Singapore is one of Asia's most sought-after destinations for expat families, and choosing the right international school here is often the single biggest decision of the relocation. With more than forty international schools serving a diverse English-speaking community, Singapore offers a mix of curricula, rigorous academics and excellent facilities that few other cities can match. This 2026 guide walks you through the main options, typical fees, and how to shortlist schools that actually fit your child.
Curricula available in Singapore
Most international schools in Singapore follow one of four main pathways. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is the most widespread, offered by schools such as United World College and Canadian International School. British curriculum schools follow IGCSE and A-Levels, typically leading to university entry in the UK or Commonwealth. American schools offer the US high school diploma, often combined with Advanced Placement courses. A smaller group of schools provide national curricula from countries such as France, Japan, Korea, Germany or India, serving their respective communities.
For families who plan to stay only a few years, choosing a curriculum that matches your likely next destination matters more than rankings. For longer stays, IB and British programmes tend to travel best internationally.
Top international schools in Singapore
Dulwich College Singapore
Part of the historic Dulwich family of schools, Dulwich College Singapore delivers an enhanced English National Curriculum from Toddler through Year 13, with IGCSE and IB Diploma in the senior years. The Bukit Batok campus is purpose-built, with strong music, drama and sports programmes and an established track record of university placements in the UK, US and Asia.
Canadian International School
Offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP and DP), Canadian International School serves more than 3,000 students across its Lakeside and Tanjong Katong campuses. The school is known for a genuinely international student body, a bilingual Chinese-English programme from kindergarten, and strong pastoral care.
Dover Court International School
Dover Court International School teaches a British-based curriculum up to IGCSE, followed by IB Diploma. It has a long tradition of inclusive education and a well-resourced learning support department, which often appeals to families with children who need additional academic or social-emotional scaffolding.
St Joseph's Institution International
St Joseph's Institution International is a Catholic school open to students of all faiths, offering IB PYP in the elementary years and IGCSE plus IB Diploma in the senior school. Values education and community service are central, and academic results regularly place it among the top IB schools in Asia.
One World International School
With three campuses in Singapore, One World International School offers IB PYP, Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma. It tends to be more affordable than the traditional tier-one schools while still delivering solid academic outcomes, making it popular with families who want international curricula at a more accessible price.
School fees in Singapore
Annual tuition at established international schools typically ranges from SGD 25,000 for early years at the more affordable schools up to SGD 55,000 at senior levels in the top-tier schools. One-off enrolment fees of SGD 3,000 to 5,000, refundable deposits, technology levies and building fund contributions are common and can add 10 to 15 percent on top of the base tuition.
Most schools also charge for lunch, transport and extracurricular trips separately. When budgeting, plan on a realistic all-in figure of SGD 40,000 to 65,000 per child per year at the mainstream schools.
Location and admissions tips
Singapore is compact but traffic at peak times is real, so school location matters more than it looks on a map. Families living in the east tend to favour schools in Tanjong Katong and Siglap, while those in Bukit Timah, Holland Village and the west typically choose schools along the Dover or Jurong corridors. Check bus routes carefully before signing, as a thirty-minute door-to-door commute is far more sustainable than ninety minutes.
Admissions for August intake usually open twelve months ahead at the most competitive schools, and waiting lists for popular year groups (especially Year 7 and Year 12 entry) are common. Apply early, be prepared for English and maths assessments for Year 2 and above, and line up academic references from your current school.
Compare all international schools in Singapore
For a full, regularly updated comparison of schools, fees and curricula, see the best international schools in Singapore ranking on International School Advisor.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreign children attend Singapore public schools?
In principle yes, but in practice expat children almost always go to international schools. Public school places for foreigners are limited, Ministry of Education assessment is competitive, and most curricula are taught partly in Mandarin.
Which curriculum is most popular for expats in Singapore?
The International Baccalaureate is the most widely offered curriculum and remains the default for globally mobile families. British IGCSE and A-Levels are a strong second, especially for families returning to the UK or Commonwealth systems.
How early should I apply to international schools in Singapore?
For the August academic year, aim to apply twelve months in advance for selective schools and six to nine months for most others. For mid-year transfers, places depend entirely on current attrition in your child's year group.