Singapore is one of Asia's deepest markets for genuinely bilingual schooling. Beyond the headline British and IB schools, expat families can choose between Mandarin-English, French-English, German-English and Japanese-English programmes, plus IB schools that integrate Chinese as a strong second language from the early years. The trade-off, of course, is fee level: bilingual schools in Singapore sit at the top end of regional pricing. This 2026 guide walks through the bilingual models, five well-regarded bilingual schools in Singapore recognised on ISA, fees in Singapore dollars, and the admissions calendar.
Bilingual school models in Singapore
- Mandarin-English IB: Rigorous Chinese second-language tracks at IB schools, with daily Mandarin from K1 and a path to fluent reading and writing by Grade 6.
- French-English (AEFE): French Ministry-accredited schools delivering the French national curriculum and baccalauréat with English as a strong co-language.
- German-English: Schools accredited by the German cultural authorities running an Abitur or Mittlere Reife pathway.
- Japanese-English: Schools combining the Japanese national curriculum with international English provision.
- Mandarin-English Singaporean: Anglo-Chinese and similar local schools where Mandarin is integrated within the Singaporean national curriculum.
Top bilingual schools in Singapore recognised on ISA
Canadian International School (CIS)
An IB Continuum World School (PYP, MYP, DP) on its Lakeside and Tanjong Katong campuses. CIS runs one of the most respected bilingual Mandarin-English programmes in Singapore, with up to 50 per cent of instruction in Mandarin in the early years.
View Canadian International School on ISA
International French School Singapore
An AEFE-accredited French school on the Ang Mo Kio campus, delivering the French national curriculum from maternelle to terminale. English is taught daily and many students sit the IGCSE alongside the French baccalauréat.
View International French School Singapore on ISA
Swiss School in Singapore
A bilingual German-English school recognised by the Swiss authorities, delivering Kindergarten to Year 9 in German with English from Primary 1. Strong fit for German, Swiss and Austrian families seeking continuity with the home system.
View Swiss School in Singapore on ISA
Anglo-Chinese School
A leading Singaporean school that blends the Singaporean national curriculum with strong Mandarin programming. The international section accepts non-Singaporean students. Anglo-Chinese is well-regarded for academic results and university placement into local and overseas universities.
View Anglo-Chinese School on ISA
United World College of South East Asia - Dover
An IB Continuum World School recognised internationally for its rigorous IB Diploma. UWCSEA Dover offers Chinese, French and Spanish language pathways from the early years and a strong bilingual elective programme through MYP and DP.
Fees at bilingual schools in Singapore (2026)
Tuition is published in Singapore dollars. As a benchmark for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- K1 to K2 (early years): SGD 22,000 to 32,000
- Primary (Years 1 to 6): SGD 28,000 to 42,000
- Secondary (Years 7 to 10): SGD 34,000 to 48,000
- IB Diploma or A Level (Years 11 to 12): SGD 38,000 to 52,000
Add a one-off application fee of SGD 1,000 to 4,000, plus a refundable enrolment deposit and a building or facilities fund of SGD 1,500 to 5,000 per year. Bus, lunch and uniform extras typically add another SGD 4,000 per year.
Admissions calendar and language assessments
Most bilingual schools in Singapore open admissions for the following August intake from October to February. Children entering Primary 2 / Year 3 and above sit a written and oral assessment in the school's primary academic language. For Mandarin-English programmes, expect a separate Mandarin proficiency screening that places students in heritage, near-native or non-native streams. AEFE-accredited French schools require school reports in French and a French language assessment for non-Francophone applicants.
How to choose between bilingual models
Pick the school that matches your child's strongest academic language with a credible second-language pathway in the language you most want them to acquire. For Mandarin, the depth of the Singaporean ecosystem is unmatched. For French, the AEFE network preserves portability across postings. For families on a temporary posting where children's previous schooling was entirely in English, a bilingual IB school like CIS or UWCSEA delivers strong second-language outcomes without disrupting the academic baseline.
Compare more Singapore schools
Browse the full curated ranking of top international schools in Singapore on ISA, with side-by-side comparison of curriculum, fees and parent reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Are bilingual schools in Singapore more expensive?
On average, yes. Bilingual schools sit at or above the top of Singapore's international school fee bands, with annual tuition reaching SGD 52,000 at IB Diploma. AEFE-accredited French schools are an exception and can be 20 to 35 per cent cheaper than equivalent IB or American schools.
Can my non-Mandarin-speaking child join a bilingual Mandarin programme?
Yes, but the entry point matters. Non-native speakers usually start in K1 or K2 to gain native-style fluency. Above Year 3 / Primary 3, schools generally require a baseline of conversational Mandarin and may stream the child into a learner track.
Is the IB Diploma in Singapore recognised by Asian universities?
The IB Diploma is recognised by every major Asian university, including the National University of Singapore, NTU and Hong Kong University. Conversion to the local university entrance score is published annually by each institution.