Primary School Fees for International Students | Fee Structure and Admissions Details 2026–27

Understanding primary school fees for international students in Singapore requires families to compare two distinct routes: Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) mainstream schools and private international schools.

In 2026, international students attending government or government-aided primary schools will pay monthly fees based on whether they are from an ASEAN or non-ASEAN country. International schools, meanwhile, generally charge annual tuition ranging from approximately S$20,000 to more than S$45,000 at primary level, before additional expenses.

The primary school fees in Singapore for foreign students are therefore influenced by nationality, school type, curriculum, admissions route and what each published fee includes.

For globally mobile families, cost is only part of the decision. Parents must also consider whether a place is available, how their child will be admitted, which curriculum supports future plans and whether the school offers a safe, inclusive environment.

This 2026–27 guide explains MOE and international-school fees, admissions, curricula, hidden costs, budgeting and the primary options available at One World International School.

Quick answer: How much are primary school fees for international students in Singapore?

In 2026, monthly MOE primary-school fees are S$595 for ASEAN international students and S$1,035 for non-ASEAN international students, plus a S$13 monthly miscellaneous fee. International primary schools generally charge approximately S$20,000 to more than S$45,000 annually, depending on the school, curriculum and additional fees.

Quick answer: Can foreign students attend primary school in Singapore?

Yes. International students can seek admission to MOE mainstream primary schools or apply directly to private international schools. MOE admission is not guaranteed and depends on the relevant registration or admissions exercise, the child’s eligibility and performance where testing applies, and available vacancies.

Primary school fees in Singapore at a glance

Parent question	Direct answer
What do ASEAN students pay in an MOE primary school in 2026?	S$595 monthly school fee plus S$13 miscellaneous fee
What do non-ASEAN students pay?	S$1,035 monthly school fee plus S$13 miscellaneous fee
Are these MOE fees GST-inclusive?	Yes, international-student fees are GST-inclusive
How much do international primary schools charge?	Approximately S$20,000 to more than S$45,000 annually
Is MOE Primary 1 admission guaranteed?	No. Priority is given to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents
How do foreign students apply for Primary 2–5?	Generally through AEIS or S-AEIS, subject to level and eligibility
Can families select an MOE school through AEIS?	Placement depends on vacancies and the declared residential area, where possible
Do international schools require AEIS?	No. They conduct their own admissions
Are private-school application fees refundable?	Usually not
Is school transport included?	Usually not
Which curricula are available?	Options include IB PYP, Cambridge, CBSE and other programmes
What should parents compare?	Total annual cost, curriculum fit and admissions certainty

Key takeaways for parents

• MOE fees for international students vary by nationality.
• In 2026, ASEAN students will pay lower MOE fees than non-ASEAN students.
• A S$13 monthly miscellaneous fee applies in addition to the MOE school fee.
• International students follow different MOE admissions processes from Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
• Primary 1 admission is not guaranteed, and families cannot assume they will receive a preferred school.
• AEIS is used for Primary 2–5 admission for the following academic year.
• S-AEIS covers selected levels for entry during the current academic year.
• International schools offer more direct admissions but charge substantially higher fees.
• Private-school tuition may exclude registration, transport, devices, activities and building levies.
• Curriculum continuity can be important for families expecting another international move.
• Families should compare first-year, recurring and long-term costs.
• Current official fee schedules should take priority over third-party estimates.

What are primary school fees in Singapore?

Primary school fees are the charges associated with a child’s education from Primary 1 to Primary 6, or the equivalent grades within an international school.

In Singapore, the term covers two different fee systems.

MOE mainstream primary-school fees

These are monthly fees set by the Singapore Ministry of Education for government and government-aided schools.

The amount depends on whether the child is:

• a Singapore Citizen;
• a Singapore Permanent Resident;
• an ASEAN international student; or
• a non-ASEAN international student.

International primary-school fees

These are set independently by private international schools and are generally published as annual, semester-based or term-based amounts.

The complete cost may include:

• tuition;
• application and assessment;
• registration or enrolment;
• building or development levies;
• technology and resources;
• uniforms;
• transport;
• meals;
• activities;
• trips and camps; and
• language or learning support.

Parents should identify which system a quoted fee belongs to before making comparisons.

What are the 2026 MOE primary-school fees?

The following fees apply to government and government-aided primary schools in 2026:

Student category	Monthly school fee	Monthly miscellaneous fee	Monthly total
Singapore Citizen	No monthly school fee	S$13	S$13
Singapore Permanent Resident	S$330	S$13	S$343
ASEAN international student	S$595	S$13	S$608
Non-ASEAN international student	S$1,035	S$13	S$1,048

MOE international-student fees are GST-inclusive. Autonomous, independent or other school types may have different or additional charges.

 

Estimated annual MOE primary-school fees

MOE school fees are charged monthly, including January and December. The estimated standard annual totals are therefore:

Student category	Estimated annual total
Singapore Citizen	S$156
Singapore Permanent Resident	S$4,116
ASEAN international student	S$7,296
Non-ASEAN international student	S$12,576

These estimates include the standard monthly school and miscellaneous fees. They exclude uniforms, meals, transport, devices, enrichment and school-specific expenses.

Families should use MOE’s current fee checker and information from the assigned school to confirm the final amount.

 

Which countries qualify for the ASEAN fee rate?

For MOE fee purposes, ASEAN countries include:

• Brunei Darussalam;
• Cambodia;
• Indonesia;
• Lao PDR;
• Malaysia;
• Myanmar;
• the Philippines;
• Singapore;
• Thailand; and
• Vietnam.

International students from applicable ASEAN countries pay the ASEAN rate. Students from other countries generally pay the non-ASEAN rate.

The 2026 difference is significant:

• ASEAN international student: S$595 monthly school fee.
• Non-ASEAN international student: S$1,035 monthly school fee.

That is a difference of S$440 a month, or approximately S$5,280 over 12 months, before other expenses.

What does the MOE miscellaneous fee cover?

The S$13 monthly miscellaneous fee contributes to school programmes and services beyond the standard school fee.

Families should also budget for:

• uniforms and shoes;
• meals;
• books and stationery;
• transport;
• selected activities;
• excursions; and
• optional enrichment.

These costs are generally more modest than private international-school extras but should still be included in the family budget.

 

How much do international primary schools cost in Singapore?

Private international primary-school tuition commonly ranges from approximately S$20,000 to more than S$45,000 annually in 2026–27. Premium schools may exceed this range once compulsory levies are added.

Fee position	Indicative annual tuition	What parents should check
Value-conscious	S$20,000–S$30,000	Inclusions, facilities, curriculum continuity and class structure
Mid-range	S$30,000–S$40,000	Capital levies, technology, trips and support
Premium	S$40,000–S$50,000+	Registration, facilities charges and long-term affordability

These bands are not rankings. Tuition does not automatically indicate teacher quality, student well-being or academic suitability.

A moderately priced school may provide a recognised curriculum, experienced teachers and strong pastoral care. A more expensive school may offer specialist facilities that matter to a particular learner.

MOE versus international primary-school fees

Factor	MOE primary school	International primary school
Fee structure	Monthly and regulated by MOE	Annual or term-based and set by the school
Annual standard cost for international students	Approximately S$7,296 for ASEAN and S$12,576 for non-ASEAN students	Commonly S$20,000–S$45,000+ before extras
Admission	Not guaranteed	Direct application, subject to assessment and availability
Ability to select school	Limited for international placements	Families choose where to apply
Curriculum	Singapore national curriculum	IB PYP, Cambridge, CBSE or another pathway
Calendar	Singapore calendar year	Often August–June, although models vary
Language	English with Mother Tongue requirements and applicable exemptions	English commonly central; additional languages vary
Mobility	Closely aligned with Singapore	Often designed for international portability
Community	Strong local integration	Highly multicultural
Additional costs	Generally comparatively modest	Can include levies, transport, devices and activities

Which route is more affordable?

MOE primary schools are substantially less expensive if an international student secures a place. However, families cannot assume that admission will be available.

MOE places for international students depend on the applicable registration or admissions exercise, the child’s eligibility and performance where required, and vacancies remaining after higher-priority groups.

International schools cost more but generally enable families to:

• apply directly to a preferred school;
• choose a curriculum;
• compare campuses;
• seek mid-year admission;
• follow an international calendar;
• access transition support; and
• plan a longer international pathway.

For relocating families, the higher cost may provide greater admissions certainty and curriculum continuity.

What does international primary-school tuition include?

International-school tuition generally covers:

• classroom teaching;
• the core curriculum;
• routine assessment;
• standard learning spaces;
• homeroom or pastoral provision; and
• general school administration.

Depending on the school, it may also include:

• textbooks;
• devices;
• digital resources;
• uniforms;
• field trips;
• selected activities;
• basic English-language support; or
• meals.

Other schools bill these items separately.

Questions to ask about tuition

1. Does the figure include 9% GST?
2. Are textbooks included?
3. Is a tablet or laptop included?
4. Are uniforms included?
5. Are field trips included?
6. Are compulsory activities included?
7. Is language support included?
8. Is standard learning support included?
9. Are meals included?
10. Is there an annual building fee?
11. What does the next grade cost?
12. How often are fees reviewed?

Parents should ask for written confirmation through the official fee schedule or student contract.

Application fees

Private international schools commonly charge a non-refundable application fee.

It may cover:

• administrative processing;
• review of school records;
• admissions coordination;
• assessment arrangements; and
• communication with previous schools.

Paying the fee does not guarantee admission.

Before applying, ask:

• Is a place available in the required grade?
• Is there a waiting pool?
• Does the school accept mid-year entry?
• Is an assessment required?
• Can the application move to another intake?
• Can it transfer between campuses?
• Is any amount refundable if no place is offered?
• When will the family receive a decision?

This is particularly important when submitting paid applications to several schools.

Registration and enrolment fees

After offering a place, a school may request a registration, enrolment, confirmation or acceptance fee.

The charge may be:

• non-refundable;
• separate from tuition;
• payable within a short period;
• partly credited against tuition; or
• transferable only in limited situations.

Parents should confirm:

• whether it is credited towards tuition;
• when the first instalment is due;
• whether a deposit is required;
• what happens if relocation is cancelled;
• the withdrawal notice period;
• whether fees transfer between campuses; and
• whether another fee applies when moving to secondary school.

Building and development levies

Some international schools charge a compulsory building, capital, facilities or development fee.

It may be one-time or annual and may be included in tuition or displayed separately.

Cost component	Illustrative School A	Illustrative School B
Tuition	S$25,000	S$30,000
Annual building fee	S$7,000	Included
Compulsory annual total	S$32,000	S$30,000

School A appears cheaper only until the compulsory levy is added.

GST and primary-school fees

MOE states that fees for international students in government and government-aided schools are GST-inclusive.

International schools may present:

• GST-inclusive fees;
• fees before GST; or
• both amounts.

Convert all private-school charges to the same GST-inclusive basis before comparing them.

If a school quotes S$25,000 before GST:

S$25,000 × 1.09 = S$27,250

Check GST treatment for tuition, registration, levies, transport, activities and devices.

Transport costs

School transport can cost more than S$4,000 or S$5,000 annually, depending on:

• distance;
• one-way or return travel;
• residential location;
• route availability;
• provider rates; and
• late activity buses.

A closer campus may reduce expenses, travel time, fatigue and morning stress. Families should compare tuition, transport and commuting time together.

Uniforms, books and devices

These items may be included, partially included or billed separately.

Uniforms

Families may need daily uniforms, PE kits, sportswear, hats, swimwear and shoes. Replacement costs should also be considered.

Books and resources

Schools may lend books, include them in tuition, charge a resource fee or ask families to purchase them.

Devices

A school may:

• provide a tablet;
• include a device in tuition;
• charge a technology fee;
• lease a device; or
• require a family-purchased model.

Ask about insurance, repairs, replacement and software.

Meals, activities and trips

Parents may need to budget for:

• meal plans or canteen spending;
• snacks;
• sports;
• music;
• performing arts;
• coding and robotics;
• academic competitions;
• local field trips;
• residential camps; and
• overseas experiences.

Some activities are included. Others are charged by term or delivered by external providers.

Ask which activities are compulsory, which are optional and what a typical family spends annually.

 

English-language and learning support

Children entering from another system may need additional English or learning support.

Schools may:

• include general language support;
• charge for intensive English;
• provide a separate preparatory programme;
• recommend external tuition; or
• determine that current support cannot meet the child’s needs.

Learning support may include:

• classroom differentiation;
• targeted intervention;
• counselling;
• specialist teachers;
• speech and language services;
• occupational therapy; or
• an individual learning assistant.

Some provision is included, while intensive support may cost extra. Families should discuss needs before accepting a place.

How curriculum influences primary-school fees

Curriculum affects staffing and resources, but it does not determine price by itself.

IB Primary Years Programme

The IB Primary Years Programme generally serves students aged three to twelve. It is inquiry-led, transdisciplinary and concept-driven.

Potential cost factors include:

• IB-trained educators;
• programme coordination;
• inquiry resources;
• specialist teaching;
• languages;
• technology; and
• fieldwork.

Families should confirm whether the school is fully authorised or is a candidate school. Candidate status does not guarantee authorisation.

Why internationally mobile families consider the PYP

The PYP can provide:

• continuity between countries;
• conceptual understanding;
• student agency;
• collaboration;
• international-mindedness;
• multicultural learning; and
• progression into international secondary pathways.

Implementation differs between schools, so parents should ask how inquiry is balanced with strong literacy and numeracy foundations.

Cambridge Primary

Cambridge Primary provides an international subject framework that schools can adapt to their context.

It may cover:

• English;
• mathematics;
• science;
• computing;
• digital literacy;
• global perspectives; and
• school-selected subjects.

Families should ask whether Cambridge is used formally at primary level or introduced only in secondary school.

CBSE primary curriculum

CBSE may suit families seeking continuity with India. It typically supports structured subject progression, foundational literacy and numeracy, environmental studies and languages.

GIIS Singapore is one option families may encounter when comparing CBSE with international curricula.

Parents should consider:

• the likelihood of returning to India;
• language provision;
• teaching approach;
• secondary progression;
• recurring fee components; and
• the possibility of later moving to another curriculum.

IB PYP versus Cambridge versus CBSE

Consideration	IB PYP	Cambridge Primary	CBSE Primary
Orientation	Inquiry-led and transdisciplinary	International subject framework	Structured Indian national framework
Portability	High	High	Strongest for India-linked pathways
Assessment	Continuous and school-designed	School assessment with optional Cambridge tools	School-based assessment in primary years
Progression	MYP, Cambridge or another international pathway	Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE	CBSE middle and secondary school
Fee position	Value-conscious to premium	Value-conscious to premium	Often value-conscious to mid-range
Parent question	How are strong academic foundations developed?	How is the framework adapted and assessed?	How does teaching develop understanding rather than recall?

No curriculum is universally best. The right option depends on the child’s needs and future pathway.

What is the real first-year cost?

The first year is generally the most expensive because it includes one-time charges.

Use this formula:

First-year cost = tuition + GST + application + registration + compulsory levies + transport + uniforms + devices + activities

Illustrative calculation

Cost item	Example
Tuition	S$25,000
Application	S$1,000
Registration	S$2,500
Building fee	S$4,000
Transport	S$4,500
Uniforms and device	S$1,200
Activities and trips	S$800
Estimated first-year total	S$39,000

This is an illustration rather than a quotation. It shows how S$25,000 tuition can become an all-in first-year cost approaching S$40,000.

How to calculate long-term school costs

Step 1: Record GST-inclusive tuition

Use the amount for the correct grade and campus.

Step 2: Add compulsory charges

Include building, technology, resources and activities.

Step 3: Add entry costs

Include application, assessment, registration and deposits.

Step 4: Add practical costs

Estimate transport, meals, uniforms and devices.

Step 5: Allow for increases

School fees may rise each year.

Step 6: Review later grades

Check whether tuition increases at the transition to secondary school.

Step 7: Model the complete pathway

If the child may remain until Grade 12, review IGCSE, IB Diploma or A-Level fees now.

Five-year planning example

This example assumes recurring annual costs of S$27,000 and a hypothetical 4% yearly increase.

Year	Estimated cost
Year 1	S$27,000
Year 2	S$28,080
Year 3	S$29,203
Year 4	S$30,371
Year 5	S$31,585
Five-year total	S$146,239

This excludes one-time and unpredictable optional expenses.

MOE Primary 1 admission for international students

International students follow a separate Primary 1 process from Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Families must indicate interest during the official window for the relevant registration year.

Important points include:

• indicating interest is not the same as registration;
• admission is not guaranteed;
• the process is not first come, first served;
• families cannot choose a preferred school at the initial stage;
• places depend on vacancies after Citizens and Permanent Residents; and
• successful families receive details of the designated school.

If no place is offered, families may consider private schools or later AEIS admission to Primary 2.

Dates change each year, so parents should follow the current MOE exercise.

What is AEIS?

The Admissions Exercise for International Students is used for entry into Primary 2–5 and Secondary 1–3 in MOE schools for the following academic year.

Admission is not guaranteed. It depends on:

• eligibility;
• the applicable English requirement;
• assessment performance;
• available vacancies; and
• the declared residential area, where possible.

Successful applicants cannot assume placement at a preferred school.

What is S-AEIS?

The Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students offers another route for selected levels during the current academic year.

At primary level, it generally covers Primary 2–4, subject to the current exercise’s requirements. It does not provide Primary 5 admission.

Families should check current dates, age eligibility and testing rules.

English requirements for AEIS

Primary applicants must generally attain the specified score in the relevant Cambridge English Qualifications test before applying for AEIS or S-AEIS.

Parents should confirm:

• the correct CEQ test;
• minimum score;
• permissible age;
• application dates;
• AEIS test level;
• required documents; and
• application fee.

The primary AEIS application fee is non-refundable and subject to GST.

MOE versus international-school admissions

Factor	MOE primary school	International primary school
Route	P1 process, AEIS or S-AEIS	Direct application
Place guaranteed	No	No, but availability can be checked directly
School choice	Limited for international placements	Families choose where to apply
Assessment	Relevant MOE requirements	School-specific review or assessment
Intake	Linked to MOE exercises	Often more flexible
Curriculum	Singapore national curriculum	IB PYP, Cambridge, CBSE or another pathway
Fee	Lower	Substantially higher
Mobility support	Less flexible	Often designed for international transitions

International primary-school admissions process

The usual process includes:

1. Researching suitable schools.
2. Confirming grade availability.
3. Attending a campus tour.
4. Submitting the application and documents.
5. Paying the application fee.
6. Completing an assessment or interview where required.
7. Receiving the admissions decision.
8. Reviewing the fee schedule and contract.
9. Paying registration and tuition charges.
10. Completing immigration and onboarding requirements.

Documents commonly required

Schools may request:

• the child’s and parents’ passports;
• birth certificate;
• residency documents;
• previous school reports;
• references;
• vaccination or medical records;
• learning-support reports;
• English-language information;
• custody documents where relevant; and
• proof of address.

Certified translation may be needed for documents not issued in English.

How early should parents apply?

Families should ideally begin research six to twelve months before the required start date.

Early planning is particularly helpful when:

• several siblings need places;
• language or learning support is required;
• a popular campus is preferred;
• immigration documents are needed;
• the child is changing curricula; or
• a specific August or January start is required.

Many international schools consider mid-year entry, subject to availability.

Can a child transfer during primary school?

Primary school is more flexible for curriculum changes than examination-stage secondary school, but adjustment still requires planning.

The new school may consider:

• age and grade placement;
• previous curriculum;
• literacy and numeracy;
• English proficiency;
• additional languages;
• support needs;
• social adjustment; and
• timing.

Families should not assume that the same year-group label will apply across different systems.

How to compare value rather than price

Value combines cost with educational quality and suitability.

Curriculum value

Does the pathway support future relocation and secondary education?

Teaching value

Are teachers experienced and responsive to different learners?

Pastoral value

Will the child feel safe, known and included?

Practical value

Are the campus, calendar and commute manageable?

Financial value

Are fees transparent and sustainable over several years?

The better question is not simply, “Which school is cheaper?” It is:

Which school provides an appropriate, sustainable education for my child?

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Comparing fees without admissions reality: MOE is less expensive, but a place is not guaranteed.
2. Comparing monthly and annual figures: Convert both routes to an annual cost.
3. Ignoring nationality: ASEAN and non-ASEAN MOE rates differ significantly.
4. Forgetting miscellaneous fees: The MOE school fee is not the only charge.
5. Mixing GST treatments: Compare only GST-inclusive totals.
6. Looking only at tuition: Include registration, levies, transport and devices.
7. Applying without checking availability: Application fees are usually non-refundable.
8. Choosing curriculum only by familiarity: Consider future mobility and secondary progression.
9. Underestimating the commute: Travel affects cost, sleep and well-being.
10. Assuming premium pricing guarantees fit: Relationships and support matter more.
11. Ignoring later-grade fees: Check secondary and pre-university costs.
12. Skipping withdrawal terms: Understand notice periods before paying.

Parent checklist for comparing schools

Fees

• What is the GST-inclusive annual cost?
• Which fees are compulsory?
• Which charges are one-time?
• What is refundable?
• What will later grades cost?

Curriculum

• Which framework is followed?
• What pathway follows primary school?
• Is the programme authorised where relevant?
• How are literacy and numeracy developed?
• How portable is the curriculum?

Admissions

• Is a place available?
• Is an assessment required?
• What documents are needed?
• Is mid-year entry possible?
• Can siblings be placed together?

Support and well-being

• Is English support included?
• What learning support is available?
• How is well-being monitored?
• How are relocating students welcomed?
• How is progress communicated?

Practical costs

• Is transport available?
• Are meals, books and uniforms included?
• Is a device required?
• Which activities cost extra?
• What is the withdrawal notice period?

Infographic suggestion

Infographic title: Primary School Costs for International Families in Singapore

MOE route: Monthly school fee + S$13 miscellaneous fee + uniforms + meals + transport

International route: Annual tuition + application + registration + facilities + transport + devices + activities

Centre question: Which route offers the right balance of affordability, admissions certainty and curriculum continuity?

Footer: Compare GST-inclusive annual totals—not monthly fees with annual tuition.

How OWIS supports international primary-school families

Families seeking an international primary curriculum at a moderate fee level may consider One World International School.

OWIS offers primary education at its Nanyang, Digital and Newton campuses. The campuses differ in location, age range and fee model but share an inquiry-led, values-based approach.

OWIS places emphasis on:

• academic foundations;
• inquiry and curiosity;
• international-mindedness;
• kindness and inclusion;
• pastoral care;
• student well-being;
• multicultural learning; and
• preparation for later educational stages.

For relocating children, a stable international pathway can support both academic and social adjustment.

OWIS Nanyang Primary fees for 2026–27

OWIS Nanyang Campus in Jurong serves Early Childhood through Grade 12. Its pathway includes the IB PYP, Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma.

Fee item	Published amount
Annual Grades 1–6 tuition, including GST	S$24,158
One-time non-refundable application fee	S$1,420

Tuition includes:

• two sets of uniforms;
• textbooks; and
• scheduled academic field trips.

Selected extracurricular activities may cost extra.

Nanyang bus fees

Distance	Annual two-way bus fee
Up to 3 km	S$4,296
More than 3 km and up to 10 km	S$4,777
Above 10 km	S$5,257

A Grade 3 student using Zone 2 transport would have tuition and bus costs of S$28,935 before the application fee and optional activities.

Nanyang may suit families wanting continuity from IB PYP through Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma.

OWIS Digital Campus Primary fees for 2026–27

OWIS Digital Campus in Punggol serves Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary students.

Fee item	Published amount
Grades 1–6 tuition	S$24,158
Building fee	S$7,291
Published annual total	S$31,449

Tuition includes:

• two sets of uniforms;
• technology devices such as iPads up to Grade 3;
• textbooks; and
• scheduled academic field trips.

Some extracurricular activities cost extra.

The building fee should be included in all comparisons. Digital Campus also publishes sibling discounts on tuition for eligible families, subject to conditions.

OWIS Newton Primary fees for 2026–27

OWIS Newton Campus serves Early Childhood to Grade 5 in central Singapore. It is currently identified as a candidate school for the IB PYP; candidacy is not the same as authorisation.

Fee item	Published amount
Grades 1–5 tuition	S$27,491
Conditional Founding Family offer	S$1,000
Published net annual fee	S$26,491

Parents should confirm the offer eligibility and duration.

A central location may reduce transport costs and commute time for some families. That practical saving should form part of the comparison.

Comparing OWIS primary campuses

Consideration	Nanyang	Digital Campus	Newton
Location	Jurong	Punggol	Central Singapore
Age range	Early Childhood–Grade 12	Early Childhood–Grade 12 pathways	Early Childhood–Grade 5
Primary framework	IB PYP	IB PYP	IB PYP candidate school
Published tuition	S$24,158	S$24,158	S$27,491
Separate building fee	Not listed in main tuition table	S$7,291	Not listed in main tuition table
Later pathway	Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma	Cambridge and post-16 pathways	Transition required after Grade 5
Key parent question	Does the full pathway fit our plans?	What is the all-in cost?	What follows Grade 5?

The right campus depends on location, grade, long-term curriculum and total family cost.

Primary learning and pastoral care at OWIS

OWIS uses inquiry-led learning to encourage students to:

• ask questions;
• investigate;
• connect ideas;
• communicate thinking;
• collaborate;
• reflect;
• develop independence; and
• apply knowledge.

Parents should ask how each campus supports reading, writing, mathematics, science, languages, digital literacy, creativity and physical education.

Pastoral care is particularly important for relocating children adapting to a new country, curriculum and community.

During a campus visit, ask:

• How are new students welcomed?
• How does the school support friendship-building?
• Who monitors well-being?
• How is English development supported?
• How are concerns communicated?
• How does the school represent different cultures?
• What support is available during transitions?

These questions help families assess whether the campus is genuinely inclusive and parent-centred.

OWIS admissions process

OWIS considers applications throughout the year, subject to availability. Its academic year generally runs from August to late June.

Admissions may include:

1. an enquiry;
2. consultation with admissions;
3. application submission;
4. review of previous reports;
5. parent communication;
6. an age-appropriate assessment or interview;
7. review of English needs;
8. an admissions decision; and
9. a student contract after acceptance.

Families should confirm the campus, grade, programme status and complete fee obligation before paying the application fee.

How GIIS Singapore fits into a comparison

GIIS Singapore is another option for families comparing international and India-linked pathways.

Depending on the curriculum, its fee structure can contain separate charges for tuition, registration, activities, building development, resources and technology.

Families should add every recurring term-based charge and include GST before comparing the total with another school.

GIIS may be relevant for families seeking CBSE continuity. OWIS may appeal to families seeking an IB PYP pathway with later Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma options at selected campuses.

The choice depends on curriculum plans, child fit, location and total cost.

Final parent decision framework

Decision area	Question	Score
Total cost	Have all compulsory and expected costs been included?	/5
Admissions certainty	Is a place realistically available?	/5
Curriculum	Does the pathway suit future plans?	/5
Teaching	Are educators experienced and responsive?	/5
Well-being	Will the child feel safe and known?	/5
Language	Can the school meet language needs?	/5
Inclusion	Is appropriate support available?	/5
Location	Is the commute sustainable?	/5
Long-term affordability	Can the family manage later-grade fees?	/5
Contract	Are payment and withdrawal terms clear?	/5

Give additional weight to non-negotiable factors such as learning support, affordability or curriculum continuity.

Conclusion: Planning primary school fees in Singapore

The primary school fees for international students in Singapore differ significantly between MOE and international-school routes.

In 2026, ASEAN international students in government or government-aided primary schools pay S$595 per month plus the S$13 miscellaneous fee. Non-ASEAN students pay S$1,035 plus S$13. Private international primary-school tuition commonly ranges from approximately S$20,000 to more than S$45,000 annually.

MOE schools are more affordable, but international-student admission is not guaranteed. Families must follow the relevant Primary 1, AEIS or S-AEIS route, with placement dependent on eligibility, performance where applicable and vacancies.

International schools charge more but offer direct applications, curriculum choice, flexible entry and continuity for globally mobile families.

When calculating primary school fees in Singapore for foreign students, include:

• tuition;
• application and registration;
• GST;
• building fees;
• transport;
• meals;
• uniforms;
• devices;
• activities;
• support services; and
• future fee increases.

Families considering OWIS can compare Nanyang’s full pathway, Digital Campus in Punggol and Newton’s central primary option. Each has a different total cost and progression pathway.

The next step is to identify the preferred curriculum and admissions route, request current fee schedules, calculate the complete annual cost and visit shortlisted campuses. The right school should provide a strong academic foundation, a supportive community and a financial commitment the family can sustain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much are primary school fees for international students in Singapore?

In 2026, ASEAN international students in MOE primary schools will pay S$595 monthly, while non-ASEAN students will pay S$1,035.

A S$13 miscellaneous fee applies in addition. International-school tuition commonly ranges from approximately S$20,000 to more than S$45,000 annually.

2. What are the primary school fees in Singapore for foreign students?

The primary school fees in Singapore for foreign students depend on nationality and school type.

MOE charges different ASEAN and non-ASEAN rates. Private international schools set their own tuition and may charge registration, building, transport and activity fees.

3. Are MOE primary schools free for international students?

No. Free primary tuition applies to Singapore Citizens in government and government-aided schools.

Permanent Residents and international students pay monthly school fees and the applicable miscellaneous fee.

4. Can international students apply for Primary 1?

Yes, but admission is not guaranteed.

International students follow a separate process, and places are considered after priority has been given to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.

5. What is AEIS?

AEIS is the admissions exercise for international students seeking MOE-school entry at Primary 2–5 for the following year.

Admission depends on eligibility, assessment requirements, performance and vacancies.

6. What is S-AEIS?

S-AEIS is a supplementary admissions exercise for international students seeking entry into selected MOE levels during the current year.

At primary level, it generally covers Primary 2–4, subject to current requirements.

7. Are international schools more expensive than MOE schools?

Yes. International schools generally charge substantially higher fees.

They may, however, provide more direct admissions, international curricula, flexible entry and transition support for globally mobile families.

8. What additional costs do international primary schools charge?

Additional costs may include application, registration, facilities, transport, uniforms, devices, meals, trips and activities.

Some schools include selected items in tuition, while others charge separately.

9. Which primary curriculum is best for international students?

No curriculum is universally best.

IB PYP supports inquiry and international portability, Cambridge provides a flexible global framework, and CBSE may suit families expecting to return to India.

10. Do international-school fees include GST?

This varies by school.

Parents should confirm whether every published fee includes GST and compare only GST-inclusive totals.

11. Can primary-school fees be paid in instalments?

Many international schools divide annual tuition into termly or semester-based instalments.

MOE school fees are charged monthly. Payment and withdrawal conditions vary by provider.

12. What are OWIS primary-school fees for 2026–27?

OWIS Nanyang publishes S$24,158 annual tuition for Grades 1–6.

Digital Campus publishes S$24,158 tuition plus a S$7,291 building fee, totalling S$31,449. Newton publishes S$27,491 tuition with a conditional S$1,000 Founding Family offer. Current terms should be reconfirmed before application.