Local vs International School Singapore: What Parents Need to Know

Last updated January 2026

The short answer: International schools in Singapore typically offer smaller class sizes (15-22 students versus 30-40 in local schools), globally recognised curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Australian Higher School Certificate (HSC), and a more holistic approach to education. For families relocating to Singapore on Employment Passes or as Permanent Residents, international schools also offer curriculum continuity—particularly valuable if you may move again or want your children to transition smoothly to universities in your home country.

Relocating to Singapore with your family is exciting, but choosing the right school can feel overwhelming. With over 90 international schools and a world-renowned local education system, how do you decide?

This guide breaks down the key differences to help expat families—whether you’re arriving from Hong Kong, India, Australia, the UK, the US, or elsewhere—make an informed choice.

Understanding the Key Differences

Class Size: Does It Really Matter?

One of the most frequently asked questions from parents considering international schools is whether smaller class sizes genuinely make a difference. The numbers tell a compelling story.

Local school class sizes:

• 30-40 students per form class (Primary 1 and 2 capped at 30)
• Pupil-teacher ratio of approximately 15:1, aligned with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) averages
• Source: Ministry of Education (MOE) Statistics

International school class sizes:

• 15-22 students typically
• Maximum caps of 22-24 students at most international schools
• Some boutique schools maintain 12-15 students per class

What does this mean in practice? Smaller classes typically allow for more individualised attention, greater participation opportunities, and teachers who can adapt their approach to different learning styles. For children adjusting to a new country—perhaps learning in English for the first time, or dealing with the social challenges of relocation—this can be transformative.

Curriculum Continuity: A Key Factor for Mobile Families

For families who may relocate again, or who want their children to have a smooth pathway to universities back home, curriculum choice matters significantly.

Singapore’s local system:

• Structured around the Singapore curriculum
• Key exams: Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) at age 12, O-Levels or N-Levels in secondary school
• Academically rigorous but unique to Singapore
• Children may face adjustment challenges if the family relocates

International school curricula:

• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Australian curriculum with Higher School Certificate (HSC) and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
• British A-Levels
• American Advanced Placement (AP) programmes

These qualifications are accepted by universities worldwide and taught in international schools across the globe—providing continuity if your family moves from Singapore to another posting.

At AIS, students following the Australian curriculum complete the HSC and receive an ATAR. Families from Australia find their children can continue seamlessly with the curriculum they know, while families from other countries benefit from a well-established, internationally portable qualification.

What About Academic Pressure and Student Wellbeing?

This is perhaps the question that concerns parents most—and the data provides important context.

Key statistics on academic stress:

• 86% of Singaporean students worry about poor grades vs 66% global average (OECD)
• 76% feel anxious about exams even when well-prepared vs 55% international average
• 50-70% of local clients cite academic pressure as a stressor vs 25-30% of expat clients (EveryChild.sg)

When does stress peak?

• Local school children: ages 10-12 (PSLE preparation)
• International school children: ages 16-18 (IB/A-Level years)

This isn’t to suggest that international schools are pressure-free—academic rigour exists in both systems. Rather, the timing and nature of that pressure differs. The IB Diploma Programme, for instance, is academically demanding, but students encounter this at 16-18 rather than 12.

For families coming from education systems in Hong Kong, India, or other high-pressure environments, international schools in Singapore can offer a more balanced approach while still maintaining strong academic standards.

Language Considerations for International Families

Local schools:

• English as language of instruction
• Mandatory Mother Tongue study (Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil)
• Children arriving without Mother Tongue proficiency may struggle

International schools:

• English as primary language of instruction
• Various second language options available
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) support typically offered

At AIS, we offer the Intensive English Stream (IES) for elementary students and the Preparation Course for Secondary for older students—ensuring children from countries like Korea, Japan, China, or Indonesia can successfully transition to English-medium education.

Comparing Costs: What to Expect

International school fees represent a significant investment. Understanding the full picture helps families plan appropriately—particularly when negotiating relocation packages with employers.

International School Fees (2025)

• Tuition range: SGD 16,000 to SGD 65,000 annually
• Average: approximately SGD 32,500 per year
• Fee increases: 3-5% in 2025, reflecting inflation
• Source: Little Steps Asia

Additional Costs to Budget For

• Application fees: SGD 250-4,000
• Registration fees and building/capital levies
• Technology fees
• Uniforms and textbooks
• Transportation
• Extracurricular activities

Many employers include education allowances as part of expat packages—it’s worth understanding the full cost picture when discussing your relocation terms.

Local School Fees for Permanent Residents (Comparison)

• Primary: SGD 230-290 per month
• Secondary: SGD 340-520 per month
• Note: Places allocated by ballot after Singapore Citizens; availability not guaranteed at popular schools

University Pathways: Will My Child Get Into a Good University?

Parents frequently ask whether international school qualifications are recognised by top universities. The straightforward answer: yes.

International Qualifications Are Accepted Worldwide

• IB Diploma: Accepted in 140+ countries
• Australian ATAR: Recognised by NUS, NTU, UK universities (including Oxbridge), US universities
• British A-Levels: Strong recognition in UK and Commonwealth; accepted by all Ivy League institutions
• American AP: Accepted by 500+ universities in 75+ countries; can earn university credits

University Success Depends on Fit, Not Curriculum Matching

A common misconception is that you need to match your child’s curriculum to their university destination—British A-Levels for UK universities, American AP for US colleges. In reality, top universities worldwide accept all major international qualifications equally.

What matters more is finding a school environment where your child thrives academically and personally. A student who excels in an Australian or IB curriculum will have stronger university applications than one who struggles in a “matched” curriculum they find unsuitable.

At AIS, our graduates demonstrate this principle. With pathways through the IB Diploma (chosen by approximately 70% of students) or Australian HSC, AIS students regularly gain admission to:

• UK: Russell Group universities including Cambridge and Oxford
• Australia: Group of Eight universities
• USA: Ivy League and top institutions
• Singapore: National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

This track record across diverse destinations proves that university success comes from the quality of education and student development—not from curriculum-destination matching.

Quick Comparison: Local vs International Schools

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

There’s no universally “better” option—the right choice depends on your family’s circumstances, how long you plan to stay in Singapore, and your child’s individual needs.

International Schools May Be the Better Fit If:

• Your family may relocate again and curriculum continuity matters
• You want your child’s qualifications to align with university destinations back home
• Your child is arriving without strong Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil proficiency
• Your child needs EAL support to build English language skills
• Your child thrives with smaller class sizes and more individualised attention
• You prefer a broader, less exam-focused assessment approach during primary years
• Exposure to a diverse, multicultural community is a priority

Local Schools May Be Worth Considering If:

• Your family has Permanent Resident (PR) status and plans to stay in Singapore long-term
• Strong grounding in Mandarin or other Mother Tongue languages is important
• Your child responds well to structured, exam-oriented learning environments
• Cost is a primary consideration and your employer doesn’t provide education allowances
• You value the Singapore education system’s proven academic outcomes

Many families find that visiting schools, attending open houses, and speaking with current parents provides the clearest picture of whether a school’s culture and approach align with their child’s personality and learning style.

For Singaporean Families Returning from Overseas

If you’re a Singaporean family returning after time abroad—perhaps your children have been educated in Australia, the UK, or the US—you may be considering whether to continue with international education or transition to local schools.

For Singapore Citizen children, attending an international school requires MOE exemption approval under the Compulsory Education Act.

Key Points About MOE Exemption

• Who applies: The school initiates the application, not parents
• Case-by-case basis: MOE considers each application individually
• Processing time: 4-8 weeks (longer for complex medical cases)
• School-specific: Exemption for one school doesn’t transfer to another

Alternatives That Don’t Require MOE Exemption

Singapore has Privately Funded Schools (PFS) that offer international curricula while adhering to MOE policies on bilingualism and National Education. These schools don’t require MOE exemption for Singapore Citizens. Learn more about MOE’s guidance for returning Singaporeans.

For families who value curriculum continuity and a truly international environment, schools like AIS that require MOE exemption often provide a more globally portable education—particularly important if your family may relocate again in future.

Next Steps

If you’re considering an international school for your child, we invite you to explore what AIS offers.

Why families choose AIS:

• Australian curriculum with pathway to globally recognised qualifications
• Students from over 50 nationalities
• January-December academic calendar (aligns with Asian school years)
• Comprehensive EAL support programmes
• Dual senior pathway choice: IB Diploma or Australian HSC

Book a campus tour to see our learning environment firsthand, or contact our admissions team to discuss your child’s specific needs and circumstances.