Singapore International School Fees: Complete Breakdown 2025/2026
The Real Cost of International Schools in Singapore
Singapore is home to some of the world's best — and most expensive — international schools. Annual tuition ranges from approximately SGD 15,000 to over SGD 50,000 per child, not including the numerous additional costs that can add 20–40% to the headline figure.
This guide breaks down every cost you'll face, from application to graduation.
Annual Tuition Fee Ranges by Tier
Premium Tier (SGD 36,000 – 52,000/year)
These are Singapore's most established and sought-after schools:
| School | Annual Fee Range (SGD) | Curriculum | |---|---|---| | Singapore American School (SAS) | 38,000 – 52,000 | AP | | UWCSEA (Dover & East) | 34,000 – 48,000 | IB | | Tanglin Trust School | 28,450 – 47,800 | UK / IB | | Dulwich College (Singapore) | 30,000 – 46,000 | UK / IB | | North London Collegiate (NLCS) | 35,000 – 48,000 | UK / IB | | Stamford American (SAIS) | 22,000 – 43,000 | AP / IB |
Mid-Range Tier (SGD 24,000 – 38,000/year)
| School | Annual Fee Range (SGD) | Curriculum | |---|---|---| | Canadian International School (CIS) | 25,000 – 42,000 | IB | | GESS | 22,000 – 40,000 | IB | | Australian International (AIS) | 18,000 – 42,000 | Australian / IB | | XCL World Academy | 22,000 – 39,000 | IB | | Hwa Chong International | 28,000 – 35,000 | IGCSE / IB | | SJI International | 24,000 – 35,000 | IPC / IGCSE / IB | | EtonHouse International | 28,000 – 42,000 | IB / IGCSE | | Dover Court | 22,000 – 37,000 | UK / IB | | ACS International | 27,000 – 37,000 | IGCSE / IB |
Value Tier (SGD 15,000 – 28,000/year)
| School | Annual Fee Range (SGD) | Curriculum | |---|---|---| | Invictus International | 15,000 – 19,000 | IPC / Cambridge | | GIIS Singapore | 14,000 – 26,000 | Indian / IB | | One World International (OWIS) | 18,000 – 26,000 | IB / IGCSE | | Middleton International | 18,000 – 28,000 | IPC / IGCSE | | ICS Singapore | 18,000 – 28,000 | AP | | Overseas Family School (OFS) | 18,000 – 32,000 | IB |
The Hidden Costs: What Tuition Doesn't Cover
One-Time Fees (Upfront)
| Cost Item | Typical Range (SGD) | Notes | |---|---|---| | Application Fee | 300 – 1,000 | Non-refundable. Payable per child. | | Enrolment / Registration Fee | 2,000 – 10,000 | One-time, non-refundable. SAS: $9,630. UWCSEA: $8,800. | | Confirmation Deposit | 1,000 – 5,000 | Usually refundable against final term fees. | | Building / Capital Levy | 0 – 5,000/year | Some schools charge this annually or as one lump sum. |
Total one-time costs to start at a premium school: SGD 5,000 – 20,000+
Annual Recurring Costs
| Cost Item | Typical Range (SGD/year) | Notes | |---|---|---| | Uniforms | 300 – 800 | PE kit, daily uniform, shoes | | School Lunch | 800 – 2,000 | Some schools include in fees | | Transport (School Bus) | 2,000 – 4,500 | Depends on distance | | Technology / Device | 500 – 2,000 | Laptops, iPads; some schools include | | Field Trips / Camps | 500 – 3,000 | Increases with grade level | | After-School Activities | 500 – 3,000 | Varies widely by activity | | Examinations (IGCSE/IB/AP) | 500 – 2,000 | Exam registration fees |
Annual additional costs: SGD 5,000 – 15,000 per child
Total Cost Estimate: 12 Years of International Education
Assuming a mid-range school at SGD 30,000/year + SGD 8,000/year additional costs:
| Period | Annual Cost | Total | |---|---|---| | Primary (Grades 1–6, 6 years) | $38,000 | $228,000 | | Middle School (Grades 7–9, 3 years) | $38,000 | $114,000 | | High School (Grades 10–12, 3 years) | $38,000 | $114,000 | | Grand Total (per child) | | SGD ~456,000 |
For a premium school like SAS or UWCSEA with additional costs, the total over 12 years can approach SGD 700,000+ per child.
Money-Saving Strategies
1. Employer Education Allowance
Many expatriate packages include an education allowance. Typical coverage: SGD 20,000–$50,000 per child per year. Negotiate this as part of your relocation package.
2. Sibling Discounts
Several schools offer discounts for multiple children enrolled:
- Tanglin Trust: Discount for 3rd+ child
- Dulwich College: Sibling discount available
- Always ask — even schools without published policies may consider it
3. Consider Value-Tier Schools
Schools like Invictus, OWIS, and Middleton offer internationally recognized curricula (IPC, Cambridge, IGCSE) at roughly half the cost of premium schools. The trade-off is typically in facilities and extracurricular breadth.
4. Apply to Local Schools (Limited)
International students can apply to Singapore's mainstream schools through the AEIS exam. Annual fees: SGD 5,280–$16,800 (primary), $8,400–$22,800 (secondary). Competition is intense and places are limited.
5. Plan Your School Years
Avoid mid-year transitions where possible — you may pay a full year's fees for a partial year. Most schools align their academic year starting in August.
Budget Checklist for Parents
- [ ] Annual tuition (check if fees increase with grade level)
- [ ] Application fee (non-refundable)
- [ ] Enrolment/registration fee (one-time)
- [ ] Building/capital levy
- [ ] Confirmation deposit
- [ ] Uniforms + PE kit
- [ ] School bus / transport
- [ ] Lunch programme
- [ ] Technology (laptop/iPad)
- [ ] Field trips, camps, expeditions
- [ ] After-school activities
- [ ] Examination fees (IGCSE/IB/AP)
- [ ] Graduation fees (Grade 12)
- [ ] PTFA / parent association fees
- [ ] Annual fee increases (typically 3–6%)
Use Our Tools
- School fee comparison tool — Filter schools by fee range
- School comparison tool — Compare up to 3 schools side-by-side
- Recommendation tool — Get matched based on budget + preferences
Last updated: June 2026. Fees are in Singapore Dollars (SGD) for the 2025/2026 academic year. Always verify with individual schools, as fees change annually.