Singapore is one of the most established international school markets in the world. Families choosing between IB, British, American, and Australian curricula will find strong options across the island, from the central districts to the west and east. Whether you are arriving on a corporate relocation package or a local family making a long-term investment in an international education, the range of schools, fees, and admissions requirements can feel overwhelming. This guide brings it into order.
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (SGD) | Approx. USD | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dulwich College (Singapore) | British, Cambridge IGCSE, IB DP | SGD 20,270–56,220 | USD 15,000–41,600 | Buona Vista |
| Canadian International School | IB PYP / MYP / DP | SGD 19,260–49,610 | USD 14,300–36,800 | Lorong Chuan |
| Australian International School | Australian Curriculum, IB, Cambridge IGCSE | SGD 20,136–50,400 | USD 14,900–37,300 | Tanjong Katong |
| Dover Court International School | British, IPC, IB DP, Edexcel IGCSE | SGD 30,198–47,982 | USD 22,400–35,500 | Dover |
| Tanglin Trust School | British, Cambridge IGCSE / A Levels, IB DP | SGD 33,330–53,505 | USD 24,700–39,600 | Portsdown Road |
| German European School Singapore (GESS) | German Curriculum, IB PYP / MYP / DP | SGD 30,735–43,990 | USD 22,800–32,600 | Bukit Timah |
| Dimensions International College | IPC, Cambridge Primary / Secondary / IGCSE / A Levels | SGD 13,000–25,500 | USD 9,600–18,900 | Bugis / Orchard/ Kovan / Buki Timah and more |
| NPS International School | Indian Curriculum, Cambridge, IB DP | SGD 16,200–32,100 | USD 12,000–23,800 | Potong Pasir |
| International French School (Singapore) | French Curriculum | SGD 12,360–33,325 | USD 9,200–24,700 | Ang Mo Kio |
| Stamford American International School | American Curriculum, IB, AP, BTEC | SGD 47,390–54,210 | USD 35,100–40,200 | Woodleigh |
Fees shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify directly with the school. Exchange rate used: 1 SGD ≈ 0.74 USD.
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
Singapore's international school sector covers a broad range of curricula. The choice often comes down to a family's long-term plans, their child's prior schooling, and the secondary qualifications they are working towards. For a detailed side-by-side comparison, the doris guide on IB vs British curriculum is a useful starting point.
British-curriculum schools typically follow the English National Curriculum through primary school before progressing to Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, followed by A Levels or the IB Diploma. Cambridge International develops and awards Cambridge qualifications and approves schools to offer its programmes. Schools such as Tanglin Trust School and Dover Court International School follow this path. Cambridge International accredits these qualifications; full details are on the Cambridge International website.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is offered widely across Singapore, with many schools running the full continuum: PYP (Primary Years Programme), MYP (Middle Years Programme), and DP (Diploma Programme). The IBO website lists every authorised school. Several Singapore schools, including Canadian International School and ISS International School, are full IB continuum schools.
American curriculum schools offer a US-style education with High School Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), and in some cases, IB alongside. Stamford American International School offers AP and BTEC in addition to IB, giving older students genuine choice.
The Australian curriculum, delivered by Australian International School, follows the ACARA framework through to Cambridge IGCSE and IB DP at senior level. The French national curriculum is available at International French School (Singapore), which is a popular choice for French-speaking families and those planning a return to France. German European School Singapore (GESS) serves German-speaking families alongside a broader international intake through IB. The Indian curriculum is an option at NPS International School, which also transitions students into Cambridge and IB pathways.
Families describe Singapore as practical to live in and easy to get children settled. The public transport network is reliable, the city is compact, and most international schools offer their own bus routes. School campuses are typically well-resourced, with access to sports facilities, libraries, and co-curricular programmes that would be unusual elsewhere in the region.
👵🏻 One parent on Reddit, who spent four years in Singapore, noted: "My opinion is it's one of the best places for expats. I like the active and healthy lifestyle there. It is also very safe. I have nothing bad to say about my time there and there are a lot of conveniences I miss."
Some parents describe Singapore as safe, convenient and easy to navigate, although experiences vary depending on location, lifestyle and individual family circumstances.
Admissions timelines vary by school and year group. Some popular schools operate waitlists, so families should contact their preferred schools early and confirm current availability before making relocation plans. Most schools charge a registration fee and a non-refundable deposit on acceptance, which can range from SGD 1,000 to SGD 5,000 or more. For a fuller breakdown of what international schooling actually costs in Singapore, including levies and ancillary fees, the doris Singapore fees guide covers this in detail.
Local families choosing international schools should note that some schools are open only to students holding foreign nationality or Employment Pass status. Requirements vary by school, so confirm eligibility before applying. The Singapore Ministry of Education publishes guidance on the distinction between international schools and private schools approved for Singapore citizens.
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
Curriculum: British, Cambridge IGCSE, IB DP, IBCP | Fees: SGD 20,270–56,220/yr (approx. USD 15,000–41,600)
View Dulwich College (Singapore) on doris. One of Singapore's larger international campuses, Dulwich offers a wide curriculum range from EYFS through to IB Diploma and the less commonly offered IBCP, which combines IB courses with vocational qualifications. The breadth of post-16 options is a genuine differentiator. Families note the campus facilities are strong and the pastoral care is attentive, though some find the size of the school means students need to be proactive to access the full range of opportunities.
Curriculum: British, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB DP | Fees: SGD 33,330–53,505/yr (approx. USD 24,700–39,600)
View Tanglin Trust School on doris. Tanglin is one of Singapore's longest-established British curriculum schools and carries a strong reputation for academic outcomes at IGCSE and A Level. It is a trust school rather than a for-profit operation, which families say contributes to a particular ethos. Entry is competitive, particularly at secondary level, and the school operates a waitlist for most year groups. Fees are at the upper end of the British curriculum segment.
Curriculum: IB PYP / MYP / DP | Fees: SGD 19,260–49,610/yr (approx. USD 14,300–36,800)
View Canadian International School on doris. CIS runs two campuses, one in Tanjong Katong and one near Lakeside, making it one of the few Singapore schools with a genuine east-west split. It is a full IB continuum school from early years through to Diploma. Parents describe a warm community and a broadly welcoming culture for newly arrived families, which matters when children are transitioning mid-year.
Curriculum: IPC, Cambridge Primary, Secondary, IGCSE, AS & A Levels | Fees: SGD 13,000–25,500/yr (approx. USD 9,600–18,900)
View Dimensions International College on doris. Dimensions sits at the more affordable end of Singapore's international school market, making it relevant for families not on a full relocation package. The Cambridge pathway from primary through to A Levels is coherent, and the school is accredited. It is a smaller institution than some of the larger brand-name schools, which suits families who prefer a less anonymous environment for their children.
Q: How much does international school cost in Singapore per year?
A: Fees range from around SGD 12,000 at the lower end to over SGD 57,000 per year at the top. Most mid-range schools fall between SGD 25,000 and SGD 45,000. This is tuition only; families should budget separately for registration fees, the enrolment deposit, uniforms, transport, and any co-curricular levies.
Q: Can Singapore citizens attend international schools?
A: Singapore citizens may attend certain international schools, but eligibility depends on the type of school. Admission to foreign-system schools may require approval from Singapore’s Ministry of Education, while privately funded schools approved to enrol Singapore citizens have their own admissions requirements. Families should confirm eligibility directly with the school and consult current MOE guidance before applying.
Q: How far in advance should I apply to international schools in Singapore?
A: For the most sought-after schools, families should apply 12 to 18 months before the intended start date. Some schools manage demand through a waitlist system, and offers are not guaranteed even with early application. Applying to two or three schools simultaneously is common practice among relocating families.
Q: Are there affordable international schools in Singapore?
A: Yes, though affordability is relative in this market. Schools such as Dimensions International College, International French School (Singapore), and NPS International School sit at the lower end of the fee range without compromising on recognised qualifications. The doris guide to affordable international schools in Southeast Asia covers this in more detail.
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This guide was written by Aziza F, part of the doris editorial team. doris sources school data from institutions worldwide and speaks directly with parents navigating the school search process. Fee data reflects published and publicly available information for the 2026 to 2027 academic year and is reviewed annually. External sources: Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate Organisation.
Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.