International Schools in Singapore

For information only. This guide is an editorial orientation resource. It does not constitute educational or admissions advice, and does not endorse any specific institution. School profiles, fees, and curricula change; always verify current information directly with each school and confirm your eligibility for any financial assistance through your mission or organisation.

Overview

Singapore has more than 60 international schools serving over 75,000 students. The market is genuinely diverse: British, American, IB, Australian, German, French, Japanese and Indian curriculum schools all have established campuses. For diplomatic families on rotating postings, the IB continuum and the British curriculum are the most portable options internationally. Fees are high and subject to Singapore’s 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST). The most popular schools have significant waiting lists; apply early.

An important rule: Singapore citizens and international schools

Singapore citizens are generally not permitted to attend international schools in Singapore without specific approval from the Ministry of Education (MOE). This rule matters for diplomatic families where one parent holds Singapore citizenship, or where children were born as Singapore citizens. If your family has any Singapore citizen members of school age, confirm eligibility for international school enrolment with MOE before applying. The rule does not apply to non-citizens holding Diplomatic Passes.

Curricula available in Singapore

International Baccalaureate (IB). UWCSEA, Canadian International School, Stamford American, and others offer the full IB continuum. The strongest choice for portability across multiple postings and university systems worldwide.

British curriculum (IGCSE and A-Levels / IB Diploma). Tanglin Trust School is the flagship. British curriculum through IGCSE, then a choice of A-Levels or IB Diploma in sixth form. Suited for families targeting UK universities or returning to the British system.

American curriculum (US Diploma + AP). Singapore American School offers the US high school diploma pathway with Advanced Placement courses. The natural choice for US government and American private sector families.

German / European. The German European School Singapore (GESS) offers both a German-language stream and an international IB stream. For German-speaking families or those wanting a European bilingual education with easy reintegration in Europe.

Australian. Australian International School Singapore (AISS) follows the Australian curriculum through IGCSE/IGCSE equivalents and IB Diploma in the senior years.

National-language schools. Singapore has schools following Japanese, French, Indian and other national curricula for families maintaining a home-system track.

Key schools

Fees cited are indicative for 2025-26 in Singapore Dollars and include 9% GST unless otherwise noted; confirm with each school before relying on these figures.

United World College South East Asia (UWCSEA) Two campuses: Dover (Pasir Panjang, west Singapore) and East (Tampines, east Singapore). Full IB continuum from Kindergarten through Grade 12. One of the largest IB schools in the world, with approximately 5,000 students from 100+ nationalities across both campuses. UWCSEA is defined by its holistic approach: academic rigour alongside service learning, outdoor education and activities. Admission is selective and considers the whole profile of the child, not academic results alone. Application fee SGD 627 per campus application; enrolment fee SGD 4,992. 2025-26 tuition: SGD 47,031 (K1-G1) to SGD 57,774 (G11-G12). uwcsea.edu.sg

Tanglin Trust School Portsdown Road, Buona Vista (west Singapore). British curriculum from Nursery through Year 13, with a choice of A-Levels or IB Diploma in the sixth form. Founded in 1925, Tanglin is the oldest British international school in Southeast Asia, centenary celebrated in 2025. Not-for-profit; fees are invested back into the school. Inspected by British Schools Overseas and rated Outstanding. 50+ nationalities. Waiting lists in most year groups; early enquiry strongly advised. 2025-26 tuition: approximately SGD 38,000-55,000/year. tts.edu.sg

Singapore American School (SAS) Woodlands, north Singapore (near the Causeway to Malaysia). US curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12, with Advanced Placement courses. 36-acre campus, approximately 4,000 students, the largest single-campus American international school in the world. Priority given to families of US-affiliated organisations. The location in Woodlands requires a longer commute from most diplomatic residential areas in the south and centre. 2025-26 tuition: approximately SGD 40,000-57,000/year. sas.edu.sg

Canadian International School (CIS) Lakeside campus, Jurong West (west Singapore). Full IB continuum ages 3-18. Mid-tier pricing in the Singapore context: approximately SGD 29,000-52,000/year. The Lakeside campus location is convenient for families in the west. Multiple-year winner of Future-Ready education awards in Singapore. cis.edu.sg

German European School Singapore (GESS) Queenstown (central-west Singapore). Two streams: German-language programme and international IB programme. Ages 2-18. For German-speaking families or those wanting European-standard bilingual education. Non-profit school. 2025-26 tuition: SGD 28,000 (Pre-K, part-time) to SGD 41,935 (IB Years 11-12). Development levy SGD 6,130 annually. Application fee SGD 400. gess.sg

Dulwich College (Singapore) Buona Vista (west Singapore). IB continuum and British-based curriculum. Part of the Dulwich family of international schools. Strong arts and sports programme. singapore.dulwich.org

Fees

Indicative ranges for 2025-26 annual tuition in Singapore Dollars, inclusive of 9% GST, excluding one-time fees:

Early Years (ages 3-5): SGD 28,000-47,000
Primary (Years 1-6): SGD 32,000-50,000
Secondary (Years 7-10): SGD 38,000-56,000
IB Diploma / Sixth Form (Years 11-13): SGD 42,000-58,000+

Add to these figures: one-time registration fee (SGD 2,500-5,000), annual development levy (SGD 3,000-6,000), bus transport from SGD 3,500, lunch, uniform and activity fees. Total first-year costs including one-time fees can be 15-25% higher than headline tuition.

Confirm whether your mission, sending government or organisation provides a school fee allowance and which schools are covered. Many UN system organisations and bilateral missions provide education allowances for postings in Singapore.

Local Ministry of Education schools

Singapore’s public school system is academically strong, particularly in mathematics and sciences. Non-citizen children can attend local MOE schools, but places are limited and competitive: priority is given to Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents. International school fees for non-citizens at local schools typically range from SGD 8,000 to SGD 15,000 per year, substantially lower than international schools. For short postings where curriculum continuity is less critical, this can be a cost-effective option; discuss eligibility with your mission.

Admissions timing

For UWCSEA and Tanglin, apply 12-18 months before your expected start date for the most popular year groups (Years 7, 11 and early primary). SAS and CIS are somewhat more flexible but year groups can still fill. Mid-year entry is possible at most schools.

Documents typically requested:

Two years of school reports (with translation into English if required)
Teacher or head teacher reference
Passport copy for the child
Vaccination records (Singapore requires specific vaccinations for school entry)
Language assessments for secondary applicants
Evidence of posting

Geography and commute

School-residential corridors in Singapore: Buona Vista, Holland Village and Portsdown Road area for Tanglin and UWCSEA Dover; Tampines and east coast for UWCSEA East; Woodlands and north Singapore for SAS; Jurong West for CIS. Singapore’s MRT system connects these areas but cross-island journeys take 30-50 minutes. Many families use school buses, which substantially reduce commute stress. Test the MRT journey to your preferred school from your prospective residential area before committing to a lease.

Official and reference sources

Last reviewed 6 July 2026.