Education in Singapore

Singapore consistently ranks among the top countries globally for education. For expat families, understanding the options is essential.

Overview of School Types

Local Schools (MOE)

Highly regarded, rigorous curriculum
Taught primarily in English with mother tongue
Citizens and PRs have priority
Limited places for foreigners (ballot system)
Very affordable: ~S$750/month for foreigners

International Schools

Most common choice for expats
Various curricula: IB, American, British, Australian, etc.
English medium instruction
Expensive: S$25,000-50,000+/year
Waitlists can be long—apply early

International Schools

Top international schools:

School	Curriculum	Annual Fees (approx)
Singapore American School (SAS)	American	S$45,000-55,000
UWCSEA	IB	S$40,000-50,000
Tanglin Trust	British/IB	S$38,000-48,000
Canadian International School	IB/Canadian	S$35,000-45,000
Australian International School	Australian/IB	S$30,000-40,000
German European School	German/IB	S$20,000-30,000
Overseas Family School	IB	S$35,000-45,000

Additional costs:

Registration fee: S$2,000-5,000
Building/capital levy: S$5,000-15,000 (one-time)
Uniforms, books, activities: S$1,000-3,000/year
School bus: S$200-500/month

Local Schools for Foreigners

Foreigners can apply to local schools but face challenges:

MOE schools:

Must participate in AEIS (Admissions Exercise for International Students) test
Limited places available after citizens and PRs
No guarantee of admission
If admitted, affordable: ~S$750/month

School types:

Primary: Ages 7-12 (P1-P6)
Secondary: Ages 13-16/17 (Sec 1-4/5)
Junior College: Ages 17-19 (JC1-2)

Higher Education

Public Universities:

National University of Singapore (NUS): Top 10 globally
Nanyang Technological University (NTU): Engineering, science
Singapore Management University (SMU): Business focus
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

International students pay higher fees (S$40,000-50,000/year vs S$8,000-10,000 for citizens).

Private Universities:

SIM Global Education
Kaplan Singapore
PSB Academy

Preschool / Kindergarten

Options:

MOE Kindergarten: Affordable, limited for foreigners
Private kindergartens: S$1,000-2,500/month
International school kindergartens: S$2,000-4,000/month

Popular providers: Mindchamps, EtonHouse, Pat's Schoolhouse

Student Pass Requirements

Foreign students need a Student Pass:

Apply through SOLAR+ (ICA system)
School sponsors the application
Processing: ~1 month
Fees: S$45 application + S$60 issuance
Part-time work allowed: 16 hrs/week during term

Tips for Expat Parents

Planning:

Start school search before relocating
Apply to multiple schools (waitlists are common)
Visit during recce trip if possible
Consider location—proximity to home matters

Financial planning:

Many employers offer education allowances—negotiate this
Budget S$30,000-50,000 per child per year (international)
Don't forget extra costs (uniforms, activities, transport)

Academic considerations:

Consider which curriculum suits your child
Think about where you might relocate next
IB is internationally recognized; country-specific curricula may limit options

After School Activities

Extensive options:

Sports: Swimming, tennis, football, martial arts
Arts: Music, dance, drama
Academic: Tutoring is very common (kiasu culture!)
Coding, robotics, STEM programs
Enrichment centers everywhere

Path to PR for Students

Students who pass a Singapore national exam (PSLE, GCE N/O/A levels) can apply for PR. Recent changes make this easier—no longer need to wait 2 years after the exam.

Pro Tips

•Apply to international schools 6-12 months before needed
•Negotiate education allowance with employer—it's a major expense
•Consider location carefully—commute matters for kids
•IB curriculum offers most flexibility for future moves
•Tutoring is normal here—don't be surprised by the culture

Education