[Education] TTS vs. UWCSEA: A Guide to Singapore's Top Schools

At a Glance

• Curriculum Differences: TTS offers a choice between A-Level and IB, while UWCSEA is IB-focused throughout.
• Admission Difficulty: Both are highly competitive; parental English proficiency and waitlist management are key.
• Cost Level: Annual tuition ranges from approx. KRW 40M to 60M (excluding levies and registration fees).

Moving to Singapore often means losing sleep over school choices. Many parents find themselves torn between the "pride of British education," Tanglin Trust School (TTS), and the "cradle of global leaders," UWCSEA. While both are top-tier international schools, their educational philosophies and operations differ significantly. Based on my research and on-the-ground experience, here is a detailed comparison.

Curriculum and Philosophy: A-Level vs. IB

The biggest differentiator is the pathway for senior years. Your choice may depend on your child's academic style and university goals.

• Tanglin Trust School (TTS): The only school in Singapore offering a dual pathway at age 16, where students choose between A-Levels and the IB Diploma. A-Levels may suit students with specific subject strengths, while IB favors those with well-rounded talents. It maintains a strong British heritage with a well-developed 'House' system.
• UWCSEA (Dover & East): This school represents the essence of IB education from start to finish. It focuses on 'holistic education' built on five pillars: academics, service, outdoor education, personal and social education. It is an ideal environment for fostering global citizenship through interaction with a diverse student body.

Estimated Fees for the 2025-2026 Academic Year

International school fees in Singapore tend to increase annually. Here is a summary of the major costs for the 2025/26 academic year (based on an exchange rate of 1,138 KRW/SGD).

As shown, TTS tuition is slightly higher in the senior years. However, keep in mind that UWCSEA’s Development Levy for the first year is relatively high.

Admissions and English Proficiency: Preparation for Parents

Both schools apply strict standards for non-native English speakers. There are a few points that often surprise Korean parents:

• TTS Parental English Requirement: Uniquely, TTS requires at least one parent to be fluent in English to ensure smooth communication with the school. Even if a child is qualified, difficulties during the parent interview can affect admission.
• EAL (English as an Additional Language): Neither school offers beginner-level EAL. For UWCSEA, applicants for Grade 1 and above usually need 1–3 years of experience in an English-speaking school. Your child needs to be well-prepared before applying.
• Waitlists: Due to high demand, a 1–2 year wait is common. To bypass this, TTS offers a Guaranteed Placement Rights (GPR) scheme, which secures a spot for a donation of approximately SGD 165,000 (approx. ₩187.77M).

Campus Atmosphere and Location

• TTS (One-north): Located on Portsdown Road, it features a cozy, tight-knit British community feel. The facilities are modern yet retain a classic charm.
• UWCSEA Dover: The oldest campus, located in the west, is large and organic. Its nature-friendly environment makes it feel like a school in a forest.
• UWCSEA East (Tampines): A modern 'vertical' campus in the east. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and sustainable architecture, it offers a sleeker feel than the Dover campus.

Essential Practical Tips

• Prepare Vaccination Certificates Early: HPB (Health Promotion Board) verification is mandatory for Student Passes (STP) or Dependant's Passes (DP). Measles and Diphtheria records are critical; since approval takes 3–4 weeks, apply even before receiving a school offer.
• Respect Application Windows: Both schools open applications in September for the following August intake. Popular grades fill up instantly, so be ready to apply the moment the portal opens on September 1st.
• Leverage Sibling Priority: If you have more than one child, apply for them simultaneously. If one child is admitted, the siblings receive significant priority on the waitlist.
• Considering Korean Universities: If you plan to apply for special admission to Korean universities, IB scores are highly valued. While TTS’s A-Levels are recognized, IB generally has higher global and domestic recognition for these pathways.

References

• Tanglin Trust School Official Fee Guide
• UWCSEA Admissions & Fees Portal
• ICA Student Pass Regulations
• HPB Vaccination Requirements

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