Top International Schools in Singapore

Top International Schools in Singapore

Based on a survey conducted by human resource consultancy firm ECA International in 2020, Singapore was ranked the 14th most expensive country in the world for expatriates. When compared against countries closer to home, Singapore is ranked 6th place in Asia.

Despite the high cost of living for expatriates here in Singapore, many expatriates still look to relocate here on our sunny island. And it is not surprising why!

With Singapore being a safe and stable country, coupled with the fact that Singapore is known for its exceptional and high quality educational standards, it is no wonder why expatriates are willing to consider relocating to Singapore and enroll their children in some of the schools here.

Did you know that there are more than 50 international schools in Singapore?

With the robust expatriate population, there are over 50 international schools based here in school. Each of these schools boost their own unique methodology, curriculum, and programmes, catering to expatriates and foreigners of various nationalities. This includes Chinese, Koreans, Australian, British, French and so on.

Here are some of the top 20 international schools in Singapore

Whether you are foreigner looking to enroll your child in an international school, or perhaps wanting to know which are the some of the top international schools in Singapore out of sheer curiosity, here is the list:

OWIS Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

One World International School

Specialty
  • Believe in leveraging technology as a tool to enhance individual and group learning outcomes
  • Educators at OWIS incorporate technology into everyday explorations to help create well-rounded, global citizens
  • OWIS recognises that learning is continuous and may come from outside provision such as ballet classes, sports clubs, music tuition and additional languages
Pricing SGD $17,793 to SGD $20,457p annually
Website https://www.owis.org/
Address
  • 21 Jurong West Street 81, Singapore 649075
  • Block G, 231 Mountbatten Rd, Singapore 397999
Contact 65 6914 6700
admissions@owis.org
Operating Hours 9 am to 4.30 pm | Monday to Friday
9 am to 1 pm | Saturday

 


 

CIS Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Canadian International School

Specialty
  • Offers students an opportunity to develop through a diverse and challenging curriculum and a wide range of activities
  • Students are given ownership of the learning process and are encouraged to actively participate in their own education by setting personal goals and practising on-going self-evaluation
  • Provides inquiry- based programmes and activities encourage students to discover their interests and strengths
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.cis.edu.sg/
Address
  • 7 Jurong West Street 41 Singapore 649414
  • 371 Tanjong Katong Road Singapore 437128
Contact
  • tkcampus@cis.edu.sg
  • lakesidecampus@cis.edu.sg
Operating Hours 7:45 am – 6:00 pm (M-F)

 


OFS Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Overseas Family School

Specialty
  • Provides a modern education in the English language for Overseas Families living in Singapore
  • OFS faculty is a professional team of highly qualified and experienced teachers from about 40 countries
  • OFS Study Preparation Program (SPP) helps students quickly learn to read, write, understand and speak English while also maintaining their grade level by age
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.ofs.edu.sg/
Address 81 Pasir Ris Heights, Singapore 519292
Contact +65 6738 0211
support@ofs.edu.sg
Operating Hours Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Sunday and Public Holiday: Closed

 


AIS Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Australian International School

Specialty
  • The only southern-hemisphere school in Singapore that offers an Australian curriculum-based global education for students from the age of 2 months to 18 years
  • Has a vision to be known internationally as an institution which represents educational excellence in all aspects of its operation
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.ais.com.sg/
Address 1 Lorong Chuan Singapore 556 818
Contact Tel: +65 6653 2958 (admissions)
Tel: +65 6664 8127 (general enquiries)
E: admissions@ais.com.sg
Operating Hours Early Learning Village operates from 8.30am – 3.00pm
Elementary School operates from 8.30am – 3.15pm
Secondary School operates from 8.30am – 3.30pm

 


Dover Court Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Dover Court International School

Specialty
  • One of the leading inclusive British international schools in South East Asia
  • Offer academic, social and personal success for every student
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/singapore
Address 301 Dover Road, 139644 Singapore
Contact General Enquiries +65 6775 7664

Admissions +65 6775 7664

Operating Hours School Hours: 8.30am – 3.00pm

Office Hours: 7.45am – 5.00pm

 


Chatsworth Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Chatsworth International School

Specialty
  • Take pride in providing a nurturing and trusting environment where students are given the space to explore, learn and grow
Pricing Contact for school fees
Website https://www.chatsworth.com.sg/
Address
  • 72 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760
  • 37 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 22931
  • 3 Piccadilly Circus, Singapore 797641
Contact View respective campuses’ contact details here

 


UWCSea Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

United World College South East Asia

Specialty
  • A united, welcoming community that embraces students and their families from almost 100 different nations
  • Students and staff are encouraged to investigate and value their own different histories and talents, as well as those of other people and cultures
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.uwcsea.edu.sg/
Address
  • 1207 Dover Road, Singapore 139654
  • 1 Tampines Street 73, Singapore 528704
Contact
  • uwcseaeast@uwcsea.edu.sg
  • uwcseadover@uwcsea.edu.sg

 


The Grange Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

The Grange Institution

Specialty
  • Recognise the uniqueness of every individual and seek to bring out the best in each student through their Cre8tors-in-Action© educational philosophy
  •  The Grange instills a sense of belonging in every member within their international community
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.thegrange.edu.sg/
Address 449 Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 805946
Contact 65 68173630

enquiry@thegrange.edu.sg

 


SAIS Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Stamford American International School

Specialty
  • The curriculum at Stamford American supports a student-centered approach in which teaching for knowledge is paired with an emphasis on the development of the whole person
  • Offers a first-class education in a stimulating and nurturing environment
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.sais.edu.sg/
Address
  • Woodleigh Campus: 1 Woodleigh Lane (Off Upper Serangoon Road), Singapore 357684
  • Early Learning Village: 3 Chuan Lane, Gate 4, Singapore 554350
Contact +65 6602 7247 (Admissions)

+65 6709 4800 (Parent Helpdesk)

admissions@sais.edu.sg

 


SJI- International Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

St. Joseph’s Institution International

Specialty
  • Welcoming children from all backgrounds and faiths
  • They are a school where people are important and relationships are valued
  • Aim to instil an enthusiasm and curiosity for learning and encourage the pursuit of excellence and achievement of personal best in all endeavours
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.sji-international.com.sg/
Address 490 Thomson Road, Singapore, 298191
Contact Elementary School: (+65) 6871 5202
High School: (+65) 6353 9383

 


NEXUS Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Nexus International School (Singapore)

Specialty
  • They believe that every child is unique and extraordinary and that they all have the ability to learn
  • Learners are continually encouraged to appreciate our diverse community and to care for others by becoming global citizens, and develop a concern and active respect for the environment.
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.nexus.edu.sg/
Address 1 Aljunied Walk Singapore 387293
Contact +65 6536 6566
enquiry@nexus.edu.sg

 


ICS Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

International Community School

Specialty
  • Over 29 nationalities make up our campus of 400+ students.
  • Instill in each student a love and respect for people of all cultures through everyday interactions
  • Each teacher view each child as a unique individual created by God, and thus, seek to understand and love each one
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.ics.edu.sg/
Address 27A Jubilee Road, Singapore 128575
Contact +65 6776 7435

info@ics.edu.sg

 


Invictus Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Invictus International Schools

Specialty
  • An independent co-educational all-through international school offering kindergarten, primary and secondary education
  • Cater to the individual, in an innovative and inspiring way
Pricing Contact for school fees
Website https://www.invictus.school/
Address
  • 73 Loewen Road, #01-21, Singapore 248843
  • 320 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218108
Contact centrium@invictus.edu.sg

info@invictus.edu.sg

 


Dulwich Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Dulwich College Singapore

Specialty
  • The Dulwich Difference is their unique ability to provide holistic, experiential learning online and on-campus
  • Emphasizes on a balanced focus on wellbeing, character development and academic success
  • Offers experiential learning in different environments
Pricing Contact for school fees
Website https://singapore.dulwich.org/
Address
Contact 65 6890 1003
admissions@dulwich-singapore.edu.sg

 


Holland Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

De Hollandse School

Specialty
  • The Hollandse School is well-known in Singapore and beyond
  • Largest Dutch-language IPC (International Primary Curriculum) school abroad that have been providing quality Dutch education for almost 100 years
  • Create an optimal learning environment with a home feeling
Pricing View school rates here
Website https://www.hollandseschool.org/
Address 65 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289757
Contact 65 6466 0662

admissions@hollandseschool.org

 


HCIS Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Hwa Chong International School

Specialty
  • Hwa Chong International School (HCIS) is a member of the Hwa Chong family of schools and has distinguished itself as a highly sought-after school
  • School currently offers a six-year integrated curriculum which eventually prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
  • The learners of HCIS have achieved much, be it in accolades in competitions at both the local and international arena, or scholastic achievements and admission to well-known universities
Pricing Contact for school fees
Website https://www.hcis.edu.sg/
Address 663 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269783
Contact 65 6464 7077

info@hcis.edu.sg / admissions@hcis.edu.sg

 


Middleton Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Middleton International School

Specialty
  • Offers a high-quality international curriculum at an affordable fee
  • They aim to groom independent thinkers who take responsibility for their learning and are compassionate, responsible and active global citizens
  • The school is part of the EtonHouse International Education Group
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://www.middleton.edu.sg/
Address  Tampines Street 92, Singapore 528889

215 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588184

Contact 65 6636 1155 / 65 6875 0089

 


Eton House Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

EtonHouse International

Specialty
  • Offers a respectable track record of accreditations and successful graduates over 2 decade
  • An established record of developing a strong bilingual and bicultural foundation starting from the youngest age group
  • Offering the EtonHouse ITL, IB PYP, DP, and IGCSE programmes, the EtonHouse schools adhere to international best practice
Pricing Contact for school fees
Website https://www.etonhouse.edu.sg/
Address 178 Clemenceau Avenue #06-00, Haw Par Glass Tower S 239926
Contact 65 6746 3333
enquiry@etonhouse.com.sg

 


SMMIS Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Sir Manasseh Meyer International School

Specialty
  • Promises that every child will receive a first-class international education, in a small and nurturing environment, with outstanding state-of-the-art facilities at an affordable price
  • Offer a learning experience for students, delivered by internationally trained staff, that is rigorous, broad and relevant.
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://smmis.edu.sg/
Address 3 Jalan Ulu Sembawang, Singapore 758932
Contact +65 6331 4633
admissions@smm.edu.sg

 


Global Indian School Top International Schools in Singapore

International School

Global Indian International School

Specialty
  • Nurture their global students into men and women, who will be leaders of distinction, committed to spirit of excellence
  • Offer high quality education imparted by globally experienced and caring teachers building strong virtues and values while focusing on all round development, creativity and entrepreneurship
Pricing View school fees here
Website https://singapore.globalindianschool.org/
Address
  • 27 Punggol Field Walk, Singapore – 828649
  • 82 Cheviot Hill, Singapore – 459663
Contact admissions.sg@globalindianschool.org
Operating Hours 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Monday to Friday)
9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Saturday)

What is the difference between going to an international school versus a local school?

There are several key differences between going to an international school versus a local school in Singapore. Aside from the ratio of student nationalities, here are some of the other key differences:

Curriculum

Most international schools follow curriculums that are a mix of International Baccalaureate (IB), the International Primary Curriculum and the IGCSE. With this international curriculum, it allows expatriates to relocate easily without much disruption to their children’s education.

However, there are also some international schools that offer a hybrid curriculum. This means that the schools offer the home country curriculum with the option to combine with an international curriculum. This allows families to ease back into their home country and facilitates their children’s transition into the educational system in their home countries. Some examples of such schools include Australian International School and Stamford American School.

Teaching pedagogy

The teaching pedagogy of international schools often differ to that of local schools. While local schools in Singapore may place more emphasis on grades and subjects such as Mathematics and Science, international schools may adopt a more holistic and self-exploratory approach for their students. This could include regular field trips as part of their Science module, as opposed to learning directly from textbooks and science labs. However, do note that this typically differs from school to school. It is always good to sign up for a school tour to gain a deeper understanding of the school’s values and teaching pedagogy.

Fees

Perhaps the most stark difference between international schools and local schools lies in the school fees. It is no secret that school fees of any international school ranges in the thousands, amounting to tens of thousands Singapore dollars annually. 

On the other hand, school fees for local schools in Singapore are heavily subsidised for Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents from infant care all the way up to universities. Even for foreign students enrolled in local schools, fees may reach up to $650 a month – still significantly more affordable as compared to international schools.

Different academic year and holidays

The academic year and school holidays often vary between international schools and public schools. The academic calendar for international schools typically follows the curriculum. For example, if the children follow the IB programme, this means that their semester will begin in September. Similarly, school holidays will be aligned with the typical summer and winter holidays in other Western countries.

For local schools however, the school semester is usually set by the Ministry of Education (MOE). School holidays are usually in the months of March, June, September, and November to December.

Can international students apply to study at local schools in Singapore?

It is possible for international students to apply to study at a local school in Singapore, albeit a more challenging application process. However, this option may be more feasible and financially sustainable for foreigners who wish to stay for a long term in Singapore.

The first step is to ensure that the child had a student pass to study in the local schools. They may be exempted if they hold a Dependent’s Pass or Immigration Exemption Order.

Enrolment to Primary 1

For foreigners who wish to enrol their child into Primary 1, they are only allowed to do so under Phase 3 of the Primary 1 exercise. Parents will simply need to indicate their interest on the MOE website and wait to receive a notification as to whether their child has been accepted or not.

For children aged 7 and above

There are two test options for the child to take in order to determine the educational level that is appropriate for their age. The two tests are Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) and Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students (S-AEIS). These two tests are conducted in English and the purpose is to assess the child’s English literacy, numeracy and reasoning abilities.

It is important to bear in mind that the success of the application boils down to the child’s performance on these tests. If successful, MOE will consider available vacancies in the schools as well as the declared residential area before finalising on the child’s school placement.

If one spouse is a Singapore Citizen

The application process would then be slightly different. For parents who want to enrol their child anywhere from Primary 2 to 5 or Secondary 1 to 3, they will need to submit an online form and prepare a list of documents for MOE. Similarly, admission are often not guaranteed given the high volume of applicants and limited vacancies.

Singapore citizens are not allowed to attend an international school in Singapore.


Editor’s Note:

While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.

If you are a service provider and wish to be featured in this listing (MediaOne reviews are read by hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans), please contact us at enquiry@mm.com.sg. There is no charge! Please allow us up to 3 working days to review before adjusting the information or including your entry.

About the Author

Tom Koh

Tom is the CEO and Principal Consultant of MediaOne, a leading digital marketing agency. He has consulted for MNCs like Canon, Maybank, Capitaland, SingTel, ST Engineering, WWF, Cambridge University, as well as Government organisations like Enterprise Singapore, Ministry of Law, National Galleries, NTUC, e2i, SingHealth. His articles are published and referenced in CNA, Straits Times, MoneyFM, Financial Times, Yahoo! Finance, Hubspot, Zendesk, CIO Advisor.

Share:

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

PSG Grants: The Complete Guide

How do you kickstart your technology journey with limited resources? The Productivity Solution Grant (PSG) is a great place to start. The Productivity Solution Grant

Is SEO Better Or SEM Better?

I think we can all agree that Google SEO is pretty cool! A lot of people get to enjoy high rankings on Google and other

Social Media

Technology

Branding

Business

Most viewed Articles

Other Similar Articles