Understanding international school fees in Singapore is the first step for any family relocating to the Lion City. Tuition at the top international schools runs from roughly S$14,000 to more than S$47,000 a year, and the headline number is only part of the story. Registration charges, refundable deposits, facility levies and enrichment costs all add up. This 2026 cost guide breaks down what you will actually pay, school by school, so you can budget with confidence.
How international school fees work in Singapore
Singapore hosts one of the densest concentrations of international schools in Asia, and fees reflect both the quality of facilities and the high cost of operating in the city-state. Most schools publish an annual tuition figure billed per term or per semester, but families should plan for several additional line items: a one-off application or assessment fee, an enrolment or registration fee, and in many cases a refundable deposit equal to one term of tuition.
Fees generally rise with each stage of schooling. Early years and primary places are the most affordable, while senior secondary and the two IB Diploma years are the most expensive. Budgeting for a full school journey means accounting for annual increases of around 3 to 6 percent, which most schools apply to keep pace with staffing and facility costs.
Curricula available in Singapore
The fee you pay is closely linked to the curriculum. Singapore's international schools offer the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP and Diploma), the English National Curriculum leading to IGCSE and A Levels, American diploma and Advanced Placement pathways, and a handful of Canadian, Australian and French programmes. IB Diploma and A Level cohorts tend to sit at the top of the fee scale because of smaller class sizes and specialist teaching.
Top international schools in Singapore and their 2026 fees
The schools below are all listed on International School Advisor and are active partner schools. Figures are indicative annual tuition ranges for 2026 in Singapore dollars; always confirm current fees directly with each school.
Tanglin Trust School
A long-established British-curriculum school offering IGCSE, A Levels and the IB Diploma, Tanglin Trust School sits at the premium end of the market, with annual tuition running from around S$38,000 in the early years to roughly S$47,000 in the senior school. Its combined British and IB offering in the sixth form is a key draw for families.
Canadian International School
Canadian International School delivers the full IB continuum across two campuses. Expect annual tuition from about S$30,000 for junior grades up to approximately S$47,000 for the IB Diploma years, with a bilingual Chinese-English track available at the primary level.
Dover Court International School
Part of the Nord Anglia group, Dover Court International School follows an adapted English curriculum and is known for its inclusive learning support. Tuition ranges from roughly S$27,000 in the early years to around S$44,000 in the upper secondary school, positioning it as a mid-to-upper option.
St. Joseph's Institution International
A Catholic IB World School welcoming students of all faiths, St. Joseph's Institution International charges approximately S$34,000 to S$41,000 a year, with fees rising into the Diploma programme. Its strong pastoral ethos and central location are frequent talking points among expat families.
One World International School
For families seeking IB and Cambridge pathways at a more accessible price point, One World International School offers annual tuition from around S$14,000 in the early years to roughly S$28,000 in senior grades, making it one of the more affordable full-programme options in the city.
Additional levies and one-off costs
Beyond tuition, plan for the following common charges. An application or assessment fee typically ranges from S$500 to S$3,000 and is usually non-refundable. An enrolment or registration fee of S$2,000 to S$3,500 is charged once a place is confirmed. Many schools also collect a refundable deposit equivalent to one term of fees, returned when your child leaves. Then come the recurring extras: uniforms, school bus transport (often S$2,000 to S$4,000 a year), lunches, technology or device levies, and examination entry fees for IGCSE, A Level and IB. English-language support programmes for students still developing their English are frequently billed separately.
Practical budgeting tips for expat families
Ask each school for a full fee schedule in writing, including every one-off and recurring charge, before you commit. If your employer provides an education allowance, clarify exactly what it covers and whether it is paid directly to the school. Where possible, apply early: popular year groups fill quickly and some schools charge a premium for mid-year entry. Finally, factor in the annual increase when planning multi-year budgets, and remember that sibling discounts and corporate rates are available at some schools.
Compare Singapore's top schools
Ready to shortlist? Explore verified rankings, reviews and fee information for every campus in the city on the best international schools in Singapore guide from International School Advisor.
Frequently asked questions
How much do international schools in Singapore cost in 2026?
Annual tuition ranges from around S$14,000 at the most affordable full-programme schools to more than S$47,000 at premium British and IB schools. Most families should also budget for registration fees, a refundable deposit and recurring extras such as transport and exams.
Are there additional fees beyond tuition?
Yes. Expect a non-refundable application fee, a one-off enrolment fee of S$2,000 to S$3,500, a refundable deposit of about one term, and recurring costs for uniforms, transport, technology and examinations. English-language support is often charged separately.
Which is the most affordable international school in Singapore?
Among full-curriculum international schools, One World International School is one of the more accessible options, with early-years tuition from around S$14,000 rising to roughly S$28,000 in senior grades.