Singapore International School Fees 2023/2024

Expat families moving to Singapore will have a plethora of international schools to choose from. For many, budget will be a major factor in making this decision.

For ease of reference, we’ve put together some tips along with a list of international school fees in Singapore for 2020/2021 academic year.

Getting to grips with international school fees

The two most influential factors on international school fees tend to be the age of the child (higher grades are more expensive) and the curriculum offered (some are significantly more expensive than others). Optional extras such as excursions, extra-curricular activities or language support will usually attract additional fees on top of the compulsory fees listed below.

Types of fees

Terminology regarding fees tends to vary between schools, as does the composition of fees. Some split school fees into categories while others bundle school fees into one sum total. For example, most international schools in Singapore require a set contribution each year which goes towards maintaining the school premises. This is known as a 'building fee' or 'capital levy'. When comparing costs, it's important to check whether this fee is an additional charge or if it is included in standard tuition.

Application and registration fees

Before reviewing an application, schools will normally require a fee upfront, typically known as an 'application fee'. This covers administration costs that are incurred throughout the application process. Sometimes this fee is solely used to fund the administration of an entry exam, leading to some schools calling this a 'placement test fee'.

Registration fees, on the other hand, are typically charged at the end of the application process and act as a deposit to secure the student's place in the school once they have been accepted. Registration fees are sometimes called confirmation fees or enrolment fees and usually count towards tuition. 

Fee payment

Annual fees are usually payable in instalments that are divided up according to school terms. Fees can also be paid in one lump sum at the start of the school year if parents wish. Schools often offer a slightly discounted rate for those who pay for the full year upfront.

School fees for the 2023/2024 academic year

This table is comprised of the annual compulsory fees of some of Singapore's most prominent international schools. Extras are charged separately. All fees are in Singapore Dollars (SGD) and are inclusive of 7 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Canadian International School
Annual fees: Tuition: 18,370 SGD (Nursery, part-time) to 47,070 SGD (Grades 11 and 12).
Once-off fees: Application fee: 2,500 SGD. Registration fee: 4,000 SGD.

Chatsworth International School
Annual fees: Tuition: 27,575 SGD (K1 and K2) to 37,881 SGD (Years 12 and 13). Development fee: 2,247 SGD.
Once-off fees: Application fee: 250 SGD. Confirmation fee: 2,900 SGD.

German European School Singapore
Annual fees: Tuition: 29,280 SGD (Nursery, full-time) to 38,600 SGD (IB Year 12). Development levy: 6,070 SGD. Learning materials: 170 SGD to 250 SGD.
Once-off fees: Application fee: 200 SGD. Enrolment fee: 3,900 SGD.

Global Indian International School Singapore
Annual fees: Tuition: 15,128.73 SGD (Nursery and Kindergarten) to 29,006.91 SGD (IB Year 12).
Once-off fees: Registration fee: 445 SGD (CBSE Nursery, KG1 and KG2) to 3926 SGD (IB Year 12).

ISS International School
Annual fees: Tuition: 27,310 SGD (K1 and K2) to 42,177 SGD (Grades 9 to 12).
Once-off fees: Placement test fee: 500 SGD. Enrolment fee: 3,600 SGD.

One World International School
Annual fees: Tuition: 17,793 SGD (Early Childhood 1 to 3) to 20,457 SGD (Grades 7 to 12).
Once-off fees: Application fee: 1,119 SGD.

Tanglin Trust School
Annual fees: Tuition: 27,714 (Nursery) to 45,828 (Years 12 and 13). Capital levy: 3,750 SGD.
Once-off fees: Enrolment fee: 2,675 SGD.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these figures, expats should contact the relevant school for more information and definitive figures.