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Many expat families moving to Southeast Asia begin their search with a key question:
What are the most affordable international schools — and how do I know what’s actually included in the fees?
Affordable International Schools in Southeast Asia: What Families Are Searching For
Whether you’re relocating to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, or Brunei, school costs vary widely. What’s considered “affordable” depends on your location, your child’s year level, and what you need from a school.
doris helps families compare international schools across Southeast Asia based on their budget, curriculum preferences, support needs, and more. It’s always free to use — and schools cannot pay to influence your results.
What Does “Affordable” Actually Mean?
There is no universal definition of affordability when it comes to international schools. However, many families using doris consider the following filters:
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Annual tuition fees under USD 10,000–20,000
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Transparent fee structures with minimal hidden costs
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Good value based on class size, curriculum, and facilities
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Schools that include meals, transport, or activities in the tuition
Schools Families Are Exploring at Lower Fee Points
Here are examples of schools that are commonly shortlisted by families looking for lower-to-mid-range tuition in 2025:
| Country | School | Curriculum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | Sri KDU International School (Subang) | British | Transparent fees, strong academic support |
| Thailand | Concordian International School | IB | Bilingual focus, moderate fees for Bangkok |
| Brunei | Jerudong International School | British | Boarding available, well-supported campus |
| Singapore | Hillside World Academy | IB | Compact school with Mandarin immersion |
These schools are not ranked. They appear in searches where families use budget filters or select “lower fee range” on doris.
Tips for Comparing School Costs
1. Look Beyond Tuition
Ask whether fees include meals, uniforms, extracurriculars, and transport. Doris lets you compare side-by-side.
2. Check Admissions and Application Costs
Some schools charge non-refundable fees before your child even begins. Check if these are included in the estimate.
3. Consider Value, Not Just Cost
Smaller schools or newer campuses may offer better value even if they don’t have the most facilities.
How doris Helps You Filter by Budget
doris makes it simple to see what’s available within your price range. You can:
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Filter schools by tuition range (low/mid/high)
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Compare what’s included in each school’s fee structure
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View support services like language or SEN without extra research
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Save and shortlist affordable options across regions
FAQs
What is considered affordable for an international school in Singapore?
Most international schools in Singapore charge SGD 25,000–45,000 per year. Schools under SGD 20,000 are typically considered more affordable.
Are affordable schools still internationally accredited?
Yes. Many offer IGCSE, IB, or Cambridge pathways and are recognised globally.
Can doris show me schools by budget category?
Yes. You can select a fee range during your search and get a list of matched schools with fee breakdowns.
Final Thoughts
Affordability doesn’t mean compromising on quality. With doris, you can explore schools that meet your financial goals and still offer the right environment for your child to thrive.