You are finally relocating to Singapore along with the kids. If you have made the decision to have your kids registered in a school with an international curriculum instead of the local schools, you may find the alternatives overwhelming.
Regardless of the compact size of Singapore, there are numerous Singapore international school which are packed into the small island because of the large number of foreigners. You may be aware of the high standards of education in the country, which has increased the ranking of Students from Singapore to the first position in several global academic rankings. Also, you may have been aware of several horror stories about devastating school stress as well as critical workloads which turn school kids into miniature robots. Therefore, which of the Singapore international school are you going to put your child in?
There are several types of Singapore international school situated in Singapore. Some of these schools are renowned for tutoring over-achieving students that are ready for the Ivy leagues. Other schools are seen as hotbeds for potential party animals. Also, there are several others too which are, unluckily seen as schools that students enroll in so as to obtain a visa.
The ensuing lists of schools are several of Singapore’s most common and increasingly respected international schools. Sure, the country in which you are from will also influence your choice of school, due to the fact that you may feel the need of your kids to get a strict formal schooling that is available in your mother tongue or continuing with the same schooling system that are used in their home country.
With the steady increasing fees for Singapore international school (many of them which are in excess of $40,000 annually) as well as few available spots for placement for kids with foreign origin in regional primary schools, people with kids in Singapore typically often feel the economical pinch, especially if they have several kids.
If you appear frustrated by the alternatives or you are not quite sure of how to go about this, a resourceful parental group have created a Facebook group called Singapore Expat Schooling Forum to reveal the entire range of schooling alternatives for kids living in Singapore. In this group you may find honest discussions relating to schools around the country, included with profound analysis at the differences in the separate forms of passes for students as well as requirements for school.
Continue reading to get a list of their full guide to minimize the cost of international schools located in Singapore.
Several main terms to have in mind (coupled with their relevance to education):
EduTrust: A scheme that ensures academic quality assurance and is typically administered by the Committee for Private Education (CPE) in Singapore to differentiate privately-owned schools “that continuously strive to maintain a high grade standard in the general offering of services relating to education as well as foster continuous improvement that will lead to favourable conditions”
Get more information pertaining to the criteria for the EduTrust certification here.
Cambridge Curriculum: a majority of the schools that have been enumerated below use the Cambridge international Curriculum that is known by employers as well as universities all across the globe and it is used by more than 10,000 academic institutions in roughly about 160 countries. A feature of what made it popular across the world is its typical international outlook and approach which can be applied to local scenarios.
DP (Dependent Pass): it is a pass that is given to dependants (child and spouse) of the holder of the S work pass or the employment pass that makes an excess of 6,000 SGD on a monthly basis. Kids that on the DP can attend any one of the private academic institutions that their family choose and therefore would not be needing the sponsorship that comes with the students pass.
LTVP (Long Term Visitor Pass): this is a pass that is given to the kids of holders of the Permanent resident’s pass as well as holders of the Employment pass for step-children. To register in a school after preschool, children with the LTVP should get registered in a private academic institution which has the ability to sponsor the pass for students. Please check with your chosen school, whether they would be able to obtain a student pass in the case that your child has an LTVP.
SP (Student Pass): this is visa that is sponsored for the student that is attending a private academic institution (an Singapore international school), which holds the status of an EduTrust. Various bigger international schools, like the Singaporean International School as well as Lycee Francais, are excluded from the benefits of the certification of the EduTrust. Passes for the foreign students are for those that got into Singapore (either on their own or accompanied by a guardian) for the purpose of education, but are not really followed by an adult that is financially independent.
SC (Singapore Citizen): the citizens of Singapore are needed by the Act of Compulsory Education to register and attend a regional primary school and would be need some special government consent so as to attend an academic institution that is private (as well as International).
PR (Permanent Resident): these are the kids that are permanently living in Singapore who qualify to register and attend a regional school and shall be given a slot. Children under the PR classification are offered the school option of their choice right after children from Singapore Citizen. Pr children are also permitted to register and attend a privately-owned academic institution and they do not need a student pass to go to any school of their choice.
Tourist Visa: the Tourist Visa (sometimes known as the pass for a short term visitation) is given out to tourists who come to the country for leisure. A child that has a tourist visa would need a long tenure pass (for instance, the student pass) so as to register and takes classes in the school on a full term basis. Optionally, they can get a dependent pass in the condition that they qualify for one.
| School | Address | Telephone number |
| Singapore American School | 40 Woodlands Street 41 (S) 738547 | 6363 3403 |
| United World College of South East Asia | 1207 Dover Rd (S) 139654 | 6775 5344 |
| Canadian International School | Lakeside Campus: 7 Jurong West St 41 (S) 649414
Tanjong Katong Campus: 371 Tanjong Katong Road (S) 437128 |
Lakeside Campus: 6467 1732
Tanjong Katong Campus: 6345 1573 |
| Australian International School | 1 Lorong Chuan (S) 556818 | 6883 5155 |
| Tanglin Trust School | 95 Portsdown Rd (S) 139299 | 6778 0771 |
| Overseas Family School | 81 Pasir Ris Heights (S) 519292 | 6738 0211 |
| Dulwich College (Singapore) | 71 Bukit Batok West Ave 8 (S) 658966 | 6890 1000 |
| Dover Court International School | 301 Dover Road (S) 139644 | 6775 7664 |
| GESS | 7 Dairy Farm Lane (S) 677621 | 6469 1131 |
| Nexus International School | 201 Ulu Pandan Rd, (S) 596468 | 6536 6566 |
| Chatsworth International School | 37 Emerald Hill Rd (S) 229313 | 6737 5955 |
| Global Indian International School | Queenstown Campus: 1 Mei Chin Road (S) 149253
Balestier Campus: 51 Jalan Rajah (S) 329154 East Coast Campus: 82 Cheviot Hill (S) 459663 Mountbatten Campus: Block G Mountbatten Centre 231 Mountbatten Road (S) 397999 |
Queenstown Campus: 6914 7000
Balestier Campus: 6254 3258 East Coast Campus: 6442 6670 Mountbatten Campus: 6509 8097 |
| The Japanese School Singapore | 95 Clementi Road (S) 129782 | 6775 3366 |
| ISS International School | 21 Preston Rd (S) 109355 | 6475 4188 |
| One World International School | Nanyang Campus: 21 Jurong West Street 81 (S) 649075 | 6914 6700 |
| GEMS World Academy (Singapore) | 2 Yishun Street 42 (S) 768039 | 6808 7321 |
Be aware that the most popular schools on the list often have very long waitlists.
HOW MUCH DO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN SINGAPORE CHARGE?
International schools in Singapore are some of the world’s most expensive.
For comparison’s sake, we’ve compiled a list of some of the costs you can expect to pay when enrolling your child at an international school.
| School | Annual tuition fees | Does tuition fee include any extras? |
| Singapore American School | $30,981 (Preschool) $39,164 to $44,141 (kindergarten to high school) |
Includes re-enrolment, maintenance of facilities and tuition |
| United World College of South East Asia | $45,145 to $48,600 (K1 to Grade 12) for first year
$35,570 to $43,025 (Grade 12) for second and subsequent years |
Development levy |
| Canadian International School | $16,500 to $24,000 (Nursery half-day or full-day at Lakeside campus) per year
$32,100 to $40,900 (pre-kindergarten full-day to grade 12 at Lakeside campus) per year Tanjong Katong campus’ fees are slightly cheaper |
|
| Australian International School | $14,832 to $31,480 (Nursery to preschool, 3 to 5 days half or full sessions
$34,824 to $42,432 (prep to Year 12) |
All books, stationery, Parents Association membership.
Lunch is included for Early Years students. Excursions are included for Early Years and Elementary School students. |
| Tanglin Trust School | $27,714 to $34,485 (nursery to Year 2)
$36,294 to $45,828 (Year 3 to 13) |
Textbooks and exercise books |
| Overseas Family School | $16,000 to $41,000 (Pre-K1 half-day to Grade 12) | |
| Dulwich College (Singapore) | $16,400 (Nursery half-day) to $45,500 (Year 12) | |
| Dover Court International School | $14,985 to $31,350 (Nursery half day to Year 13) | |
| GESS | $12,250 to $26,230 (Toddler to pre-primary) to $27,450 to $34,010 (Primary to High School European Section) | |
| Nexus International School | $21,660 (Nursery half day) to $38,584 (Year 13) | |
| Chatsworth International School | $23,819.40 to $32,788.80 (Kindergarten to Year 13) | |
| Global Indian International School | $12,394.88 (Nursery) to $17,470.96 (Nursery to Class 10) | |
| The Japanese School Singapore | $6,612 (Primary) to $7,511.40 (Secondary) | |
| ISS International School | $25,040 (K1) to $37,520 (Grade 12) | |
| One World International School | $17,514 to $20,136 (Early Childhood to Grade 10) | Fees include 2 sets of school uniforms, academic field trips, textbooks and technology/IT equipment |
| GEMS World Academy (Singapore) | $11,600 to $38,750 (Nursery half-day to Grade 12) |
WHAT ADDITIONAL FEES DO THESE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS CHARGE?
In addition to the annual tuition fees, you will also typically be charged a hefty application fee when your child applies, and/or an enrolment fee to confirm his or her spot once accepted. Many schools also charge an annual facility or building fees, sometimes referred to as a capital or development levy.
Here’s how much each school charges on top of their annual tuition fees.
Application fee: $2,500
Enrolment fee: $7,490 for US passport or green card holders, $9,630 for students not holding US passport or green card
Re-enrollment fee: $2,500 per year
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $7,383
Other fees:
- Bus transportation: $956 to $1,865 per semester
- Uniforms: $158 to $200
- School lunch: $5.50 to $8 per day
- EAA courses: $55 to $100
- English language learning: $6,420
- Laptop (for high school): $1,500 to $2,200
- Interim Semester (for high school): $85 to $4,400
- AP exams: $220 per paper
- IASAS trip (for high school): $125 to $900
- CSA: $55 to $1,100 (per class / session)
- Student Leave of Absence: $5,000
UNITED WORLD COLLEGE OF SOUTH EAST ASIA
Application fee: $615
Enrolment fee: $4,900
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: Included in tuition fee
Other fees:
- Residential boarding fee: $36,700
- Amenities fund for boarders: $300
- Parents’ Association Fee: $30 per year
- Outdoor Education trips: $6 to $1,000 per year
- Exam fees: $1,350 (G10), $1,400 (F12)
- Uniform: $60 to $280
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Application fee: $2,500
Enrolment fee: $3,500 for first child, $2,800 for second child, waived for third and subsequent child
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: N/A
Other fees:
- Support Programmes for English and Learning: $5,000 to $6,000 per year
- Field work/excursions: $1 to $6,500
- Hats and caps: $18 each
- PE uniform: $15 to $400
- Activities: $2 to $3,000
- Stationery, bags, clear folders, consumables and materials: $0.50 to $100
- Locks for lockers: $15
- Exam, testing and marking fees: $1 to $2,000
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Application fee: $500
Enrolment fee: $2,860
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $2,675 for Early Years students, $6,420 for Elementary and Secondary School students
Other fees:
- Technology fee: $535 for Elementary students, $300 for Year 6 to 12 students with own laptop, $963 for Year 6 to 12 students with school-provided laptop
- English as Additional Language fee: $3,210
- Intensive Language Course: $4,280
- Examination fees
- Additional school report: $15 each
TANGLIN TRUST SCHOOL
Application fee: N/A
Enrolment fee: $2,675
Capital levy: $3,750 (waived from 3rd child onwards)
Building fund: $1,587
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $1,587, $3,750 capital levy payable for up to two students per family, waived for third and subsequent students
Other fees:
- Exam fees
- Personal mobile technology device (for Year 5 to 13)
- Trips and activities
OVERSEAS FAMILY SCHOOL
Application fee: N/A
Enrolment fee: $2,000
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: N/A
Other fees:
- School uniforms and sports attire
- Examinations
- Excursions and field trips
- CCAs
- Course/educational materials
DULWICH COLLEGE (SINGAPORE)
Application fee: $4,500
Enrolment fee: $3,500
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $3,750
Other fees:
- English as an Additional Language: $3,300 per year (Year 1 to 9)
- Specialist support for children who need small class instruction: $34,950 to $37,950 per year
- Admissions assessment fee for specialist support: $535
- Examination fees
- Compulsory school camps and trips
- Learning support or therapy services
DOVER COURT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Application fee: $1,000
Enrolment fee: $2,800
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $1,500
Other fees:
- School uniforms
- Examination fees
- Compulsory school camps and trips
- School bus
- School lunches
- ECAs and individual instrument lessons
- Learning Support fee: $120 per hour
- Therapy fees: $160 per hour
GERMAN EUROPEAN SCHOOL SINGAPORE (GESS)
Enrolment fee: $2,945
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $4,890
Other fees:
- Learning material / excursions: $40 to $250
- CCA per course: $260
- Learning Support: $1,390 per semester
- Extended afternoon programme (German section): $200 to $1,200 per year
- English as an Additional Language: $1,390 per semester
- Dutch as a mother tongue: $2,140 per year
- Examination fees for IB (Grade 12): $1,500
- Class trips, enrichment week and excursion fees: $$200 to $1,600
NEXUS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Application fee: $856
Enrolment fee: $2,354
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $1,712
Other fees:
- Textbooks: Up to $500 per year level
- House t-shirts: $20 per piece
- Examination fees (IGCSE): $150 to $2,500
- Examination fees (IB): $1,400 to $2,500
- Managebac Account for CAS (IB Year 12): $50
- Yearbook: $20
- Field trips: Up to $7,000 per trip
- CCAs: Up to $700 per season
- Student’s Pass processing fee: $30
- Visa fee: $60 to $90
- Intensive English Support fee: $2,675 per semester
- Additional English Support fee: $561,75 per semester
CHATSWORTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Application fee: $240 to $250
Enrolment fee: $2,400 to $2,500
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $2,247
Other fees:
- English as an Additional Language fees if required
- Learning Support fees if required
- Apple MacBook compulsory for all Year 7 to 13 students
GLOBAL INDIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Application fee: $445.12 (Nursery) to $3,715.04 (Class 12)
Enrolment fee: N/A
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $860.28 (Nursery) to $6,957.12 (Class 10) per year
Other fees:
- Bus fee: $3,988.96 to $4,874.92 per year
- Activity fee: $1,733 (Nursery) to $3,017.40 (Class 10) per year
- Student welfare fee: $509.32 to $535 per year
- School event fee: $483.64 to $513.60 per year
- Resource fee: $860.28 to $1,523.68 per year
- Technology fee: $1,408.12 to $1,335.36 per year
THE JAPANESE SCHOOL SINGAPORE
Application fee: $1,070 (Japanese Association Corporate Membership), $3,852 (Non-JA Corporate Membership), $1,070 (JA Personal Membership)
Enrolment fee: N/A
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $2,675 building surcharge per year, $1,669.20 facility fee per year
Other fees:
- Corporate donation required if parents are working in Japanese company.
- If parents are not working in Japanese company, personal donation: $3,210 per family
ISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Application fee: $300 placement test fee
Enrolment fee: $3,600
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: $2,675 building surcharge per year, $1,669.20 facility fee per year
Other fees:
- English as a Second Language fee: $1,600 to $2,520 per semester
- Learning Support Fee: $1,600 to $2,520 per semester
- Parent-Teacher Association Fee: $22 per year
- Examination fee: $600 to $2,000
- Career Assessment Test: $160 to $400
- Excursions and field trips: $10 to $1,500
- School Bus: From $1,630 per year
- ECA fee
- Technology fee: $100
- Ticket to School Events: $25
- Yearbook $30
- School uniform – $15 to $40 per piece
ONE WORLD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Application fee: $1,030
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: N/A
Other fees:
- Additional English Support Fee – $4,500/academic year
- ECA fees
- School bus fees
- Fees for special class trips and residential camps
GEMS WORLD ACADEMY (SINGAPORE)
Application fee: $1,575
Enrolment fee: $4,200
Facility fee/building fee/capital levy/development levy: N/A
Other fees:
- Experiential Learning Programme: $400 to $3,000
- IGCSE Examination fees (Grade 10): $100 per subject
- IB Examination fee (Grade 12): $204 registration fee, $140 per subject
- School uniforms
- School bus fees
- ECAs provided by external vendors: $30 to $300 per class
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