# International Schools in Singapore

Singapore Citizen children generally must attend national schools. An international school needs MOE approval before it can admit a citizen, and approval is usually limited to children who studied overseas. The exceptions are three privately funded schools: ACS (International), SJI International and Hwa Chong International. Annual tuition ranges from about $15,000 to over $50,000.

## Key facts
- Listings: 3
- Median years in business: 19

## Prices in Singapore
These are indicative annual tuition fees for 2025–2027, from published fee comparisons. Fees rise sharply in IGCSE and IB years. Expect one-off registration and capital or development fees on top.

| Service | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget tier, primary | S$15,000–S$22,000 per year | Examples: EtonHouse, Invictus, One World International. |
| Mid-tier, primary | S$25,000–S$38,000 per year | Examples: Canadian International, Australian International, GESS. |
| Premium tier, primary | S$38,000–S$50,000 per year | Examples: Tanglin Trust, UWCSEA, Dulwich, Singapore American School. |
| Secondary / IB Diploma, mid to premium | S$38,000–S$55,000 per year |  |
| Registration / enrolment fee | S$2,000–S$10,000 one-off | Typical range. Check whether it is refundable. |
| IGCSE / IB / A-Level exam fees | S$2,000–S$6,000 per exam session |  |

## Licences
- **Private Education Institution registration** (Committee for Private Education, Skills and Workforce Development Agency (formerly SkillsFuture Singapore), required): Full-time schools teaching a foreign or international curriculum at primary or secondary level register under the private education framework, not with MOE. Check: https://www.tpgateway.gov.sg/resources/information-for-private-education-institutions-(peis)/pei-listing
- **EduTrust certification** (Committee for Private Education, optional): A voluntary quality certification covering management, education and financial health. Schools need it to enrol students on ICA Student Passes, and certified schools must use a Fee Protection Scheme.

## How to choose
- If your child is a Singapore Citizen, check eligibility first. The school has to get MOE approval, usually only for children who studied overseas for a few years from Primary 1 or later. MOE takes up to 4 weeks, or 8 weeks for complex medical cases.
- The three privately funded schools (ACS International, SJI International, Hwa Chong International) can admit citizens without MOE approval. Singaporean and PR students there must still take a Mother Tongue language.
- Choose the curriculum for where your child will go next: IB for flexibility worldwide, IGCSE/A-Level for the UK and Commonwealth, and the American system for US universities.
- Budget for the total cost, not just tuition. Capital or development levies, bus fees, exam fees and EAL or learning support can add thousands a year.
- If you rely on a Student Pass, or want your fees protected, check the school's EduTrust status.

## Red flags
- A school that offers to enrol a Singapore Citizen without mentioning the need for MOE approval.
- Large non-refundable deposits or capital fees with no written refund schedule.
- Not being able to say which accrediting bodies or exam boards it is authorised by (e.g. IBO, Cambridge).

## Listings (top 3)
- [Melbourne International School](https://lookup.sg/biz/melbourne-international-school), Dempsey Hill · 75C Loewen Rd · 12 min walk from Napier MRT · registered 2014
- [The Jewellery Design and Management International School](https://lookup.sg/biz/the-jewellery-design-and-management-international-school), Bugis · 100 Beach Rd · 3 min walk from Bugis MRT · registered 2007
- [Inspiration Design International School](https://lookup.sg/biz/inspiration-design-international-school), Bugis · 60 Albert Street OG Complex, #15-11/12 · 3 min walk from Rochor MRT · registered 1994

## By area
- Bugis: 2
- Dempsey Hill: 1
- Downtown Core: 1
- Rochor: 1
- Tanglin: 1

## FAQs
### How much do international schools cost in Singapore?
Published comparisons for 2025–2026 put primary tuition at about $15,000–$22,000 a year at budget schools, $25,000–$38,000 at mid-tier schools such as GESS or the Australian International School, and $38,000–$50,000 at premium schools such as UWCSEA, Tanglin or SAS. Secondary and IB years often cost $45,000–$55,000 or more, plus one-off registration and development fees.

### Can Singaporeans go to international schools?
Only with MOE approval in most cases. Singapore Citizens born after 1 January 1996 and living in Singapore must attend a national primary school unless they are exempted. International schools must get MOE approval before admitting a citizen, and this is generally limited to children who studied overseas for several years. The exceptions are ACS (International), SJI International and Hwa Chong International, which can admit Singaporeans directly.

### What is EduTrust and does it matter?
EduTrust is a certification from the Committee for Private Education that assesses a private school's management, education and finances. It is voluntary, but a school needs it to enrol international students on ICA Student Passes, and certified schools must protect student fees under a Fee Protection Scheme. Parents on a Dependant's Pass may not strictly need it, but it is a useful sign of quality and financial safety.

### What extra fees do international schools charge?
On top of tuition, expect a one-off registration or enrolment fee (often $2,000–$10,000), capital or development levies, school bus and uniform costs, and IGCSE, IB or A-Level exam fees of about $2,000–$6,000 a session. Learning support or English as an Additional Language can add $3,000–$15,000 a year. Ask for the full fee schedule and the refund policy.

## Sources
- MOE: Returning Singaporeans – other options: https://moe.gov.sg/returning-singaporeans/other-options
- MOE: Compulsory education: https://www.moe.gov.sg/education-in-sg/compulsory-education
- MOE: Register a private school (SSG/PEI scope): https://www.moe.gov.sg/private-education/register-school
- SWDA: Private education resources: https://www.swda.gov.sg/home/skills-career-resources/private-education-resources

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Source: Lookup (https://lookup.sg) · Data as of October 2026 · Listings compiled from Singapore government open data (data.gov.sg), OneMap and Overture Maps places. Free listings never show contact details; featured listings are labelled.