International School Fees in Singapore 2026–27

International school fees in Singapore sit among the highest in Southeast Asia, though the range is wider than many families expect. For the 2026–27 academic year, annual tuition runs from roughly SGD 12,000 (approx. USD 8,900) at the more accessible end to SGD 57,800 (approx. USD 42,800) at premium campuses offering the IB Diploma or American curriculum. Whether you are relocating for work, already based here, or a local family weighing options, this guide sets out what fees actually cover, how they compare across curricula, and how to think about the total cost honestly.

How Much Do International Schools Cost in Singapore?

Fees vary significantly by curriculum, campus age, and school type. The table below groups schools into three broad tiers based on published annual tuition for the 2026–27 academic year.

Fees shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify directly with the school. Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.

What Fees Cover and What They Do Not

Tuition is the largest line item, but rarely the only one. Families consistently underestimate the total cost of enrolment until they reach the admissions stage and read the full fee schedule carefully. 

Most schools include in their published tuition:

• Core classroom instruction across all subjects
• Access to the school library, standard IT infrastructure, and basic extracurricular activities
• School-issued planners, digital learning platforms, and online resource access

What is typically charged separately: 

• Registration or application fees: SGD 500–2,500, usually non-refundable
• Capital levy or development levy: SGD 2,000–8,000 per family, sometimes annual, sometimes one-off
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) support: approximately SGD 6,000–15,000 per year, depending on the school and level of support
• Examination fees for IGCSE, IB, or Cambridge A Level sittings: SGD 1,500–4,000 per candidate
• School transport: SGD 2,400–5,400 per year depending on distance and bus operator
• School uniform: SGD 300–800 for the full set at most British and Australian schools
• School meals: SGD 1,500–3,500 per year if not packed from home
• Residential camps, overseas learning trips, and co-curricular activity fees: variable

A family enrolling at a mid-range school should budget an additional SGD 8,000–15,000 on top of published tuition in the first year, and SGD 5,000–10,000 in subsequent years.

How Do International School Fees Compare Across Curricula?

Curriculum choice has a meaningful effect on cost. IB World Schools, particularly those offering the full continuum from PYP through DP, tend to sit at or near the top of the fee range. British curriculum schools span all three tiers depending on the operator and campus. National curriculum schools, such as the International French School (SGD 12,360–33,325) or NPS International School (SGD 16,200–35,700 with Cambridge and IB DP), often offer a more moderate entry point. For a detailed breakdown of how the IB and British curriculum compare beyond fees, the doris guide to IB vs British curriculum is a useful reference.

Schools shown for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.

How Much Do International School Fees Increase Each Year?

International school tuition increases vary by institution and year. A 3–6% annual rise can be used as a planning assumption, but some schools have recently raised fees by more. Families should check each school’s published fee history and model several scenarios.

When meeting with an admissions team, it is reasonable to ask directly: what has the average annual fee increase been over the past five years? Schools that are transparent about this are worth noting. Also ask whether the capital levy is a one-off or recurring charge, and whether EAL support is reviewed annually or locked in. These questions rarely appear in brochures but matter considerably over a five-year enrolment.

Are International Schools in Singapore Worth the Cost?

For relocating families, particularly those with employer education allowances, the calculation is often made for them. Many corporate packages cover SGD 30,000–50,000 per child per year, which places most mid-range and some premium schools within reach. The harder question arises when the allowance runs out or when a family transitions from a corporate posting to independent employment.

For local families, the honest answer is more nuanced. International schools offer curriculum flexibility, smaller class sizes, and in many cases stronger pastoral support than the local system. But the cost differential with Singapore's own strong state and independent schools is substantial. Families who choose an international school for a Singapore-curriculum pathway, such as Furen International School (SGD 36,960), are making a different bet than those seeking IB or British qualifications for onward mobility. The decision depends on where the child is likely to go next, academically and geographically.

For further context on total costs including one-off fees and how Singapore compares to other regional cities, the doris Singapore fees guide covers this in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do international schools in Singapore cost in 2026–27?

A: Fees vary widely by school and year group, so there is no single reliable sector-wide average. For 2026–27, many schools charge roughly SGD 20,000–45,000 per year, while fees at some premium schools exceed SGD 50,000 before optional and one-off charges.

Q: Are there scholarships or bursaries available at international schools in Singapore?

A: A small number of schools offer merit-based or need-based scholarships, but these are not common across the sector. It is worth raising the question directly with the admissions team during your application process, particularly for families enrolling in secondary or for long-term residents.

Q: Can fees be paid termly rather than annually?

A: Most schools offer termly billing across three instalments. Some require a deposit equivalent to one term's fees upon acceptance of a place, which may be deducted from the first term's invoice or retained as a security deposit against the final term.

Q: Do fees increase if my child moves from primary to secondary?

A: Yes, in almost every case. Secondary tuition is typically SGD 5,000–15,000 higher per year than primary at the same school, reflecting examination preparation, specialist teaching, and in some cases additional curriculum accreditation costs for IGCSE or IB Diploma programmes.

doris is a free, impartial international school discovery platform designed to help parents find the right international school for their children worldwide. Every school profile includes fees, curriculum, admissions, pupil numbers and more. Parents can compare schools, contact schools directly, access expert parent guides, and connect with a community of parents around the world. Start your search at doris.

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: Ministry of Education Singapore, International Baccalaureate Organisation.

Schools are listed for informational purposes only. doris does not rank or promote any school.