Relocating to Singapore and picking the right school can feel overwhelming. With a world-class public education system and over 60 international schools, how do you choose the best fit for your child?
This guide breaks down the key differences between local and international schools in Singapore, including curricula, costs, admissions, and cultural environments—so you can make a confident, informed choice.
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Operated by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Singapore’s local schools are known for academic excellence, strong discipline, and affordability. They follow a nationally standardized system, emphasizing core academic subjects and mother tongue instruction.
Curriculum Overview:
Primary School (Ages 7–12): English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue
Secondary School (Ages 13–17): Students are streamed into:
Express: For GCE ‘O’ Levels
Normal Academic/Technical: For different academic pathways
Junior College (Ages 17–18): GCE ‘A’ Level preparation
💡 Real school example: Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC)
Offers A-Levels, co-curriculars, and character education within a Christian values framework.
Why Parents Choose Local Schools:
Outstanding results in Maths and Science globally
Immersive exposure to Singaporean culture and languages
Extremely affordable—especially for Singapore Citizens and PRs
High standards of discipline and academic rigour
International schools cater to globally mobile families and offer diverse, internationally recognized curricula like the IB, British, American, or other national systems.
Curriculum Options:
International Baccalaureate (IB): Inquiry-based and globally respected
British Curriculum: GCSEs/IGCSEs, A-Levels
American Curriculum: AP courses, SAT prep
Others: Canadian, German, French, Australian, etc.
📚 Want to learn more? Read our full guide to international school curricula.
💡 Real school example: Dover Court International School. Combines British and IPC curricula, offers IGCSEs and the IB Diploma, and includes vocational pathways like the BTEC.
Why Parents Choose International Schools:
Consistent education for families relocating frequently
Diverse student body and global exposure
Emphasis on holistic learning and extracurricular activities
Qualifications that open doors to universities worldwide
| School Type | Monthly/Annual Cost (SGD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local (Citizen) | SGD 13–25/month | Extremely affordable |
| Local (PR) | SGD 205–380/month | Still low cost |
| Local (International) | SGD 465–1,450/month | Higher but cheaper than international |
| International School | SGD 15,000–55,000/year | Varies widely by school and curriculum |
Also factor in: application fees, building funds, technology charges, and uniforms (common in international schools).
| Type of School | Process Highlights |
|---|---|
| Local | Priority for citizens/PRs; international students apply via AEIS |
| International | Open to all nationalities; some have waiting lists |
💡 Tip: Start early. Popular schools fill up quickly—especially for mid-year intakes.
Here’s how to think about the decision:
| Consideration | Local Schools | International Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Duration in SG | Best for long-term residents | Ideal for short-term or globally mobile families |
| Curriculum Goals | MOE-based, exam-driven | IB, A-Level, AP, and more |
| Cultural Immersion | High — integration with Singaporean society | Moderate — more global in nature |
| Language | Mother Tongue required | English-medium with other language options |
| Cost | Very affordable | Premium tuition and fees |
📌 And remember: Local schools aren’t only for long-term expats, and international schools aren’t just for short stays. Many families choose based on learning style, values, or community fit.
There’s no universal “best” choice—just the best one for your family.
Local schools offer affordability, cultural richness, and top academics
International schools provide flexibility, global recognition, and multiculturalism
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