Planning to send your kids to an international school in Singapore? From application fees to lunch at the canteen and even building maintenance, we take a look at how much it really costs to get started.
With annual tuition fees generally in the region of $17,000-$50,000, choosing an international school in Singapore is not a decision to be taken lightly. But did you know that this might be just the tip of the iceberg? Getting your kid to their first day at school may have you coughing up even more money. Think application fees, enrolment or registration fees, building maintenance costs, contributions to the parents’ association, extra-curricular activities, exams, and insurance. And that’s before your little person has even made it to morning snack break…
Before you invest in an international school education in Singapore, it’s so important to make sure you choose the one that’s right for your family. To help you navigate your way through the decision-making process, we’ve taken a look at what it costs to kick off a child’s primary school adventure at 27 international schools in Singapore. We’ve used age 6-7 as the common starting point, which is most often Year 1.
Check out the details in our handy chart below and then make your way to HoneyKids’ online school comparison tool. Here you’ll find comparisons of fees, curriculum, facilities and more. We’ve worked with schools and sought testimonials from parents to help cut down your research time. So make sure you bookmark our HoneyKids School Selector. It’s he must-have international school bible for every parent in Singapore!
THE COST OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN SINGAPORE
As you can see, your initial annual investment could vary wildly. It all depends on which international schools you’re considering. With an average outlay of $33,801 to cover your child’s first year, you’ll probably want to do your research on international schools. But don’t despair. The range of fees is very broad, anywhere from around $17,000 up to around $50,000. And there are schools aplenty. Although the fees aren’t getting any lower, there are many international schools on the lower end of the price range. It’s also worth noting that while some costs may seem high, other fees are often included. Things like like facilities and field trips. It pays to check with your prospective schools to find out more about the potential fees AND savings.
Here are some ‘fun’ facts about international school fees in Singapore that you might not know:
- The average annual tuition fee in Singapore (the biggest cost you need to consider) is $28,392.
- Submitting an application is free at some schools, but up to $5,350 at others! However, some application fees are partially refundable. Keep an eye out for open days with offers of discounted or waived registration fees. You’ll be saving a pretty penny!
- Rocking up to the school canteen will cost anywhere from $900 to $1,800 per year.
- Waving goodbye to your child on the bus could set you back as little as $1,100 yearly, or as much as $6,100.
- Uniforms can be as cheap as $30, or as much as $250.
- Other costs that might crop up include fees for extra-curricular activities, technology, books, field trips, resources and exams. Then there’s insurance and learning support too. Some even charge for studying English as a Second Language.
- Some fees are a one-off, so while you have to cough up for the first year, it won’t be applicable from the second year onwards.
- Sibling discounts are sometimes offered to families who have more than one child attending the school. Bonus!
- Some schools allow you to pay in instalments, while others ask for full payment upfront.
- School fees increase as your child moves up an age group. Do check with the schools if you plan to send your child to school in Singapore for an extended period of time.
You get the idea. International schools in Singapore are expensive (and, by the way, local schools are VERY tough for non-Singaporeans to get into). But it’s costly for good reason. The facilities are top notch, teaching staff are among the best, and your children will benefit from their multi-cultural schooling foundations for the rest of their lives. It’s one of the most important investment decisions you’re going to make, so taking some time to thoroughly assess your options is a must. But don’t fret. The HoneyKids School Selector is your trusty companion, and with it you’ll be packing your kids off to an excellent international school in no time.
*Amounts published here are based on research conducted online in July 2019. Fees published are based on a mainstream program for a new Primary Year 1 (age 6-7) student in Singapore, for the 2019-20 school year (or 2018-19 where 2019-20 figures are unavailable). The fees for 2020-2021 are likely to be increased. Fees sometimes vary across different campuses of the same school. All fee amounts should be verified directly with schools.
