Finding the right school for your child is one of the most important, and often most stressful, decisions expat families make when moving to Singapore. Among the many curriculum options, the International Baccalaureate (IB) has emerged as a favourite for globally mobile families. It offers not only a rigorous and holistic academic foundation but also the assurance of continuity across international borders.
This guide takes a deep dive into some of Singapore’s top IB schools, helping you make an informed decision that fits both your child’s needs and your family’s long-term plans.
Why IB, and why Singapore?
The IB’s appeal lies in its consistency and global recognition. For expat families who move frequently, the ability to transfer smoothly from one IB school to another is a huge advantage. Singapore’s IB ecosystem is especially attractive: In 2023, its students achieved an average score of 35.05 on the IB Diploma; well above the global average. Once again in 2024, Singapore IB schools achieved an average of 38.4 on the November IB Diploma exams, higher than the global average of 29.2.
Whether you’re here for a few years or planning a long-term stay, the schools below offer a mix of tradition, innovation, and global curriculum that define world-class IB education.
Please note: Fee details mentioned below are subject to change as per the institution’s rules.
Table of Contents
- Canadian International School (CIS)
- Dulwich College (Singapore)
- Stamford American International School (SAIS)
- Tanglin Trust School (TTS)
- Chatsworth International School
- XCL World Academy
- One World International School (OWIS Nanyang)
- Global Indian International School (GIIS SMART Campus)
- What to know when enrolling in a Singapore IB School
Canadian International School (CIS)
Ages: 2–18
IB programmes: PYP, MYP, DP
Annual tuition fees (not including other costs): S$20,010–$51,550. For additional fees for support classes please check this page.
Website: cis.edu.sg
Location: 7 Jurong West Street 41
Established in 1989, CIS is one of Singapore’s most established IB schools. It offers the full IB continuum including Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), on its spacious 43,000-square-metre Lakeside campus.
The school serves students from Nursery through Grade 12 and is known for its strong bilingual programmes in both Chinese-English and French-English, which begin as early as Kindergarten. With a student body representing over 80 nationalities, CIS fosters a genuinely international atmosphere.
What sets CIS apart is its commitment to experiential, interdisciplinary learning. The school integrates programmes like STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) and “Open Minds,” which take students out of the classroom and into real-world environments. Facilities include an Olympic-sized pool, performing arts spaces, maker labs, and a two-storey library.
The school’s graduates pursue higher education across the globe, with a strong showing in universities across Asia, Europe, and North America. For expat parents looking for a balanced, globally oriented education with strong academic outcomes and bilingual fluency, CIS is an excellent contender.
As per the website, the fees for the current academic year are:
Dulwich College (Singapore)
Ages: 2–18
IB programmes: IBDP, IBCP
Annual tuition fees (not including other costs): S$20,010–$561,550. For more details please check out their factsheet.
Website: singapore.dulwich.org
Location: 71 Bukit Batok West Ave. 8
Drawing on 400 years of British educational heritage, Dulwich College offers a highly selective academic environment tailored to students aged 2 to 18. Its curriculum combines the IGCSE in the early secondary years with a choice between the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) for the final two years. Dulwich is one of only two schools in Singapore currently offering the IBCP, making it a strong option for students with clear vocational or applied interests.
Beyond academics, Dulwich is renowned for its sports and co-curricular offerings. Students regularly compete in regional and international tournaments through networks such as FOBISIA and ACSIS. The school also hosts its own Dulwich Games and Olympiad, reinforcing its commitment to holistic development.
High-performing athletes benefit from a dedicated support programme that addresses not just physical performance, but cognitive, technical, and lifestyle development. The school’s values (Determined, Courageous, Skilful, and Gracious) are embedded in daily life, and its reputation for excellence in both academics and character-building makes it particularly appealing to families coming from the UK or seeking a strong British ethos combined with global opportunities.
The website mentions the below fee structure for the ongoing academic year:
Stamford American International School (SAIS)
Ages: 18 months–18 years
IB programmes: PYP, MYP, DP
Other pathways: AP, BTEC
Annual tuition fees (not including other costs): SGD $29,820–$54,210
Website: sais.edu.sg
Location: Early Learning Village (Chuan Lane) & Elementary/Secondary Campus (1 Woodleigh Lane)
Stamford American is a highly sought-after school, perhaps because it offers the most flexible curriculum in Singapore. Students from 18 months to 18 years can pursue the full IB continuum, or choose from other recognised qualifications such as the Advanced Placement (AP) Diploma or the BTEC Diploma.
The school runs its IB programmes alongside American curriculum standards, offering students both IB and U.S. high school diploma options.
SAIS is also highly inclusive, with strong support for English as an Additional Language (EAL), bilingual tracks in Chinese-English and Spanish-English, and dedicated programmes for learning differences.
Its Woodleigh and Early Learning Village campuses are linked and equipped with cutting-edge facilities: a 500-seat theatre with full production capabilities, 3D printing labs, swimming pools, rooftop tennis courts, and dance studios. The school fields over 100 competitive sports teams and offers robust music and arts programs.
Current fee structure as per their website:
Tanglin Trust School (TTS)
Ages: 3–18
IB Programmes: IBDP
Other pathway: A-Level
Annual tuition fees (not including other costs): SGD $33,330–$53,505
Website: tts.edu.sg
Location: 95 Portsdown Rd
Founded in 1925, Tanglin Trust is the oldest British international school in Singapore. It is also the only one offering both the IB Diploma and A-Level pathways in its Sixth Form, giving students the freedom to choose the qualification that best fits their learning style and university aspirations. As a non-profit school, Tanglin reinvests resources into maintaining exceptional teaching standards and continuously upgrading its facilities.
The school’s campus reflects this investment: the recently completed Centenary Building includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, specialist music rooms, fitness centres, and creative arts spaces. Tanglin offers a full slate of co-curricular activities, from sports and drama to service learning and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The school emphasises early years innovation. Its Infant School is the first in Asia to be accredited under the Curiosity Approach®. Families drawn to a traditional, high-performing British curriculum but who also value international recognition and holistic development often find Tanglin to be a strong fit.
The fee structure for TTS is:
Chatsworth International School
Ages: 3–18
IB programmes: PYP, MYP, DP
Annual tuition fees (not including other costs): SGD $30,250–$41,100
Website: chatsworth.com.sg
Location: 72 Bukit Tinggi Rd
Chatsworth has built a reputation as one of Singapore’s most accessible IB schools, offering high-quality education at a more affordable price point. Situated in a lush rainforest setting in Bukit Timah, the school delivers the full IB continuum in a warm, community-focused environment.
With small class sizes, a diverse student and staff population, and a strong pastoral care system, Chatsworth is especially well-suited for students who thrive in close-knit, personalised settings. The school offers over 40 co-curricular activities and emphasises student leadership, service learning, and creative arts.
It also provides full scholarships for its two-year IB Diploma Programme which can significantly ease the financial burden for high-achieving students. Chatsworth proves that IB excellence doesn’t have to come at the highest cost, making it an attractive choice for families prioritising value without compromising on academic rigour.
The fee structure for the school is:
XCL World Academy
Ages: 3–18
IB programmes: PYP, MYP, DP, IBCP
Annual tuition fees (not including other costs): SGD $29,000–$50,380
Website: xwa.edu.sg
Location: 2 Yishun Street 42
XCL World Academy positions itself as a school for the future. With a focus on “future-proofing” students, the school incorporates Artificial Intelligence and bilingual literacy into its IB curriculum. It offers the full continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), as well as the IBCP, and caters to students aged 3 to 18. A standout feature is its advanced bilingual Chinese-English programme for early years, which is team-taught by native speakers.
XCL is also the only school in Singapore with a dedicated AI course for Grade 6 students, developed in partnership with tech industry leaders. Its 5-hectare campus, designed by the architects behind Gardens by the Bay, is award-winning for sustainability and design.
Students benefit from a 750-seat auditorium, Olympic-sized pool, innovation suites, climbing walls, and a strong emphasis on safety and well-being. While some reviews note its premium price point, XCL appeals to families seeking innovation, tech integration, and a future-focused global education.
Here’s the fee breakdown as per their website:
One World International School (OWIS Nanyang)
Ages: 3–18
IB programmes: PYP (MYP/DP available at other OWIS campuses)
Annual tuition fees (not including other costs): SGD $21,034–$24,183
Website: owis.org
Location: 21 Jurong West Street 81
One World International School (OWIS) at Nanyang has carved out a reputation as one of Singapore’s most affordable IB options, without compromising on quality. The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 11, with pathways to continue MYP and DP at other OWIS campuses.
True to its name, OWIS fosters a globally minded community with students from over 70 nationalities and a strong emphasis on inclusion, kindness, and respect. The learning environment is inquiry-based and collaborative, encouraging students to explore big ideas through hands-on, real-world experiences.
OWIS stands out for its small class sizes, focus on personalised learning, and its seamless blend of Eastern and Western teaching philosophies. The school is tech-forward and environmentally conscious, promoting sustainability alongside academics.
While it may not boast the same scale of facilities as some premium schools, its values-driven model, multicultural ethos, and competitive pricing make it a smart pick for families seeking meaningful IB education at a manageable cost.
OWIS Nanyang offers the following fee structure:
Global Indian International School (GIIS SMART Campus)
Ages: 3–18
IB programmes: PYP, DP, Cambridge Lower Secondary programme,
Annual tuition fees (not including other costs): Fees vary according to the programme and grade. Please check their fees page for all details.
Website: giis.net
Location: 27 Punggol Field Walk
GIIS SMART Campus is a tech-integrated international school offering the IB Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme, along with Indian and international curricula such as CBSE and Cambridge IGCSE.
Located in Punggol, the SMART Campus lives up to its name with next-generation facilities including facial recognition, digital lockers, smart boards, and virtual classrooms designed to foster 21st-century skills.
GIIS is particularly attractive to Indian expat families but welcomes a diverse student population from over 40 countries. Beyond technology, the school promotes holistic development through innovation-focused programmes, leadership training, and extensive co-curriculars ranging from performing arts to entrepreneurship.
With some of the most competitive fees among IB schools in Singapore, GIIS presents a compelling option for families looking for affordability, cutting-edge learning tools, and strong university prep.
What to know when enrolling in a Singapore IB School
Enrolling your child in an IB school in Singapore involves more than just submitting an application form. Between regulatory requirements, curriculum transitions, and varying school policies, it’s important for expat families to understand the key steps and expectations ahead of time; especially if you’re arriving from overseas.
Rolling admissions: First, know that many international schools operate on a rolling admissions basis, which means they accept applications year-round, subject to seat availability. However, spots in popular grades or programmes (especially the IB Diploma) can fill up quickly. If you’re relocating mid-year or planning ahead, it’s wise to start conversations with admissions teams 6 to 12 months in advance.
Language assessment: If your child is not a native English speaker or hasn’t studied in an English-medium school, most institutions will require a language assessment during the application process. These typically evaluate reading, writing, and verbal comprehension, ensuring the student will be able to engage with the curriculum. Some schools also conduct academic placement tests or interviews, particularly for older students entering MYP or DP levels.
Ministry of Education (MOE) approval for SGP citizens: MOE approval is another crucial step for Singaporean citizens (including those with dual citizenship). By law, local citizens are required to attend government schools unless they receive special exemption to enrol in an international institution. This process can take time, and it must be initiated before finalising your child’s enrolment.
Documents: Parents should also be prepared for additional documentation requirements, including copies of birth certificates, passports, immunisation records (diphtheria and measles are mandatory), previous school reports, and sometimes letters of recommendation. For secondary students, transcripts and reference contacts for teachers are often required.
Budgeting: When budgeting, it’s important to consider more than just annual tuition. Most IB schools charge non-refundable application and enrolment fees, along with annual development or technology levies. Some may apply separate charges for English language support or special learning needs services. Fortunately, many schools offer sibling discounts, payment plans, or corporate sponsorship arrangements to ease the financial load.
School open house tours: Don’t underestimate the value of a school tour or open house. Visiting the campus can help you get a feel for the culture, meet faculty members, and ask the kinds of real-world questions that help you decide if the school’s philosophy aligns with your own. Several schools also assign admissions liaisons to support international families through visa documentation and relocation transitions, so take advantage of those resources.
We hope you find this guide helpful in your school search! Enrolling in an IB school in Singapore is a multi-step process, but one that becomes smoother when you plan ahead, ask the right questions, and understand the local context.
By being proactive, you can ensure that your child’s entry into their new learning environment is seamless, secure, and inspiring from day one.
-1
2
2
1
1
4
3
-1
-1
0
-1
-1
-1
2
2
About 99.co
We are a property search engine with the overarching goal of building a more transparent and efficient property market. We are working towards that future by empowering people with the tools and information needed to find a place to live in the best way possible.
Looking to sell your property?
Whether your HDB apartment is reaching the end of its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) or your condo has crossed its Seller Stamp Duty (SSD) window, it is always good to know how much you can potentially gain if you were to list and sell your property. Not only that, you’ll also need to know whether your gains would allow you to right-size to the dream home in the neighbourhood you and your family have been eyeing.
One easy way is to send us a request for a credible and trusted property consultant to reach out to you.
Alternatively, you can jump onto 99.co’s Property Value Tool to get an estimate for free.
If you’re looking for your dream home, be it as a first-time or seasoned homebuyer or seller – say, to upgrade or right-size – you will find it on Singapore’s fastest-growing property portal 99.co.
Meanwhile, if you have an interesting property-related story to share with us, drop us a message here — and we’ll review it and get back to you.
Join our social media communities!
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Telegram | YouTube | Twitter
Leave a comment