Top Singapore International Schools: A Guide for Expat Parents
With so many Singapore international schools available, choosing the right one for your family can feel a little overwhelming!
Thankfully, Singapore has a solid reputation for having one of the world’s top education systems. There are numerous high-quality international schools that cater to diverse curricula and educational philosophies.
We’ll look at some of Singapore’s most respected international schools to help you determine the best choice for your children’s education.
Understanding Singapore’s International School Landscape
Before we look closer at some of the most well-known and respected Singapore international schools, let’s take a quick look at the overall international education environment in the country:
- Competitive admissions: Many top international schools will have waiting lists, particularly for certain entry years (like reception or first year of secondary school).
- High costs: Annual school fees can range from S$20,000 to S$50,00 (that’s around USD $15,000 to $40,000) per child, per year, plus additional costs for things like extracurricular activities, school trips and uniform.
- Diverse curricula: Curriculum options include American, British, IB, Australian, Canadian and hybrid programs.
- Location matters: Singapore’s traffic can make commuting more difficult, so finding a school in the right location (e.g. where you live or work) is a big consideration.
- Registration process: Most schools require application fees, placement tests, interviews, medical paperwork and previous school records as part of the admissions process.
Top International Schools in Singapore
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most well known and reputable Singapore international schools. Please note pricing is approximate for the 2025-26 year and is for junior/secondary schooling (excluding nursery which starts at around S$20,000 for most schools per year).
Singapore American School (SAS)
Website: SAS
Curriculum: American curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Location: Woodlands
Age Range: 3-18 years
Annual Fees: S$40,000 – S$55,000 approx (with enrolment and facility fees)
Pros:
- Sprawling 36-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including multiple gyms, swimming pools, and specialised learning spaces
- Strong academic reputation with excellent college placement results (particularly for US universities)
- Comprehensive extracurricular offerings such as athletics, arts, technology, and service
- Well-established school with over 60 years of history and strong alumni network
- Personalised learning pathways and accelerated options for advanced students
- Strong support services for students with diverse learning needs
Cons:
- Among the highest tuition fees in Singapore, with additional costs for activities and transportation
- Located in the northern part of Singapore (Woodlands), which can mean a long commute for families living in central or eastern areas
- Highly competitive admission process with long waiting lists, especially for certain grade levels
- Such a big student population (around 4,000 kids) can feel overwhelming for some children
- Strong American culture that may be challenging for non-American families
United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA)
Website: UWC Singapore
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum
Locations: Dover and East campuses
Age Range: 4-18 years
Annual Fees: S$37,000 – S$57,000 approx
Pros:
- Offers the complete IB continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) – consistent educational philosophy
- Strong focus on holistic education with emphasis on academics, activities, outdoor education, personal/social education, and service
- Very diverse student body representing over 90 nationalities with scholarship programs
- Exceptional facilities on both campuses, such as swimming pools, sports fields, theatres, and specialised learning spaces
- Quality outdoor education program with expeditions from a young age (including on campus outdoor learning)
- Strong university placement record globally
Cons:
- Extremely competitive admission process with limited entry points and long waiting lists
- High tuition fees with additional costs for things like outdoor education
- Different campus cultures and slight variations in approach between Dover and East locations
- Service and activity requirements create a busy schedule that can be demanding for some students
- Big school population may not suit kids who prefer and thrive in smaller environments
Tanglin Trust School
Website: Tanglin Trust
Curriculum: British curriculum, IB Diploma Program option
Location: Portsdown Road (One-North area)
Age Range: 3-18 years
Annual Fees: S$33,000 – S$53,000
Pros:
- Oldest British international school in Southeast Asia, with an excellent reputation (just celebrated 100 years this year!)
- Combines British curriculum (EYFS, National Curriculum, IGCSE) with IB Diploma
- Excellent academic results
- Strong pastoral care system with emphasis on student wellbeing
- Impressive university placement record in the UK, US, and globally
- Purpose-built campus with excellent facilities including swimming pools, sports hall, theatres, and specialist learning areas
Cons:
- The traditional approach might not suit all learning styles
- Less diversity compared to some other international schools (stronger British presence)
- Waitlists for many year groups, especially in early years and key transition points
- British-centric culture may require adjustment for non-UK families
- Big focus on academic achievement may create pressure for some students
Canadian International School (CIS)
Website: CIS
Curriculum: IB continuum
Locations: Lakeside (Jurong)
Age Range: 2-18 years
Annual Fees: S$39,000 – S$51,000
Pros:
- Bilingual program options in Chinese-English and French-English from preschool through primary
- STEAM-focused learning approach with innovation labs and maker spaces
- Modern facilities, including outdoor discovery centres and arts spaces
- Strong arts and music programs with dedicated specialists
- Open enrollment policy and generally shorter waitlists than some other schools
Cons:
- Less established reputation than some older international schools
- Additional costs to consider for things like extracurricular activities
- Less diverse student body (compared to UWC)
- Potentially more transient community with Canadian families who may have shorter stays in Singapore
- May offer fewer competitive sports teams than other larger schools if your kid is into sports
Dulwich College Singapore
Website: Dulwich Singapore
Curriculum: Enhanced British curriculum, IB Diploma
Location: Bukit Batok
Age Range: 2-18 years
Annual Fees: S$36,000 – S$56,000 approx
Pros:
- Part of the Dulwich College international school network
- Impressive purpose-built campus with excellent facilities, including a performing arts centre and an aquatics complex
- Strong performing arts program with dedicated theatre and specialist teachers
- Dual language approach with Mandarin from early years
- College counselling starts early with university guidance
- Smaller and more intimate environment than some of the larger Singapore international schools
Cons:
- Relatively new in Singapore (opened 2014) compared to other established schools
- Located in western Singapore, so it’s less convenient for families based in the east
- Premium prices (like many other Singapore international schools)
- Less diverse student body than some other international schools
- Strong emphasis on traditional British educational values may not appeal to all families
Stamford American International School
Website: SAIS
Curriculum: American curriculum with IB framework
Location: Woodleigh Lane
Age Range: 2-18 years
Annual Fees: S$47,000 – S$54,500
Pros:
- Offers both the American curriculum and IB Diploma options for graduating students
- Innovation centre and reputation for advanced technology integration
- Strong athletics program with excellent sports facilities
- Multiple language options, including a bilingual Mandarin program
- Purpose-built campus with state-of-the-art facilities
- Flexible entry points throughout the academic year
Cons:
- Big student population can feel overwhelming for some children
- Premium pricing structure with add-on costs for activities and resources
- Some parents find the American/IB hybrid curriculum confusing
- Located away from many popular expat housing areas
Australian International School (AIS)
Website: AIS
Curriculum: Australian curriculum, IB Diploma Programme
Location: Lorong Chuan
Age Range: 2 months-18 years
Annual Fees: S$42,000 – S$51,000 approx
Pros:
- The only school in Singapore that offers the Australian curriculum
- Infant care program starting from 2 months (pretty rare at international schools)
- Southern hemisphere academic calendar option (January-December)
- Strong sports program with excellent facilities
- Established school with a good reputation, especially among Australian expats
- Comprehensive arts program with dedicated facilities
Cons:
- Less diverse student population with a strong Australian influence
- Academic reputation isn’t as strong as some other top-tier schools
- Calendar alignment issues for transfers to/from northern hemisphere schools
- Location in northeastern Singapore may be inconvenient for some families
- A less competitive global university placement record than some other schools
Best Budget-Friendly Singapore International Schools to Consider
While the above international schools all have excellent reputations, the fees may be a bit steep for many expats who aren’t getting school fees compensated as part of their employment package.
Here are some alternative, more budget-friendly options for Singapore international schools.
Heritage Academy
- Fees: Approx $S7,000 per year
- Curriculum: The Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) programme and American High School Diploma
- Highlights: Multiple campuses across Singapore; emphasis on personal development and life skills.
Kindle Kids International School (KKIS)
- Fees: S$10,000 – S$14,000 per year approximately
- Curriculum: Self-developed curriculum based on Cambridge International Primary and Secondary programmes
- Highlights: Small class sizes; central location; CCAs included in tuition fees
GIG International School (GIGIS)
- Fees: S$12,000 – $19,000 per year approx
- Curriculum: CBSE, Cambridge Secondary, IGCSE
- Highlights: Central location; CCAs and ECAs included in tuition fees
Invictus International School
- Fees: S$22,000 – S$26,00 per year approx
- Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum (IPC), Cambridge IGCSE, A Levels
- Highlights: Bilingual programs; multiple campuses; instalment payment options
Middleton International School
- Fees: From S$22,000 – S$27,000 per year approx
- Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, A Levels
- Highlights: Part of EtonHouse International Education Group; strong wellbeing program
One World International School (OWIS)
- Fees: S$22,000 – S$29,000 per year approx
- Curriculum: IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)
- Highlights: Chinese-English Bilingual Programme; focus on technology and innovation
Making Your Decision: Key Factors to Consider
Curriculum Alignment
Consider your child’s previous school experience and where you might end up next. Switching between curricula (e.g., British to American) can not only create learning gaps for your child (or redundancies) but also make it harder for them to adapt and settle.
Location and Transport
Singapore traffic can make commuting time-consuming. Consider:
- School bus services (costs and routes)
- Proximity to your housing or workplace
- Public transportation options
- The logistics of morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up
Budget Considerations
International school education in Singapore is a big investment! In addition to the outlay of tuition fees, consider ongoing costs such as:
- Annual tuition increases (typically 3-5%)
- Application and enrollment fees
- Compulsory technology fees
- Extra costs for uniforms, trips, and activities
- Additional support services if needed
Learning Support
If your child has specific learning needs, international schools can often be lacking in this area. Make sure you investigate:
- Available support services and their costs
- Inclusion policies and practices
- Staff qualifications for special educational needs
- Counselling and emotional support resources
School Culture and Community
Each school has its own unique environment, and having a tour or at least speaking to other parents about their experience can help you work out if it’s right for you. Also consider:
- Parent involvement opportunities
- Community events and traditions
- Diversity and inclusivity practices
- Communication style and frequency
- After-school activities and options
Admission Strategies
With admissions in Singapore being pretty competitive, you may want to consider:
- Applying to multiple schools
- Getting on waiting lists as early as possible
- Being flexible about entry timing
- Being prepared for interviews and assessments
- Connecting with school admissions teams regularly to see if anything pops up
Beyond the Classroom: Singapore’s Educational Advantages
While Singapore education offers plenty of benefits, there are also lots of additional reasons outside of the classroom that benefit kids and families:
- Safety: One of the world’s safest cities for families and kids
- Multilingual environment: While English is widely spoken, you’ll also get access to Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil in daily life
- Cultural diversity: Opportunities to interact with people from around the world
- Excellent public facilities: World-class museums, libraries, and nature spaces
- Regional hub: Easy access to travel opportunities throughout Asia and further afield
Singapore International Schools: Wrap Up
Singapore’s top international schools offer excellent education options for expat families. Each school has its own distinct character and culture, along with strengths and weaknesses. The “best” international school for your family ultimately depends on your specific needs, values, and circumstances.
Before deciding, try to organise campus visits during regular school days to observe the learning environment. Chat with current parents and, if you can, with students to work out what its really like to attend the school (beyond the flashy website and marketing brochure!).
Make sure you consider your child’s learning style, interests, and personality when evaluating each school. And don’t forget there are plenty of other Singapore schools available out there – these are just a small sample!
Here’s a list of other potential Singapore international schools you may want to check out:
- German European School Singapore (GESS) – www.gess.sg
- Nexus International School – www.nexus.edu.sg
- Overseas Family School (OFS) – www.ofs.edu.sg
- International Community School (ICS) – www.ics.edu.sg
- Dover Court International School – www.dovercourt.edu.sg
- EtonHouse International School – www.etonhouse.edu.sg
- Global Indian International School (GIIS) – www.giissingapore.org
- French School of Singapore (Lycée Français de Singapour) – www.lfs.edu.sg
- Swiss School in Singapore – www.swiss-school.edu.sg
- Japanese School Singapore – www.sjs.edu.sg
- ISS International School – www.iss.edu.sg
- Chatsworth International School – www.chatsworth.com.sg
With research and careful consideration you’ll be well on your way to finding the right international school in Singapore for you and your family.
