[Education] Singapore Int'l School Fees: A Realistic Guide

The moment you decide to move to Singapore, one of the biggest shocks often comes when you see the international school fee invoices. Having experienced this myself, I remember being stunned by the costs, which are on a completely different level compared to Korea. For the 2025-2026 academic year, it's not just about being 'expensive'—there are hidden costs you need to account for. Let's break down the current fee landscape and what to look out for.

At a Glance

• Premium (Tier 1) schools now cost over SGD 50,000 (approx. 57M KRW) in annual tuition alone.
• In the first year, one-time fees can push total expenses well over SGD 60,000–70,000.
• If your company provides a school allowance, remember that this is considered a taxable benefit.

School Tiers and Realistic Costs

International schools in Singapore are generally categorized into three tiers based on facilities, curriculum, and reputation. For the 2025-2026 academic year, premium schools have seen significant fee hikes. Planning your budget based solely on 'tuition' can lead to unexpected financial strain.

• Tier 1 (Premium Schools): This includes UWCSEA, SAS (Singapore American School), Tanglin Trust, and Dulwich College. For senior years, pure tuition fees range from SGD 48,000 to 56,000 (approx. 54.6M–63.7M KRW). These schools offer university-standard campuses but come with very long waitlists.
• Tier 2 (Mid-Range Schools): Schools like AIS (Australian International School), CIS (Canadian International School), and SAIS (Stamford American) fall here. Annual fees are roughly SGD 30,000 to 42,000 (approx. 34.1M–47.8M KRW). While lower than Tier 1, they are still several times higher than typical university tuition in Korea.
• Tier 3 (Value Schools): Schools such as OWIS, Middleton, and Invictus are popular for their practical facilities and reasonable pricing, ranging from SGD 15,000 to 28,000 (approx. 17M–31.8M KRW) per year.

The 'Real' Costs Hidden in the Invoice

Don't budget based only on the 'Tuition Fee' listed on school websites. In the first year, administrative fees can be surprisingly high. Also, remember that all costs in Singapore are subject to 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

• Application & Enrollment Fees: Application fees range from SGD 1,000 to 2,500, while enrollment (or registration) fees to secure a spot can cost between SGD 3,000 and 8,000. These are usually non-refundable one-time payments.
• Capital Levy: This is a fee for campus maintenance, paid either annually or as a one-time lump sum. At schools like UWCSEA, this can be around SGD 9,537 (approx. 10.8M KRW) in the first year.
• School Bus & Extras: Depending on distance, bus fees cost SGD 2,000 to 5,000 annually. If your child requires EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, expect an additional charge of SGD 5,000 to 7,000 per year.

SKIS: An Alternative for Korean Parents

The Singapore Korean International School (SKIS) is an excellent option authorized by the Korean Ministry of Education. It offers a Korean curriculum stream and an International stream (taught in English with AP courses).

• Reasonable Fees: Annual tuition is roughly SGD 13,000 to 25,000, making it much more economical than other international schools.
• Cultural Identity: It is ideal for families planning to return to Korea or those who want their children to maintain Korean language and history proficiency.

Essential Practical Tips

Here are some real-world tips based on my experience of schooling children in Singapore:

• Watch out for the Tax Bomb: If your company covers 100% of the school fees, don't celebrate just yet. Under Singapore tax law, school fee support is considered a 'Benefit-in-kind' and is added to your taxable income. If the school fee is SGD 50,000, your personal income tax could increase by thousands of dollars at the end of the year. Set aside savings for this tax bill.
• Waitlist Strategy: Popular Tier 1 schools often have waitlists longer than a year. It is safer to apply to at least two schools—one 'dream' school and one 'safety' school—even if it means paying multiple application fees.
• Check for Corporate Seats: Ask your HR department if your company holds 'Corporate Seats' at schools like SAS or UWCSEA. These can act as a 'magic ticket' to bypass long waitlists for priority admission.

References

• Committee for Private Education (CPE)
• UWCSEA Official Fee Schedule 2025/26
• Singapore American School Tuition & Fees
• Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) - Taxable Benefits

Exchange rate used: 1 SGD ≈ 1,138 KRW (as of Jan 31, 2026)