[Education] Top 3 Local International Schools in Singapore

At a Glance

• Local international schools in Singapore are managed under the MOE, maintaining a 50% local student quota and starting their academic year in January.
• ACS, SJI, and HCI offer more reasonable tuition fees than typical international schools while consistently achieving top-tier IB results.
• Entrance exams (English, Math) and interviews are mandatory, with the mathematics component known for its high level of difficulty.

Moving to Singapore often means losing sleep over choosing the right school for your children. While famous international schools like SAS or UWC are excellent, there is growing interest in 'Local International Schools'—specifically ACS, SJI, and HCI. These schools are highly popular among parents because they combine the rigorous curriculum of Singapore’s public education system with the autonomy of an international school. Let’s take a closer look at these three institutions.

Why are Local International Schools so popular?

Singapore has a unique system of 'Local International Schools.' Licensed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), they differ from standard international schools in several key ways:

• Academic Calendar: Unlike most international schools that start in August, these schools follow the local calendar, starting in January. This is a huge advantage for families moving from countries where the school year ends in December, as it eliminates any academic gaps.
• Student Composition: By law, at least 50% of the student body must be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs). This allows international students to integrate deeply with local peers and naturally immerse themselves in Singaporean culture.
• Academic Environment: By blending the disciplined academic management of local schools with the IB curriculum, these schools maintain high study volumes and produce exceptional university placement results.

School Profiles: ACS vs SJI vs HCI

While all three are prestigious, each has a distinct atmosphere and set of strengths. Consider which environment best suits your child's personality.

• ACS (International): Carrying the tradition of the prestigious Anglo-Chinese School family, this school emphasizes holistic education and Christian values. It is known for strong leadership programs, active sports, and a powerful alumni network known as the 'ACS Spirit.' The 2025 IB average was an impressive 38.4 points.
• SJI International: A Catholic foundation school that places high value on character building and service learning. Known as one of the most competitive for admissions, it aims for a well-balanced education with extremely high academic standards. It recorded a standout IB average of 39.0 points in 2025.
• Hwa Chong International (HCIS): Reflecting its Hwa Chong heritage, the school maintains Chinese traditions and values, often resulting in a more disciplined environment. Its Math and Science curricula are particularly robust, making it a favorite for students aiming for STEM fields. In 2025, it achieved an IB average of 37.9, with over 45% of students scoring 40 points or higher.

Tuition and Performance Comparison

Here is a summary of tuition fees and academic performance (Based on 2025-2026 data).

Note: One-time fees also apply. ACS requires a registration fee of SGD 3,270; SJI has an admission fee of SGD 3,815; and HCI has an acceptance fee of SGD 5,450. All three schools require a separate deposit of approximately SGD 6,000.

Practical Admission Tips for Parents

Admission to these schools is not guaranteed by tuition alone; the entrance exams are quite challenging.

• Watch the Math Difficulty: Since the exams are based on the local curriculum, the Math section is very difficult. Even students who excel in Math elsewhere may struggle with Singapore-style word problems. It is wise to practice with past papers beforehand.
• English Interview: Beyond just language proficiency, schools look at a child’s values, hobbies, and community service experience. They prioritize the 'fit' between the school’s philosophy and the student’s personality.
• Admission Timeline: Exams usually begin in April or May of the year preceding entry. Popular schools like SJI may close applications early, so check school websites at least a year in advance.
• Science Exams: For those entering higher grades (Year 4 and above), schools like HCI may require additional Physics or Chemistry exams. Always verify the specific requirements for your target grade.

Essential Pro-Tips

• Boarding Facilities: All three schools offer excellent boarding facilities. This is a great option for 'split families' where one parent remains in their home country.
• Local vs. Local International: Pure local schools like 'ACS Independent' or 'Hwa Chong Institution' are extremely difficult for foreigners to enter. Ensure you are applying to the schools with 'International' in their name.
• Math Prep: While leveraging your child's existing math strengths, focus on learning mathematical terminology in English and practicing the Singaporean step-by-step problem-solving method for 3–6 months before the exam to significantly increase the chances of admission.

References

• ACS (International) Official Website
• SJI International Admissions
• Hwa Chong International School (HCIS)
• MOE Singapore: Local International Schools Guide

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