Singapore's international school market is one of the most developed in the world. Families arriving for the first time often find the curriculum choice more confusing than the school choice itself. The three main frameworks are the International Baccalaureate (IB), British (Cambridge/IGCSE/A Level) and American (High School Diploma/AP). Each suits different children, different university ambitions and different learning styles. This article sets out what each curriculum actually involves, which schools offer it, and how fees compare in 2026.
| Curriculum | Age Range | Final Qualification | University Recognition | Typical Fees (SGD/yr) | Approx. USD/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IB (full PYP–DP) | 3–19 | IB Diploma (IBDP) | Global, strong UK/US fit | SGD 19,000–57,800 | USD 14,000–43,000 |
| British (IGCSE + A Level) | 3–18 | Cambridge A Levels / IGCSE | Strong UK, recognised globally | SGD 15,805–53,505 | USD 11,700–39,700 |
| American (AP/Diploma) | 3–18 | US High School Diploma + AP | Strong US/Canada focus | SGD 25,000–56,110 | USD 18,600–41,700 |
| Cambridge only | 5–16 | Cambridge IGCSE | UK and international | SGD 13,000–25,500 | USD 9,650–18,950 |
| French national | 3–18 | French Baccalauréat | France and Francophone | SGD 12,360–33,325 | USD 9,200–24,800 |
Fees shown are approximate and subject to change. USD equivalents are indicative and will vary with exchange rates. Verify directly with each school. Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
The main IB school pathway discussed here spans the Primary Years Programme (PYP, ages 3–12), Middle Years Programme (MYP, ages 11–16) and Diploma Programme (DP, ages 16–19); the IB also offers the Career-related Programme (CP) for students aged 16–19. Some schools offer PYP, MYP and DP, while others offer only the DP at secondary level. The IBDP is widely used for university admissions and is well regarded in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and across Asia. The IB's inquiry-based approach suits children who are curious, adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity. It can be demanding, and not every child finds the extended essay and theory of knowledge requirements a natural fit.
Curriculum: IB (PYP / MYP / DP) | Fees: SGD 19,260–49,610/yr (approx. USD 14,300–36,900)
One of Singapore's few schools offering a seamless IB pathway from early years through to the Diploma. The community skews internationally diverse, with strong pastoral support noted by parents. Admissions can be competitive; families should enquire about the waitlist position early. View Canadian International School on doris.
Curriculum: IB (PYP / MYP / DP), Cambridge IGCSE | Fees: SGD 25,600–57,800/yr (approx. USD 19,000–43,000)
Nexus combines the IB framework with Cambridge IGCSE at secondary, giving families some flexibility at the qualification stage. The campus is modern and well-equipped. Fees at the upper end reflect the full DP years. View Nexus International School Singapore on doris.
Curriculum: IB (PYP / MYP / DP) | Fees: SGD 30,250–41,100/yr (approx. USD 22,500–30,600)
A smaller school running the full IB continuum, which suits families who value consistency across year groups rather than moving between frameworks. Class sizes are generally more intimate than at larger campuses. View Chatsworth International School on doris.
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
For a detailed comparison of IB against British qualifications, see the doris guide to IB vs British curriculum.
British curriculum schools follow EYFS in early years, then move through the National Curriculum of England before IGCSE at 14–16 and A Levels or Cambridge International AS and A Levels at 16–18. The structure is familiar to families from the UK and many Commonwealth countries. IGCSE results feed directly into A Level subject choices, which tends to suit students who know their academic strengths early. University recognition is strong across the UK and well established in competitive US admissions too.
Curriculum: British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP) | Fees: SGD 33,330–53,505/yr (approx. USD 24,800–39,800)
One of Singapore's most established British schools, with a large and active parent community. The school offers both A Levels and the IBDP at sixth form, which is a notable advantage for students deciding late which route suits them. Enrolment demand is consistently high and early application is advisable. View Tanglin Trust School on doris.
Curriculum: EYFS, IPC, British Curriculum, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, IB (DP) | Fees: SGD 30,198–47,982/yr (approx. USD 22,500–35,700)
Dover Court uses the International Primary Curriculum alongside British frameworks in primary, transitioning to Edexcel IGCSE in secondary. The IB Diploma is offered at sixth form. A practical choice for families with children across multiple year groups who want curriculum consistency through primary. View Dover Court International School on doris.
Curriculum: IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE | Fees: SGD 15,805–38,000/yr (approx. USD 11,700–28,300)
One of the more accessible fee points among established international secondary schools in Singapore. ACS International has strong academic results and a values-based ethos. Applications for secondary entry are competitive. View ACS International Singapore Secondary on doris.
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
American curriculum schools follow a grade-based structure (K–12), typically offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses or the IB Diploma in the final years alongside the US High School Diploma. The system is less compartmentalised than the British model and keeps subject breadth open longer, which suits students targeting US or Canadian universities. AP courses and scores can demonstrate subject-level rigour and may support US university applications or earn credit, while the full high-school transcript remains central to admissions.
Curriculum: IB (PYP / MYP / DP), American Curriculum, BTEC, Advanced Placement (AP) | Fees: SGD 49,040–56,110/yr for Grades 1–12 (approx. USD 36,400–41,700)
Stamford offers both the American framework and the IB, with AP courses available alongside the IBDP. One parent whose son attended Grades 7–12 described the community as "very welcoming and inclusive" and highlighted the caring teaching staff. It is among the higher-fee options in Singapore. View Stamford American International School on doris.
Curriculum: IB (PYP / MYP / DP), US-accredited High School Diploma | Fees: SGD 25,000–54,430/yr (approx. USD 18,600–40,500)
ISS offers the full IB continuum alongside a US-accredited High School Diploma, giving families flexibility at the secondary stage. The school has a notably diverse student body and strong arts provision. Fees span a wide range depending on year group. View ISS International School on doris.
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
No curriculum is objectively better. The right choice depends on your child's learning style, your likely future destinations and your university targets.
| Family Situation | Curriculum to Consider |
|---|---|
| Likely to move countries again | IB: recognised globally, no transition penalty |
| Targeting UK universities | British (A Levels) or IB Diploma both work well |
| Targeting US or Canadian universities | American (AP/Diploma) or IB Diploma |
| Child thrives with structure and clear subject progression | British IGCSE + A Level pathway |
| Child prefers breadth and project-based learning | IB PYP/MYP/DP continuum |
| Budget is a key constraint | Cambridge pathway schools (from SGD 13,000/yr) |
| Maintaining home-country language | French, German or Indian national curriculum options |
For a deeper read on how IB and British qualifications compare at university entry, see the doris IB vs British curriculum guide.
Singapore also has strong provision for families seeking national or alternative frameworks.
The International French School Singapore follows the French national curriculum to the Baccalauréat, with fees from SGD 12,360 to SGD 33,325 per year, making it one of the more accessible options for French-speaking families.
German European School Singapore (GESS) offers the German curriculum alongside the full IB continuum, at SGD 30,735–43,990 per year. It suits German-speaking families or those who want to maintain German language continuity.
Dimensions International College Main Campus takes a Cambridge pathway approach from primary through to A Levels, with fees from SGD 13,000 to SGD 25,500 per year — among the lower fee points in the international sector. For families comparing affordability across the region, the doris guide to affordable international schools in Southeast Asia is a useful reference.
NPS International School is notable for offering an Indian curriculum foundation alongside Cambridge and the IB Diploma, at SGD 16,200–32,100 per year, catering to families who want cultural continuity alongside international accreditation.
Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.
Q: Is the IB Diploma accepted by Singapore universities?
A: Yes. NUS, NTU and SMU accept the IB Diploma for undergraduate admissions. Course prerequisites and competitiveness vary, and universities do not necessarily publish a single minimum total score.
Q: Can my child switch from a British school to an IB school mid-way through secondary?
A: It is possible but requires careful timing. Moving before IGCSE examinations (typically before Year 9 or 10) causes less disruption. Switching after starting IGCSEs into an MYP programme is harder to manage, as the two frameworks assess differently. Speak directly with the receiving school's admissions team about credit transfer and entry requirements.
Q: Are American curriculum schools in Singapore accredited?
A: The main American schools in Singapore hold accreditation from bodies such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) or the Council of International Schools (CIS). Check each school's published accreditation status before applying, as this affects recognition by US universities.
Q: Do international schools in Singapore require a deposit on enrolment?
A: Most schools charge non-refundable application and enrolment or confirmation fees. Some separately require a refundable deposit or school-fee advance, and others charge a one-time levy. Terms vary by school, so always request the full fee schedule, including levies and transport costs, before signing an enrolment agreement.
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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: International Baccalaureate Organisation (ibo.org), Cambridge Assessment International Education (cambridgeinternational.org).
Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.