Shopping around for an international school that doesn't break the bank? Check out our handy list on 12 of the most affordable international schools in Singapore.
Affordable international schools in Singapore? Although it might sound like an oxymoron, it’s an actual, real thing. With fees at regular international schools up to $50,000 annually, we understand why you cringe each time you whip out that cheque book. Add multiple kids to the mix and you’ve got a whole lot more to worry about…
Here’s something to ease those worries: our list of budget-friendly international schools in Singapore. Yup, we’ve done the work and found the international schools with lower tuition fees that won’t break the bank. You’re welcome.
Affordable international schools in Singapore under $25,000 per year
1. Middleton International School
When it comes to offering high quality values-driven education at an affordable fee, you can’t go wrong with Middleton International School. The school has won silver for Most Affordable International School in our Singapore Education Awards for three years in a row! Catering to children aged four to 18, Middleton offers the Reggio-inspired Inquire.Think.Learn curriculum for its Early Years programme; the International Primary Curriculum (aligned with the English National Curriculum and Singapore Maths) in primary school; followed by the Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and International A-Levels in secondary and high school. These rigorous curricula are delivered by passionate teachers who care for their students’ wellbeing as much as their academic performance. In fact, Middleton’s wellbeing programme is developed through a partnership with The Contentment Foundation – an organisation that provides scientifically-evidenced wellbeing programmes to schools worldwide. Specialist subjects like ICT and languages (such as Mandarin and Japanese) are available, along with a host of extracurricular activities for students to choose from. Middleton also offers a bespoke intensive English programme for students in Grades 4 to 7, specially designed for those who need intensive support and guidance to build on their English language competency before joining the mainstream programme. Living in the west with young children? You’ll be happy to know that Middleton Pre-School will open at the West Coast campus, offering the same trusted Early Years programme with the added benefits of longer hours and subsidies for Singaporean families!
Where: Tampines and West Coast
Cost: From $18,583 per year (fees differ according to campus)
2. One World International School
This multicultural school aims to nurture young minds into well-rounded, independent life learners and global citizens – all at a thoughtful price. One World International School is a moderate fee school that starts at $18,564 per annum and goes up to $24,633 per annum for secondary students. It offers the IB PYP, IGCSE, and IBDP curriculums.
Where: Nanyang and Suntec
Cost: From $18,564 per year (fees differ according to campus)
3. Global Indian International School
At Global Indian International School, students are encouraged to be curious through a balanced and holistic approach towards education. Its SMART Campus offers an advanced curriculum that includes PYP, IBDP, Cambridge, Chinese-English Bilingual Programme complete with Nextgen learning facilities. But that’s not all – it’s also 40% lower in price compared to other international schools in Singapore. Winning!
Where: Punggol and East Coast
Cost: From $15,684 per year
4. Invictus International School
The folks at Invictus International School are all about quality education at an affordable price. The school aims to be a leading educational institution where each and every student is developed holistically and given opportunities to succeed – all without breaking the bank.
Where: Dempsey Hill and Farrer Park
Cost: $18,900 per year but offers special discounts and instalment schemes
5. The Grange Institution
Looking for a smaller school? The Grange Institution is an international primary school that provides its students with a dynamic and creative environment. It is the first international school in Singapore that delivers both the International Primary Curriculum and Cambridge Primary Curriculum.
Where: Yio Chu Kang
Cost: $21,190 per year
6. Sir Manasseh Meyer International School
Sir Manasseh Meyer International School is a not-for-profit, child centered school that offers a rigorous International Education replete with tradition and culture. It has small class sizes that encourage personalised learning. The school also puts a lot of emphasis on its learners’ wellbeing, which makes for some seriously happy students!
Where: Sembawang
Cost: From $17,684 per year
7. Astor International School
If an education with a personal touch is what you want for your child, look no further than Astor International School! The school follows an individualised educational approach, which means your child will enjoy personalised attention in a small class (with a teacher-student ratio of 1:18). This allows the teachers to adjust the curriculum accordingly and make changes for each student when necessary. As for curriculum, Astor offers an enquiry-based teaching and learning that follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) as well as Singapore Math and English for primary age students. The school also sets itself apart from other institutions by practising a four-hour school day. This is because Astor believes that shorter learning hours are more effective, and it also allows time for students to engage in the large range of extracurricular activities (ECA) offered.
Where: Tanglin
Cost: Choose between Flexi fee of $14,900 per year (make your own timetable, ECA fees not included); or Fixed fee of $19,700 per year (school hours till 3pm every day, ECAs fees for 5 days a week included)
8. International French School (Singapore)
At International French School (Singapore), non-native French-speaking kids (up to 11 years-old) get to learn French through a full immersion experience. Here, students have the best of all worlds — being part of an international community while learning French through its bilingual French-English curriculum.
Where: Serangoon
Cost: From 11,730 per year
9. DIMENSIONS (Orchard Campus)
DIMENSIONS offers high-quality primary and high school education in Singapore at a reasonable price. It is Cambridge certified and aims to provide its students with a comprehensive curriculum that is taught by experienced full-time lecturers.
Where: Orchard
Cost: $17,355 per year
10. HFSE International School
HFSE International School’s ethos? Providing a strong support system for expat families who already have enough burden on their shoulders. It believes in giving students quality, independent education through a self-developed curriculum that uses Singapore English and Mathematics.
Where: Mountbatten
Cost: From $7,920 per year
11. TLS Academy
At TLS Academy, the approach to learning is individualised and student-centred, following the Accelerated Christian Education Curriculum. It considers itself an affordable international school that aims to bring the best of education to as many as it can.
Where: Newton
Cost: $13,000 per year
12. 5 Steps Academy
5 Steps Academy prides itself on its proven results. It uses a personalised approach that allows kids plenty of time for sports and hobbies. Its teaching staff includes PhD holders who work to prepare students for the challenges of the future.
Where: East Coast
Cost: $16,640 per year
Now that we’ve done the research for you, we advise booking a school tour (virtually or in-person) with your shortlisted schools. Be mindful that apart from tuition fees, many schools have other fees, including application fees and building fees. Be sure to double check with the schools for their full fee breakdowns and payment options.
Happy school hunting, folks!
