Who Can Attend International Schools in Singapore? Admissions FAQ (2026)

International schools in Singapore are open to children of any nationality, including Singapore citizens and permanent residents, though local families need approval from the Ministry of Education before enrolling. Singapore has 72 international schools that take pupils through to the end of secondary school, according to doris's own directory data, alongside a large government (MOE) system that admits a limited number of international students each year. Whether a family is relocating to Singapore or already settled there, understanding which system a child can join, and when, shapes the whole school search.

 

Can Singaporean citizens attend international schools in Singapore?

Yes, but only with prior approval from the Ministry of Education. Singapore citizens and permanent residents are generally expected to attend MOE (government) schools, and most international schools require families to secure an MOE exemption before enrolling a Singaporean child, particularly at the IGCSE or O-Level stage. Exemptions are more readily granted at the IB Diploma or A-Level stage, in the final two years of secondary school. Requirements vary by curriculum and year group, so it's worth checking with both the school and the Ministry of Education directly.

Can a foreign child attend a Singapore government (MOE) school?

Yes, though places are limited and foreign students must pass the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS), a competitive English and mathematics test run each year by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board. In 2026, annual fees for non-ASEAN international students at MOE schools work out to roughly SGD 12,400 a year at primary level and SGD 26,300 a year at secondary level (approx. USD 9,800 and USD 20,700), with lower rates for students from ASEAN countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia. Entry into Primary 1 follows a separate annual registration exercise rather than the AEIS.

How do you apply to an international school in Singapore?

Applications go directly to each school rather than through a central system, and most ask for the child's school reports, a passport copy, and sometimes an assessment or interview before offering a place. Popular schools and entry points can fill up months, sometimes a year, ahead of the intake, so registering as early as possible improves the odds of getting the preferred start date.

Do international schools in Singapore have entrance exams?

Most don't, admitting on a first-come, places-available basis rather than through competitive testing. A smaller number of academically selective schools, particularly at Year 9 and above, do use an entrance assessment in English and maths, and some ask for a short family interview. It's worth asking each school directly what their process involves, since it tends to vary more by year group than by school type.

How many international schools are there in Singapore?

doris lists 72 international schools in Singapore that enrol children through to the end of secondary school, around age 18, spanning IB, British, American and a range of national curricula. That figure grows if standalone preschool campuses are included, since several school groups run separate early years centres alongside their main K-12 campus.

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, Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB).

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