[Education] Singapore Korean International School (SKIS) Guide

At a Glance

• Korean Curriculum: The safest choice for students planning to apply to Korean universities.
• March Academic Cycle: Aligned with the Korean school year, allowing for a seamless transfer without gaps.
• Cost-Effective Tuition: Competitive fees compared to other international schools, with significant sibling discounts.

When relocating to Singapore, the biggest concern for parents is always their child's education. Many worry about their children falling behind the Korean curriculum while wanting them to learn English. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the Singapore Korean International School (SKIS), a perfect solution that bridges both worlds.

The Best of Both Worlds: SKIS Dual-Track Curriculum

SKIS is more than just a school that uses Korean textbooks. Its greatest strength lies in its 'dual-track' system, which builds a solid foundation in the Korean curriculum while integrating Singapore’s global environment. The focus shifts slightly depending on the age group:

• Kindergarten (Nursery–K2): Based on Korea’s Nuri curriculum, it combines English immersion activities with local Singaporean cultural experiences to help children naturally become bilingual.
• Elementary & Middle School (G1–G9): While maintaining core Korean subjects like Korean Language, Social Studies, and History, the school places a high emphasis on English and Chinese. This is popular among parents who want their children to be ready for both a return to Korea and future global opportunities.
• High School (G10–G12): Students can choose between two paths based on their university goals. The 'Korean University Track' targets early admissions and special admission for overseas Koreans, while the 'International Track' prepares students for top universities in the US, UK, and Singapore through GAC (Global Assessment Certificate) and AP courses.

2025 Estimated Tuition and Scholarships

Compared to other international schools in Singapore that often exceed SGD 40,000–50,000 per year, SKIS offers high-quality education at a very reasonable price. Here is the estimated annual tuition for 2025:

Sibling benefits make it even more affordable. The second child receives a 50% discount on the admission fee, and for the third child, the admission fee is waived entirely, plus a 50% discount on tuition. For families with multiple children, this is one of the most economical choices in Singapore.

3 Essentials Before Admission (Vaccines, Visa, Timing)

If you’ve decided on SKIS, start preparing your documents early, as Singapore is known for its strict quarantine and visa regulations.

• HPB Vaccine Verification: Children aged 12 and under must have their Diphtheria and Measles vaccination records verified by the Singapore Health Promotion Board (HPB) before enrollment. This process takes at least two months, so it’s best to prepare the documents in Korea.
• March Start Date: While most international schools in Singapore start in August, SKIS begins in March, just like in Korea. This is perfect for students transferring right after finishing a grade in Korea. Semester 1 runs from March to July, and Semester 2 from August to January.
• Visa Status: Students with a Dependant’s Pass (DP) or LTVP are fine. Otherwise, you must apply for a Student’s Pass through the school. The ICA approval process usually takes 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.

Insider Tips for Life at SKIS

Located in the quiet, lush greenery of Bukit Timah (Bukit Tinggi Road), the school environment is very pleasant. However, your commuting strategy is key:

• Choosing a Place to Live: While school buses cover major residential areas like Orchard, Bukit Timah, and East Coast, condos near 'Beauty World' or 'Sixth Avenue' are recommended to minimize travel time.
• The Joy of School Meals: SKIS is famous for its delicious Korean-style cafeteria food. Knowing their children can enjoy warm, familiar meals even abroad provides great comfort to parents.
• Saturday Korean School: Even if your child attends a local or other international school, they can maintain their Korean language skills through the SKIS Saturday Korean School. It’s very popular and may have a waiting list, so check early.

Starting a new chapter in Singapore is much easier once the school is settled. For parents who want their children to maintain their Korean identity while growing into global leaders, SKIS is a truly compelling choice.

References

• SKIS Official Website
• msmc.global
• whichschooladvisor.com
• Exchange rate: 1 SGD ≈ 1,138 KRW (As of Jan 31, 2026)