Singapore’s outstanding reputation in terms of educational systems and standards derives significantly from the presence of quality, affordable institutions of learning. Albeit being among the smallest counties in the world vis a vis population and area, Singapore produces Ivy League calibre and high achieving students who constantly top global rankings in terms of science, mathematics and reading. One would wonder how a small city-state could achieve this. Documented reports intimate that this extraordinary feat stems from the fact that Singapore has a teacher-student ratio of 1 teacher to 13 students.
However, international schools in Singapore are generally not that affordable. A survey published by the International Schools Database in 2021 has indicated that international schools in Singapore rank among the most expensive globally. Even though government-assisted and government schools are generally easy to afford (i.e. $155 – 260 for residents who are permanent, $415 – $660 for international ASEAN students and $650 – $1,100 for international students), private school is simply expensive.
To enjoy a private school in Singapore, one needs to pay between $730 – $100,250. But the real question is, which of these private schools are the most expensive to attend? In this article, we have compiled the list of the ten most expensive international schools in Singapore.
1. Dulwich College Singapore
Dulwich College Singapore is an international school situated at 71 Bukit Batok West Ave 8, Singapore, that offers comprehensive programmes targeted at students aged between 2 and 18. The school adopts a dual-language method to learning, with learning and instruction conducted in both English and Chinese. The school, established in 2014, boasts a number of impressive structures and facilities inclusive of a performing arts centre, which includes a 742-seat theatre and the second largest pipe organ in Singapore; sports facilities ranging from swimming pools to soccer pitches, gymnasiums, dance studio, fitness centre, tennis courts and cricket nets. Beyond recreational facilities, there are also libraries, dining rooms, bike tracks and a garden.
The school is reputed to be “the most expensive international school” in Singapore. Annual tuition fee charges range fall within the $36,938 to $47,730 range. The institution also charges an application fee of $500. It is host to a number of scholarship opportunities like the Alleynian Scholarship Programme.
2. Dover Court International School
Dover Court International School was established in 1972 and is situated at 301 Dover Road, Singapore. The school has a maximum student population of 1750 drawn from more than 60 countries. The school offers various learning options in International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), International BTEC Levels 2 and 3 Diploma in Business. Instruction at the school is conducted in English, Mandarin, Spanish and French. It sports a number of recreational facilities.
The school’s tuition fee charges fall within the range of $23,970 to $36,970. The school also charges a partially refundable application fee of $1,000 and an enrolment fee of $3,000. Apart from these, there is also a Building Fund Fee of $500 charged on a termly basis. The building fund fee charge goes towards financing building and maintenance costs.
3. Stamford American International School
Stamford American International School is a multi-site institution of learning with two locations, respectively, situated at 1 Woodleigh Lane and 3 Chuan Lane, Gate 4, Singapore. The institution established in 2008, the school offers students study options with the following certifications: High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate Diploma, Advanced Placement, Business and Technical Education Council Diploma. The school boasts a number of study and recreational facilities such as swimming pools, indoor sports arenas, libraries, tennis courts, dance studios, multi-seat theatre, gymnasium etc.
The school’s tuition fee charges fall within the range of $15,866 to $42,590. The school also charges a non-refundable application fee of $800 as well as an enrolment fee of $3,360.
4. XCL World Academy (formerly German European School Singapore)
The German European School (now called XCL World Academy), Singapore, described as ‘the largest German school abroad in Asia’ was established in 1971; the school offers international baccalaureate programmes and German school leaving certificates programmes delivered in English and German, respectively. It has a number of impressive facilities, including a swimming pool, soccer pitch, cooking studio, multi-seat auditorium, black box theatre and libraries.
The school’s tuition fee charges fall within the range of $14,920 to $41,860. The school also charges a non-refundable registration fee of $800 as well as an admission fee of $5,200.
5. Canadian International School
Canadian International School was established in Singapore in 1990. The school operates multi-site campuses, with two locations: Lakeside Campus, located at 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore and Tanjong Katong Campus, situated at 371 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore. The school aligns its curriculum with the framework of the International Baccalaureate with English as its official instructional language. It boasts of facilities such as swimming pool, library, glamorous classrooms, choral groups and a multi-seat theatre. The school’s programmes are designed around five elements: academics, athletics and activities, service and leadership, outdoor learning and arts and creativity.
The school’s tuition fees fall within the range of $16,800 to $41,700. The school also charges a non-refundable application fee of $2,500 as well as a confirmation fee.
6. St. Joseph’s Institutional International School, Singapore
St. Joseph’s Institutional International School, Singapore, is a Catholic-owned school established in 2007. As stated on the school’s website, the school belongs to a group of seven Lasallian schools in Singapore with a history dating back to 1852. St. Joseph’s Institutional International School is situated at 490 Thomson Rd, Singapore.
The school follows an eclectic curriculum, combining elements of the Singapore Mathematics programme, the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the English National Curriculum and the American system.
The school’s tuition fee charges fall within the range of $16,000 to $25,000. The school charges a non-refundable fee of $1,605 and an equally non-refundable enrolment fee of $3,745. Also, students who are enrolled are mandated to make a security deposit of $6,000, which is refunded to them after they graduate.
7. Nexus International School, Singapore
Nexus International School, Singapore, was established in 2011. It is presently situated at 1 Aljunied Walk, Singapore. The school houses an impressive number of structures and facilities, inclusive of an aquatics centre comprising of a technology room an Olympic-sized swimming pool, among others.
The school’s tuition fee charges fall within the range of $21,666 to $38,584. The school also charges an enrolment fee of $856, an acceptance fee of $2,500 as well as a development levy fee of $1,712. The development levy covers costs pertaining to the maintenance and renovation of facilities and projects.
Nexus International School, Singapore, gives a number of scholarships to deserving students. Many of these scholarships cover the full or partial tuition fee. A few provide funding or full waivers for application and enrolment fees as well as the school development fund.
8. Singapore American School (SAS)
Singapore American School (SAS) was established in 1956 and enjoyed the reputation of being one of Singapore’s pioneer international schools. Students undertaking studies at the school take classes in foreign languages, music, art, physical education, dance, sports and technology. The school is home to facilities such as gyms, cafeterias, libraries, theatres, courtyards, playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts and an eco-themed garden. Structurally, the school has the following sections: preschool, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade, seventh grade, eighth grade, ninth grade, tenth grade, eleventh grade, twelfth grade.
The school’s tuition fee charges fall within the range of $21,334 to $34,050. The school also charges a non-refundable application fee of $2,500 as well as a registration fee of $7,490 (for American citizens) or $9,630 (for non-American citizens). Enrolled students pay an annual facility fee between $6,613 and $7,683. This is used for facility maintenance, renewal and replacement.
9. Tanglin Trust School
The Tanglin Trust School was established in 1925 and is situated at 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore. The school utilizes a learning model, which blends elements of the English National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage. It is home to recreational facilities and general structures like a raffles hall, playing field, fitness suite, training ground, swimming pool, halls, cafes and canteens.
The school’s tuition fee charges fall within the range of $9,000 to $33,000. The school also charges a non-refundable application fee of $535, an equally non-refundable capital levy of $3,750 as well as an enrolment fee of $2,140. Beyond these charges, additional charges may be incurred for costs pertaining to transportation, food, uniforms, books, digital learning devices, excursions and outdoor trips, etc.
10. Australian International School
The Australian International School in Singapore was established in the year 1993. The school is structured into three sections: Early Years, Elementary School and Secondary School. The school is situated at 1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore. Students enrolled at the school are treated to diverse learning methods synchronized with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme for students of elementary school age, the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), the Australian Curriculum, Higher School Certificate (HSC).
The school’s tuition fee charges fall within the range of $14,832 to $31,480. Students enrolled at the school also pay additional fees as may be specified by the school. These fees include a non-refundable registration fee ($500 for infants and toddlers, $800 for early years students and elementary and secondary school categories).