dollar (US$10,565) to $41,700 Singapore dollar (US$27,030) [school year 2021/22]

OFS offers the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) Pre-K1 (2 years old) to K2 (5 years old), the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) Grades 1 to 5 and International Baccalaureate (IB) from Grades 6 to 12.

Chatsworth International School
72 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760
Tel: +65 6463 3201
Email: information.bt@chatsworth.com.sg
Tuition Rates: From $28,200 Singapore dollar (US$18,280) to $33,430 Singapore dollar (US$21,670) [school year 2021/22]

Chatsworth is an established K-12 international school in Singapore offering a holistic, exceptional and affordable education for ages 3 to 18. Since 1995, the Chatsworth mission to 'Inspire, Educate and Enlighten' has been the foundation of our education philosophy. As an IB school, it offers the three core programmes of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.

ISS International School
21 Preston Rd,
Singapore 109355
Tel: +65 6475 4188
Email: admissions@iss.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $25,188 Singapore dollar (US$16,330) to $41,354 Singapore dollar (US$26,805) [school year 2021/22]

ISS International School is the longest established three programme authorised World IB school in Singapore. The school welcomes students across all ages and abilities from IB PYP (Kindergarten to Grade 5), IB MYP (Grades 6-10), right up to our IB DP (Grades 11-12) programme.

United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA)
1207 Dover Road, Singapore 139654 (Dover Campus) and 1 Tampines Street 73, Singapore 528704 (East Campus)
Tel: +65 6775 5344 (Dover Campus) and +65 6305 5344 (East Campus)
Email: uwcseadover@uwcsea.edu.sg and uwcseaeast@uwcsea.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) is a member of the United World College (UWC) Movement which comprises ten non-profit making colleges around the world. The concept-based curriculum at UWCSEA is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and understandings that will challenge the students to take responsibility. This is achieved through a unique education, encompassing all five elements of our holistic learning programme—academics, activities, outdoor education, personal and social education and service. In the High School, the Standards, Conceptual Understandings and Benchmarks specifically take into account the requirements of the external examining bodies that set the (I)GCSE and IBDP examinations.

DPS International School
36 Aroozoo Avenue
Singapore 539842
Tel: +65 6285 6300 (5 Lines) / +65 6285 7273
Email: admissions@dps.edu.sg / information@dps.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

DPS International School follows the ICSE/ ISC Curriculum which was earlier called The Cambridge Board Exam. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations administers the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ICSE) and The Indian School Certificate Examination (ISC). The ICSE/ ISC Examination has been designed to provide a course of general education in accordance with the recommendations of the Education Policy 1986. Students who follow it take certain compulsory subjects and also select subjects of interest from a range of choices. Grade 10 and 12 students take the ICSE/ ISC Examinations in March - April.

Indonesian Schools in Singapore

Sekolah Indonesia
20A Siglap Road
Singapore 455859
Tel: +65 6448 0722
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Indonesian School (Singapore) Ltd. or SIS Ltd. provides education for Indonesian citizens’ children residing in Singapore. It serves as an umbrella to build and develop a sense of Indonesian nationalism, strengthening the sense of unity and Indonesian personality. Its curriculum is based on directives from the Indonesian Ministry of Education. The language of instruction is Bahasa Indonesian with English as the second language.

Chinese Schools in Singapore

Hillside World Academy
Hillside World Academy
11 Hillside Drive,
Singapore 548926
Tel: +65 6254 0200
Email: enquiries@hwa.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $31,800 Singapore dollar (US$20,610) to $33,900 Singapore dollar (US$21,970) [school year 2021/22]

Hillside World Academy (HWA) is a full-length IB International School with Chinese cultural characteristics. HWA is sponsored by Huijia International School in Beijing, which is owned by Huijia Educational Institution in China. In 2006, Huijia School established the Chinese International School in Singapore with the support of the Economic Development Bureau of the Government of Singapore and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore.

French Schools in Singapore

Lycée Français de Singapour (Ecole Français de Singapour)
3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
Singapore 569928
Tel: +65 6805 0000
Email: administration@ifs.edu.sg / welcome@ifs.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $18,700 Singapore dollar (US$12,120) to $27,180 Singapore dollar (US$17,620) [school year 2021/22]

The International French School (Singapore) is the only institution to offer the full French curriculum from Kindergarten to Lycee in Singapore. The French education system has a reputation for having one of the best education practices in the world.

Japanese Schools in Singapore

The Japanese School
West Coast: 201, West Coast Road, Clementi: 95 Clementi Rd
Changi: 11 Upper Changi Rd N
Singapore
Tel: +65 6779 7355
Email: otoiawase@sjscle.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

The Singapore Japanese School is a full-time educational facility aimed at providing equivalent education system and curriculum as in elementary and secondary schools in Japan. The medium of instruction is Japanese but some subjects are taught in English. Most of the staff are Japanese teachers sent by the Japanese government on a three-year tour of duty while some are recruited from Singapore. The school year runs from April through to March. Applicants must be residing in Singapore and parents must be members of Japanese Association of Singapore. In general, enrolment of Singapore citizens is not permitted. This does not apply if approval of the Singapore government is obtained.

Dutch Schools in Singapore

Hollandse School
65 Bukit Tinggi Road
Singapore 289757
Tel: +65 6466 0662
Email: admissions@hollandseschool.org / adminhsl@hollandseschool.org
Tuition Rates: From $23,380 Singapore dollar (US$15,155) [school year 2021/22]

Hollandse School is an established institution in Singapore and beyond. As the largest Dutch language IPC (International Primary Curriculum) school it provides excellent Dutch education for more than a hundred years. Instruction is in Dutch as a first language, yet they also give intensive lessons in English as a second language, and from class seven onwards they offer French language lessons to Flemish pupils and to any other ones who may be interested.

German Schools in Singapore

German European School (GESS – International School)
2 Dairy Farm Lane, Singapore 677621
Tel: +65 6461 0801
Email: info@gess.sg
Tuition Rates: From $29,330 Singapore dollar (US$19,010) to $36,050 Singapore dollar (US$23,370) [school year 2021/22]

GESS is recognised for its languages and offers a choice between two main curricula: the German Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in English. The school caters to students of all ages, starting from 2 years to graduation at 18 years. It is a private school association, which is managed by an elected board and school management. As commissioned by the German Foreign Office, the Central Agency for German Schools (CAGS) supports the German European School Singapore (GESS) in terms of financial, personnel and education resources.

Swiss Schools in Singapore

The Swiss School Singapore
38 Swiss Club Road
Singapore 288140
Tel: +65 6468 2117
Email: info@swiss-school.edu.sg
Tuition Rates: From $20,700 Singapore dollar (US$13,420) to $24,900 Singapore dollar (US$16,140) [school year 2021/22]

Swiss School in Singapore is one of currently 17 Swiss School abroad officially acknowledged by the Swiss government. The School teaches children from 2 1/2 years up to 12 years at its campus embedded in the Swiss Club. Preschool is taught in English. However, primary classes are offered in German/French with English classes. Secondary level is outsourced to UWCSEA where lessons in German and French are further emphasized on according to the Swiss curriculum.

Korean Schools in Singapore

Singapore Korean International School
71 Bukit Tinggi Road Singapore 289759
Tel: +65 6741 0778
Email: info@skis.kr
Tuition Rates: Inquire at school

Singapore Korean International School was founded in March 1993. It covers kindergarten through senior high school. The school is operating with the best of curriculums from both Korean Schools and International Schools. The school is also known for its strong second language curriculum in Chinese.