IB vs AP: Choosing the Best International School in Singapore

Quick Overview

Singapore's IB average is 35.43, significantly higher than the global average of 30.58.

IB is often preferred for Korean university early admissions, while AP is advantageous for STEM tracks or US-bound students.

Annual tuition fees range from SGD 15,000 (approx. KRW 17.19M) to over SGD 50,000 (approx. KRW 57.30M).

For parents moving to Singapore, choosing an international school curriculum is often the first major challenge. The systems are quite different from Korea, and understanding the nuances between IB and AP can be overwhelming. Your choice will depend heavily on whether your child plans to return to Korea for university or head overseas. Based on 2026 data, here is a detailed comparison of the three core curricula in Singapore.

IB vs IGCSE vs AP: Which is the Right Fit?

The most common curricula in Singapore international schools are IB, IGCSE, and AP. Each differs in educational philosophy and assessment methods.

Category	IB (International Baccalaureate)	IGCSE (Cambridge/Edexcel)	AP (Advanced Placement)
Philosophy	Holistic, inquiry-based, global mindset	Subject-specific foundational skills	College-level advanced learning
Key Features	6 subject groups + EE, CAS	5–10 elective subjects	Choice of 38+ subjects
Recommended Age	3–19 years (DP: 16–19)	14–16 years (Grades 9–10)	14–18 years (Grades 9–12)
Assessment	Internal assessment + Final exams	Primarily external exams	External exams (1–5 scale)

IB (Diploma Programme): Singapore is a global powerhouse in IB. As of May 2025, the national average score was 35.43, far exceeding the global average of 30.58. While it demands high levels of critical thinking and writing, it is highly regarded in Korea’s "Comprehensive Student Record" (Susi) admissions process.
IGCSE: This is the secondary stage of the British curriculum, typically taken in Grades 9–10 before moving on to IB DP or A-Levels. It provides a solid foundation and is used by many British schools like Tanglin Trust and Dulwich College.
AP: This allows students to earn US college credits early. It is ideal for students with strengths in specific subjects like Math or Science. For those targeting STEM programs in Korea, high scores in subjects like Calculus BC or Physics C are excellent ways to prove academic rigor.

2025-2026 Tuition Fees and Hidden Costs

With the rising cost of living in Singapore, international school fees have increased by approximately 2–5% for the 2025-2026 season. It is important to shortlist schools based on your budget.

Budget Tier: SGD 15,000 – 22,000 (approx. KRW 17.19M – 25.21M). Schools like Invictus, Middleton, and OWIS focus on educational essentials with more modest facilities.
Mid-tier: SGD 25,000 – 38,000 (approx. KRW 28.65M – 43.55M). This includes GESS and Canadian International School (CIS), offering diverse extracurriculars and balanced facilities.
Premium Tier: SGD 38,000 – 50,000+ (approx. KRW 43.55M – 57.30M+). Schools like Tanglin Trust, UWCSEA, SAS, and Dulwich College. These schools have long waiting lists but offer world-class facilities and top-tier university placement results.

Beyond tuition, remember to budget for application fees (SGD 2,000 – 5,000), facility fees (SGD 1,000 – 6,000/year), and school bus fees (SGD 2,000 – 5,000/year).

Mother Tongue Programs for Korean Students

Many parents worry about their child's Korean proficiency declining. Several schools in Singapore offer Mother Tongue programs to support Korean students:

Overseas Family School (OFS): Provides free Korean mother tongue classes during regular school hours from Pre-K2 to Grade 8. This is popular for families wanting to keep up with the Korean curriculum.
Stamford American (SAIS): Offers IB Korean Literature for Grades 6–12, helping students maintain high-level academic Korean.
UWCSEA (East & Dover): Allows students to choose Korean as a 'First Language' option within the regular timetable.
Chatsworth International School: Supports Korean as a School-Supported Self-Taught (SSST) subject for the IB Diploma.

Essential Tips Before Enrollment

Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when preparing for admission:

Check Vaccination Records: Children under 12 must have their vaccinations (Tetanus, Measles, etc.) certified by the Singapore Health Promotion Board (HPB) before a Student Pass can be issued. Start the translation and notarization process early.
Aim for the IB Bilingual Diploma: Taking both English and Korean as 'Language A' (native level) earns a Bilingual Diploma, which is a significant competitive advantage for both Korean and global university admissions.
Waitlist Strategy: Popular schools like SAS or UWCSEA can have waitlists of 12–18 months. Many parents enroll their children in a 'mid-tier' school first and then transfer once a spot opens up at their preferred school.
Timing Your Application: Most schools start their academic year in August. To secure a spot, it is safest to complete your application by late the previous year or early in the current year.