What school options do expatriate families have in Singapore?
Children can attend national schools, subject to place availability and an admissions test for international students, or private international schools. Fees in national schools are tiered by residency status, so pass holders pay the highest published rate.
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How it works
Admission to a national school for a foreign student runs through the centralised admissions exercise the education ministry publishes, with results deciding placement. International schools admit directly on their own criteria and follow curricula such as the IB or a national curriculum from another country.
Commonly mixed up with
A national school place is often assumed to follow an address. Placement for foreign students is decided by the admissions exercise, not by where the family lives.
What school options do expatriate families have in Singapore?
| Knowledge, Singapore | Big city topics |
|---|---|
| Short answer | Children can attend national schools, subject to place availability and an admissions test for international students, or private international schools. Fees in national schools are tiered by residency status, so pass holders pay the highest published rate. |
| How it works | Admission to a national school for a foreign student runs through the centralised admissions exercise the education ministry publishes, with results deciding placement. International schools admit directly on their own criteria and follow curricula such as the IB or a national curriculum from another country. |
| Commonly mixed up with | A national school place is often assumed to follow an address. Placement for foreign students is decided by the admissions exercise, not by where the family lives. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Can foreign children attend national schools?
- Yes, subject to the published admissions exercise and availability.
- Are fees the same for everyone?
- No, fees are tiered by residency status.
- Is there an entrance test?
- International students sit the published admissions test.
- Are international schools regulated?
- Private schools are registered with the education authorities.
- When do applications open?
- The education ministry publishes the annual timeline.
Sources
More in this track
- How does renting a home in Singapore work for a newcomer?
- Can a foreigner buy property in Singapore?
- How does healthcare work in Singapore for foreigners?
- What drives the cost of living in Singapore?
- Why is owning a car in Singapore so expensive?
- Which everyday city rules are enforced in Singapore?
- What has to be in place before moving to Singapore?
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