Education is the passport to the future”. In Singapore, national primary school education is compulsory for all Singapore Citizens born after 1 January 1996 and living in Singapore. We believe that education is essential for the development of individuals and for the progress of the country as a whole. The Singapore government has made significant investments in education to ensure that everyone in Singapore has access to quality education that equips them with the skills and knowledge, regardless of their socio-economic background. Education in Singapore consists of compulsory education, private education, and international schools.
Compulsory Education: Primary and Secondary Levels
Compulsory education is provided by the government and is free or heavily subsidised for all Singaporean citizens. Under the Compulsory Education Act, Compulsory education in Singapore consists of six years of primary school education, followed by four to five years of secondary school education. After completing secondary school, students can choose to continue their education in junior colleges, polytechnics, or other institutes of higher learning. Parents who fail to ensure that their children attend school may face fines or other penalties.
However, the government also provides the Ministry of Education (MOE)’s Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) and other support to students from low-income families. The FAS is a program available to students in primary and secondary levels. Eligible students receive subsidies for school fees, textbooks, uniforms, transport, and meals. The level of assistance provided is determined based on the family’s gross household income and the number of dependents in the family. The Singapore government ensures that education is accessible and affordable for all Singaporeans, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Primary School Fees in Singapore
Primary school in Singapore is the first stage of formal education and requires all Singaporean children to attend for six years, starting from the age of 7 to the age of 12.
| Residency Status | Monthly Fee | Total Cost for 6 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen | S$6.50 – S$13 | S$468 – S$936 |
| Permanent Resident | S$255 – S$268 | S$18,360 – S$19,296 |
| International (ASEAN) | S$520 – S$533 | S$37,440 – S$38,376 |
| International (non-ASEAN) | S$885 – S$898 | S$63,720 – S$64,656 |
*Fees above are updated as of March 2023 with reference to MOE official website: https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees
Secondary School Fees in Singapore
After pursuing the primary level education, students must attend secondary school for another four to five years, depending on the type of course they choose. In Singapore, secondary school fees Singapore are heavily subsidized by the government to ensure that fees are kept reasonable and affordable for all families.
| Residency Status | Monthly Fee | Total Cost for 4 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen | S$6.50 – S$13 | S$468 – S$936 |
| Permanent Resident | S$255 – S$268 | S$18,360 – S$19,296 |
| International (ASEAN) | S$520 – S$533 | S$37,440 – S$38,376 |
| International (non-ASEAN) | S$885 – S$898 | S$63,720 – S$64,656 |
*Fees above are updated as of March 2023 with reference to MOE official website: https://www.moe.gov.sg/financial-matters/fees
Over the years, the Singapore MOE government has been fine-tuning the education system. Instead of overly emphasising academic results and peer competition, Singapore education’s dynamic has shifted to focusing on progressive learning and helping the students discover and develop their strengths and interests through the current AL scoring system. Considering the secondary school cut-off point, parents of primary 6 pupils can utilise the useful PSLE Score Calculator to find out the most appropriate Secondary school course their children would be eligible for.
The exact secondary school fees in Singapore vary between schools, but the Ministry of Education (MOE) sets guidelines to ensure that fees are kept reasonable and affordable for all families.
For Singapore citizens, secondary school fees range from S$5 to S$25 per month, depending on the level of the school. The fees cover the cost of textbooks, stationery, and other basic school materials. Similar to primary school education, there may be additional fees for certain activities or programs, such as school trips or after-school care.
For permanent residents and international students in Singapore, they have to pay higher secondary school fees than Singapore citizens. Permanent residents also pay a tuition fee that is twice the amount of what citizens pay, while international students pay a higher fee that is generally several times the amount paid by Singapore citizens.
Private Education: Primary and Secondary Tuition
Private education, on the other hand, is provided by private schools conducting education programs such as tuition and enrichment. These private institutions are usually registered with MOE to offer tuition and enrichment classes. This includes providing a comprehensive curriculum, qualified and experienced teachers, and appropriate facilities and resources to support students’ learning.
WR!TERS@WORK is a chain of enrichment centres that offers primary and secondary school tuition in Singapore including Primary English Tuition and Secondary English Tuition. We empower children with confidence to excel in school and beyond through providing a structured curriculum designed according to the Nation and Macalister’s Language Curriculum Design framework and lessons delivered by trained teachers. WR!TERS@WORK English and writing courses can effectively enhance students’ academic performance and develop their English language skills in areas such as reading comprehension, oral communication and writing.
Secondary School Tuition in Singapore
Secondary school students can opt for secondary school tuition classes outside of school to supplement their learning. Let us take a look at the cost of secondary school tuition in Singapore’s leading tuition centres.
On average, secondary school tuition fees for secondary school students can range from S$60 to S$150 per hour. However, some tuition and enrichment centres may offer discounts for long-term commitments or group tuition sessions. For example, WR!TERS@WORK provides competitive Primary English Tuition in Singapore and Secondary English Tuition in Singapore in contrast to other tuition and enrichment centres in the market. WR!TERS@WORK also provides trial lessons, waiver of registration fees and referral discounts for students and parents who sign up for their courses.
Cheapest International School in Singapore
Singapore is well-known for its high-quality education system, and international education is no exception. The cost of international schools in Singapore can vary widely, and finding the cheapest international school in Singapore may depend on factors such as the level of education, location, and facilities provided. Some of the cheapest international schools in Singapore include:
- Invictus International School: This school offers affordable international education for children from preschool to secondary level. The fees are in the range of S$16,000 to S$23,000 per year, depending on the level of education.
- EtonHouse International School: With multiple locations in Singapore, EtonHouse International School offers affordable education for children from playgroup to secondary level. The fees range from S$15,000 to S$28,000 per year, depending on the level of education.
- Global Indian International School: This school offers an affordable international education for children from preschool to secondary level. The fees range from S$10,000 to S$22,000 per year, depending on the level of education.
It is important to note that while these schools may be the cheapest international schools in Singapore, families should carefully consider their budget and their child’s educational needs before enrolling in any school. Additionally, families may also want to consider schools that offer financial assistance or scholarships to make international education more accessible.
Affordable English Tuition in Singapore: Primary and Secondary Tuition with WR!TERS@WORK
Looking for affordable English tuition for your child in Singapore? Look no further than WR!TERS@WORK! With a focus on supplementing your child’s learning with engaging and effective teaching methods, their Primary English Tuition in Singapore and Secondary English Tuition in Singapore programs are customized to fit the academic needs of your child.
With centers located in eight different locations throughout Singapore, WR!TERS@WORK makes it easy for students and parents to find a class schedule and location that works. Whether seeking to improve grades or simply provide additional opportunities for academic growth, their team of experienced and trained educators will guide your child towards greater success and confidence in the classroom.
Interested in learning more? Contact WR!TERS@WORK today to discuss their range of programs, and help your child unlock their true potential through the power of English tuition.
