Singapore sits at the top of the international school map for a reason: world-class facilities, a multicultural student body, and curricula that travel well across borders. If you are an expat family looking at relocation in 2026, choosing an international school in Singapore is one of the most important decisions you will make. This guide walks you through curricula, top schools, fees and admissions in plain language so you can compare options with confidence.
The international school landscape in Singapore
Singapore hosts more than 50 international and foreign system schools, serving roughly 75,000 expat students from over 100 nationalities. Demand stays high throughout the year because of the steady inflow of families on Employment Pass relocations to finance, tech, biotech and shipping firms.
Most schools are bilingual at minimum, with English as the main medium and Mandarin offered from the early years. A handful run national curricula in their own language, including French, German, Japanese and Korean.
Curricula available in Singapore
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB Diploma is the most widely offered programme, with strong PYP and MYP options at the primary and middle years. Universities in Singapore, the UK, the US and Australia all give clear admissions paths to IB graduates.
British curriculum (IGCSE and A Levels)
Several schools follow the English National Curriculum from EYFS through Sixth Form, ending in IGCSE and A Levels. This is the strongest option for families who plan to return to the UK or apply to UK universities.
American curriculum (AP and US High School Diploma)
For families heading back to the US, schools offer Advanced Placement courses and a US-style diploma. SAT and ACT preparation is usually built into the upper school timetable.
Bilingual and immersion programmes
English-Mandarin immersion is common from Pre-Nursery, while smaller schools run dedicated French, German or Japanese sections that mirror the curriculum of the home country.
Top international schools in Singapore (2026 selection)
Dulwich College (Singapore)
Part of the historic Dulwich College International network, this campus on Bukit Batok Road combines the English curriculum with strong sport and music programmes. Class sizes are kept around 20 students, and there is a well-regarded boarding option from Year 9. View Dulwich College Singapore on ISA.
Tanglin Trust School
Founded in 1925, Tanglin offers a unique pathway: families choose between IB and A Levels in Sixth Form, while the early years follow the English curriculum. The school is known for its enrichment programmes in robotics, drama and outdoor learning. View Tanglin Trust School on ISA.
Stamford American International School
Stamford runs IB and AP side by side, giving Sixth Form students flexibility to choose the credential that best fits their university plans. The Woodleigh campus is one of the most modern in the city, with a maker space, planetarium and aquatic centre. View Stamford American International School on ISA.
Canadian International School
CIS offers a full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) on two campuses, Tanjong Katong and Lakeside, with Mandarin and French immersion tracks from Pre-Kindergarten. The school has long-running partnerships with Canadian universities and a strong global service learning programme. View Canadian International School on ISA.
Dover Court International School
Dover Court runs an English curriculum aligned with IGCSE and IB Diploma, and is widely recognised for its inclusive learning support model. The campus serves students aged 3 to 18 and emphasises pastoral care and small group teaching. View Dover Court International School on ISA.
Singapore international school fees in 2026
Fees are quoted in Singapore dollars (SGD) and rise each year roughly in line with inflation. Realistic ranges for the 2026 entry year:
- Pre-Nursery and Nursery: SGD 28,000 to SGD 38,000 per year
- Primary (Years 1 to 6): SGD 36,000 to SGD 47,000 per year
- Middle School (Years 7 to 9): SGD 42,000 to SGD 52,000 per year
- High School and IB Diploma (Years 10 to 13): SGD 46,000 to SGD 58,000 per year
Add SGD 2,000 to SGD 5,000 per year for buses, lunch, uniforms and trips. Application fees range from SGD 200 to SGD 1,200, and a refundable deposit equal to one term of fees is standard.
Practical tips for choosing the right school
- Start the search 9 to 12 months early. Top tier schools have waitlists for Pre-Nursery, Year 1, Year 7 and IB Year 12.
- Match curriculum to your next move. If your career path likely takes you back to London or New York within five years, pick the curriculum that mirrors that destination.
- Visit the campus before signing. Singapore traffic is calm but commute times still vary by 30 to 45 minutes depending on the campus and your housing area.
- Check learning support. Some schools have a dedicated SEN team while others outsource. Ask for the staff to student ratio and the support tier model.
- Plan for the application package. Most schools require two academic years of school reports, a reference from the current head of school, and language and maths assessments.
Where to find the full Singapore ranking
The fastest way to compare schools side by side, including reviews from current parents and verified fee data, is the ISA Singapore ranking page. See the full 2026 ranking of international schools in Singapore.
Frequently asked questions
Do international schools in Singapore accept mid-year admissions?
Yes, most schools accept mid-year admissions when places are available. Wait time is shortest for Year 4 to Year 6 and longest for Year 1, Year 7 and Year 12.
Is Mandarin compulsory in Singapore international schools?
It is not legally compulsory in international schools, but most offer it as the default second language from Pre-Nursery. Families can usually choose French, Spanish or another language from Year 7.
What documents do I need to apply?
Plan to submit the last two years of school reports, a passport copy, an Employment Pass or Dependant Pass, a confidential reference from the current school, and the application fee. Some schools also require an online maths and English assessment.