Singapore International School Fees 2024/2025

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 2024/2025 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. 

Most international schools in Singapore require a set contribution each year to maintain the school premises. This is known as a 'building fee' or 'capital levy'. There may also be a technology fee to cover the use of devices such as laptops or tablets. 

When comparing costs, it's important to check whether these fees are an additional charge or if they are 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, entry, or enrolment fees. These generally count towards the cost of 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. 

Reducing costs

Some schools offer a slightly discounted rate for those who pay for the full year upfront. If siblings attend a school, the second will often be given a discount. It's also worth exploring scholarship options, as many international schools have these available for academically gifted or financially needy students.

Singapore international school fees for the 2024/2025 academic year

This table shows 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 include the 9-percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) where applicable.

Chatsworth International School
Annual fees: Tuition: 29,367.30 SGD (K1 and K2) to 39,971.40 SGD (Years 12 and 13). Development fee: 2,715.80 SGD.
Once-off fees: Application fee: 310 SGD. Confirmation fee: 3,100 SGD.

GESS
Annual fees: Tuition: 30,735 SGD (Pre-Kindergarten, full-time) to 40,125 SGD (IB Years 11 and 12). Development levy: 6,130 SGD. Compulsory learning materials and overnight excursion fees: 250 SGD to 2,000 SGD.
Once-off fees: Application fee: 400 SGD. Enrolment fee: 3,550 SGD.

Global Indian International School Singapore
Annual fees: Tuition: 14,917.74 SGD (Nursery and Kindergarten) to 37,732.53 SGD (IB Year 12).
Once-off fees: Registration fee: 453 SGD (CBSE Nursery, KG1 and KG2) to 4,000.30 SGD (IB Year 12).

ISS International School
Annual fees: Tuition: 32,822 SGD (K1 and K2) to 55,758 SGD (Grade 12).
Once-off fees: Placement test fee: 510 SGD. Enrolment fee: 3,667 SGD.

One World International School
Annual fees: Tuition: 21,034 SGD (Early Childhood 1 to 3, Nanyang Campus) to 29,031 SGD (Grades 7 to 12, Digital Campus).
Once-off fees: Application fee: 1,236 SGD.

Tanglin Trust School
Annual fees: Tuition: 33,330 SGD (Nursery) to 53,505 SGD (Years 12 and 13). 
Once-off fees: Application fee: 1,000 SGD. Enrolment fee: 4,500 SGD. Capital levy: 4,500 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.