British style or IB? How to find the best education for your child in Singapore’s Northeast district.

Singapore’s appeal as a study abroad destination: Global education programs

Singapore is a popular study abroad destination in Asia, boasting world-class educational standards and safety. Singapore’s official languages ​​are Malay, Tamil, English, and Chinese, with Chinese and English being particularly widely spoken throughout the city.

Singapore is a multi-ethnic nation, with over 70% of its population being of Chinese descent, followed by large numbers of Malay and Indian people. It is one of the countries where diverse races and ethnicities blend together. As a multi-ethnic nation, it is particularly focused on economic development and strengthening and improving technology within Asia.

In terms of education, Singapore attracts attention from all over the world, and its global education programs, which combine high-quality education with multicultural coexistence, are particularly popular. Many international schools offer an internationally recognized education centered on English, such as the British system or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Furthermore, as a multi-ethnic nation, Singapore allows students to naturally develop an understanding of other cultures’ ways of thinking and values ​​while learning English in a multilingual environment.

With its excellent educational environment and extremely low crime rate, Singapore is a popular study destination for international students from all over the world, especially at the high school and university levels. Partnership programs with prestigious European universities and exchange programs with the internationally renowned National University of Singapore (NUS) are also popular, and Singapore consistently ranks highly in global rankings.

Compared to Japan: Are the cost of living and safety higher?

The cost of living in Singapore tends to be considerably higher than in Japan. Prices are high, and even in areas with relatively low housing costs, such as rent, it still costs around 300,000 yen. Compared to Japan, the cost of living is about 1.5 to 2 times higher. As for food costs, you can reduce living expenses by using inexpensive food courts and cooking at home more often instead of eating out.

On the other hand, Singapore is also known as a safe and easy country to live in. In the 2024 Global Peace Index, it ranked 5th in the world, and security cameras are installed everywhere in the city, and laws against littering are strict.

However, as a precaution against crime, it is necessary to manage your valuables and pay attention to your surroundings. Also, be careful of petty crimes that tourists are prone to, such as pickpocketing and theft of unattended belongings. Even at night, there is a non-zero chance of encountering trouble, so when going out, it is important to take basic risk management measures such as choosing well-trafficked areas, using car disposal services, and carrying a personal alarm instead of wearing earphones.

What are the rankings for English language education and the ease of obtaining a student visa?

The EF EPI English Proficiency Index annually surveys the English language proficiency of non-native English-speaking adults worldwide and ranks them by country. In the 2024 edition, 2.1 million people from 116 countries and regions participated, and Singapore ranked 3rd overall. Furthermore, Singapore’s public education system is highly regarded internationally, and in the 2022 edition of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), conducted every three years by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Singapore ranked first in mathematics, science, and reading comprehension despite the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education.

Obtaining a student visa (Student’s Pass) seems relatively easy. Full-time students need to apply in advance through an online system called SOLAR (Student’s Pass On-Line Application & Registration) before entering the country. You need to log in to SOLAR using the application number listed on your acceptance letter issued by your school and apply for a student pass.

Student visa details in Japanese (JASSO)Here

The Singapore government’s student visa application website (in English) isHere

Singapore’s prestigious international high schools: Scholarships and admission requirements

Singapore has many international schools, and the average tuition fee is around 2 to 4 million yen per year. While attending an international school has its drawbacks, such as the financial burden and the difficulty in improving Japanese language skills, it is recommended for families who want to improve their child’s English or who want to foster their child’s independence.

In Singapore, there are three international schools known as the “Big Three.” These three schools are UWC South East Asia, Singapore American School (SAS), and Tanglin Trust School, all of which are highly regarded internationally.

◆The Big Three International Schools in Singapore ①

UWC South East Asia

◆Overview

UWC is the largest international school in the globally renowned UWC group, with a total of 5,500 students across two campuses in Singapore, Dover and East. It implements the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and students aged 13 to 18 from 66 countries live and study in dormitories. Academically, the school boasts an average IBDP score of 36.4 in 2025, with the top 50 students averaging 44.1. 30% of boarding students receive scholarships, allowing them to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and deepen their understanding of others.

◆Singapore’s Big Three International Schools (Part 2)

Singapore American School (SAS)

◆Overview

We provide education based on the American curriculum for 12 years, from age 3 to 18, and upon graduation, students receive a degree from an American school.Founded in 1956, SAS is Singapore’s oldest international school. It has an outstanding academic record. SAS boasts a 97% pass rate for the International Baccalaureate (IBDP), an average DP score of 34.4, and 13% of students achieving a score of 40 or higher.We offer state-of-the-art, comprehensive educational facilities, including science and technology labs, multiple gymnasiums, and arts facilities to meet the diverse needs of our students. The campus is spacious and features cafes, sports fields, and a lush, green environment close to a forest.

◆The Big Three International Schools in Singapore ③

Tanglin Trust school

◆Overview

Founded in 1925, the school provides British-style education to students aged 3 to 18. Currently, it has 2,700 students from 54 countries, offering a diverse learning environment. The secondary school uses the British IGCSE program. Sixth Form, for students aged 16 to 18, offers a curriculum that allows students to obtain either British A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate (IBDP). It is the only school in Singapore that offers either A-Levels or the IBDP. Emphasizing holistic education, the school also focuses on sports, arts, music, and community service activities in addition to academics. Despite being a prestigious school, its academic standards are exceptional. The International Baccalaureate (IB) pass rate is 100%, with an average score of 39.1, significantly higher than the world average of 30.3. For the British A-levels, the pass rate is 99.6%, with 63% achieving an A* or A grade. Regarding the IGCSE, which students take upon graduating from secondary school, 61% achieve an A* equivalent, and 80% achieve an A* or A grade.

Reasons why there are many British international schools

The reason there are so many British-affiliated international schools in Singapore is due to the influence of the British colonial era, as well as modern economic and cultural factors that have strengthened its position in international business development.

Historically, Singapore was a British colony. It was under British rule from the early 18th century, and the British education system was implemented. Even after the end of British rule, educational and cultural ties remained, and today, all languages ​​are taught in English in schools.

Today, Singapore is an international business hub and the center of the Asian economy, attracting talented individuals from all over the world. British international schools in Singapore offer high-quality education, and many prestigious British schools have branch campuses there.

Regarding career paths and curriculum after graduating from an international school in high school.

Career paths after graduating from an international high school:

After completing the high school program at an international school, there are broadly three options for what to do next.

• Seven students will be admitted to universities and other higher education institutions in Singapore under the foreign student quota.

• Returning to Japan, I will take entrance exams and enroll in a domestic university.

• To go on to study at a university or vocational school in another country or region overseas.

Universities in Singapore are extremely competitive for international students, with high academic performance, English proficiency, and extracurricular activities being highly valued. Therefore, it is crucial to manage grades and prepare for English language qualifications from high school onwards. Furthermore, applicants must meet detailed requirements, including language proficiency, a high school diploma, and completion of a specific period of schooling. Please refer to the website of your desired university for application requirements and other details.

If you are aiming for a university in Japan, you need to check the requirements for returnee students early on and prepare for the entrance exam according to your desired faculty. Depending on the university, the returnee student category may require the same level of academic ability and subjects as the general entrance exam, so planned studying is essential. Also, some faculties do not have a returnee student category. Some universities, such as medical and pharmaceutical faculties, accept returnee students through the returnee student category, but the number of available spots is only a few, making admission extremely difficult. Attending a cram school that offers specialized preparation after the exam to prepare application documents and interviews is one effective option.

Furthermore, if you plan to attend a university outside of Singapore, the application process, required documents, and language requirements will vary significantly depending on the country and university. Since the application period also differs from that of Japan and Singapore, it’s crucial to research the application schedules and admission requirements of universities in your desired country early on and prepare for standardized academic tests and English proficiency tests (such as IELTS or TOEFL). Tuition and living expenses can be extremely high in some countries and regions, so securing scholarships and funding sources both in Japan and abroad is also important.

International curriculum

International school curricula vary greatly from school to school and are generally not bound by the education system of the country where they are located. Many schools follow internationally accredited educational programs and curricula.

Representative examples include the International Baccalaureate (IB), IGCSE, and A-levels. Many schools allow students to take classes tailored to their desired career path and interests. At the middle and high school levels, some curricula allow students to specialize in only 3-4 subjects they wish to study in the future. Choosing a school and curriculum that suits your child’s personality, interests, independence, and ability to balance academics and other activities will contribute to their growth.

Furthermore, teachers are recruited from all over the world. Classes are mostly conducted in English, and there are also classes to acquire a second language other than Japanese. Students are immersed in a diverse learning environment on a daily basis, and can acquire not only academic skills but also soft skills such as creativity and logical thinking.

What is the Northeast region of Singapore?

Singapore does not have local governments, but it has five Community Development Council Districts as part of its administrative initiatives.

• Central Singapore Community Development Council
• North East Community Development Council
• North West Community Development Council
• South East Community Development Council
• South West Community Development Council

Singapore’s northeastern region, known as the North Tost area, is home to many residential areas with a large local population. It has the highest population density, and the majority of housing consists of high-density public housing. While development is progressing in many areas, it also retains unspoiled nature, such as the developed cities of Punggol and Serangoon, as well as the pristine natural beauty of Ubin Island, a popular tourist destination.

Educational system, admissions system, and estimated average tuition fees

While the average tuition fees for private schools vary from school to school, public schools in Singapore have set fees.

Singapore’s education system consists of six years of primary school, four to five years of middle school, two years of junior college, and three to four years of university. Primary school is compulsory, but middle school and beyond are generally elective. Furthermore, there are no school districts, so school choice is available for both primary and middle schools.

Singapore has Japanese elementary schools for Japanese children, costing approximately $9,000 per year. International schools are even more expensive. Public schools in Singapore are extremely difficult for foreigners to get into. Due to the limited number of schools and the number of children that can be admitted, Singaporean citizens and permanent residents are given priority. Foreign students and their families are often only admitted if there are available spots.

Public primary school tuition is free for Singaporean citizens. However, foreigners are charged a monthly fee schedule. The fees are categorized as follows: Singaporean citizens, PR holders, ASEAN foreigners, and non-ASEAN foreigners.Please see the table below.

Source: Singapore Government (FY2024-FY2026)Cost after change

Top 6 Recommended Interchanges in Singapore’s Northeast Region

Tuition fees are calculated based on data from the 2025-2026 academic year, using an exchange rate of 1 Singapore dollar = 117.43 yen.

You can find information on interchanges in other districts here.

Wise Oaks International School, Upper Serangoon Campus 

School Name	Wise Oaks International School, Upper Serangoon Campus
address	780 Upper Serangoon Road, #02, #01 13, Singapore 534649
Qualifications that can be obtained	Cambridge (Primary & Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE
curriculum	British style
introduction	The school has three campuses in Singapore, including Bukit Timah Campus and Valley Point Campus. Students range in age from 4 to 16, and the school curriculum is a blend of the Cambridge Curriculum from the UK and the Singapore Mathematics curriculum. Singapore Math is a mathematics education system developed independently by Singapore, focusing on developing conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. Because it adopts a British curriculum, students acquire the knowledge necessary to obtain IGCSEs during the two years of Grade 9 and Grade 10. To support multilingual learning, we have established a unique program called LingoLex. Students can learn up to three languages ​​at school. One reason for this is that learning multiple languages ​​helps students respect and understand others, broaden their perspectives, and develop flexibility.Furthermore, the school as a whole places a strong emphasis on developing reading and literacy skills from an early age, and students can acquire basic abilities such as reading and writing through the GRR (Getting Reading Right) program. While the school’s IGCSE grades are not publicly available, it boasts excellent extracurricular activities and facilities. It utilizes state-of-the-art sports facilities located nearby for activities such as swimming, soccer, and tennis. All classrooms are equipped with high-performance projectors, electronic whiteboards, and adjustable chairs and desks.
Tuition fees	Grade 6-8: Approximately 1.43 million yen
Other expenses	can be

Overseas Family School Singapore

School Name	Overseas Family School (OFS)
address	81 Pasir Ris Heights, Singapore 519292
Qualifications that can be obtained	IBDP、IGCSE
curriculum	IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IBDP, IGCSE
introduction	Established in 1991, this international school caters to the children of expatriates from around the world. It has approximately 2,500 students from over 65 countries, accepting students from age 2 (preschool) to high school graduates. Our experienced faculty comes from 40 different countries. Students can study English, French, Hindi, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish as foreign languages. Additionally, students from Pre-K2 to Grade 8 can study their native language for four hours per week. The Mother Tongue Program aims to promote the continuous learning of one’s native language and can be taken as a substitute for a foreign language in early childhood, middle school, and high school. There is a wide range of native language options, including the languages ​​listed above as foreign languages, as well as Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Russian, and many others. The Study Preparation Program (SPP) is designed for students whose native language is not English, enabling them to acquire advanced English skills in a short period of time. Classes are taught by teachers who are qualified to teach English as a foreign language. Extracurricular activities, sports, and community services are available for all grade levels, and we also offer a variety of programs featuring guest lecturers.
Tuition fees	Grade 11-12: Approximately 5.37 million yen
Other expenses	can be

DPS International School Singapore

School Name	DPS International School Singapore
address	36 Aroozoo Ave, Singapore 539842
Qualifications that can be obtained	IGCSE, A-Level
curriculum	British style
introduction	Established in 2004, the school provides education from preschool through Grade 12 (high school graduation). It blends British and Indian educational methods. While primarily based on the British Cambridge education system, the primary and secondary schools also offer an Indian curriculum based on ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) and ISC (Indian School Certificate). Our educational philosophy is to create a school where children can learn in a safe and secure environment, emphasizing comprehensive education that includes arts and character development rather than just academics. We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and aim to educate students to become global citizens in a multinational international environment.
Tuition fees	Grade 12 A Level: Approximately 3.17 million yen
Other expenses	can be

Australian International School Singapore

School Name	Australian International School Singapore (AIS Singapore)
address	1 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556818
Qualifications that can be obtained	Australian high school diplomas: IBDP, IGCSE
curriculum	Australian/British style
introduction	Established in 1993, the school now operates as an IB World School, providing comprehensive education from two months old to high school graduation at age 18. Primary and secondary schools follow the British IGCSE curriculum. In Year 9 and Year 10, students can choose from subjects based on either the British Cambridge curriculum or the Australian curriculum, with a total of 25 subjects to study. For students aged 16 and over in higher education, there are three curriculum options: IBDP only, HSC (an internationally accredited Australian high school diploma), or the IBDP course. Of the IBDP students at this school, 30% achieve a score of 38 or higher, placing them in the top 15% globally, and are able to enter prestigious universities around the world. Furthermore, 99% of graduates are able to enter their desired universities. Furthermore, it is the only international school in Singapore that offers Vocational Education and Training (VET). If desired, students can acquire not only the knowledge necessary for their studies but also practical skills required by companies.
Tuition fees	Year 10-12: Approximately 6.42 million yen
Other expenses	can be

International French School Singapore

School Name	French International School Singapore
address	3000 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, Singapore 569928
Qualifications that can be obtained	National Diploma (Le Diplôme National du Brevet des Collèges (DNB), IGCSE, IELTS, French Baccalaureate (BAC)
curriculum	French style / British style
introduction	This French international school in Singapore offers bilingual education in French and English for students aged 2 to 18, following a French curriculum accredited by the French Ministry of Education. Approximately 3,000 students from over 80 countries attend, from kindergarten through high school. The school boasts a 100% pass rate on the French Baccalaureate (BAC) exam, with 74% achieving excellent grades. Furthermore, 74% of students achieve an A* or B in at least one subject on the IGCSE exam, which is taken upon completion of secondary education. The school actively accepts students whose native language is not French, and provides French language instruction necessary for bilingual education. Small-group French language instruction, tailored to different levels, is offered during regular school hours until around the age of 12 or 13. From secondary school onward, students learn both French and English while following an international and independent bilingual education curriculum. In higher education, students take the French Baccalaureate and the International French Baccalaureate exams, and go on to attend prestigious universities around the world. Extracurricular activities are conducted in French or English, and students can learn from experienced instructors in over 60 different activities. Over 30 extracurricular activities are available for elementary, middle, and high school students, held on weekdays and Saturday mornings.
Tuition fees	Grade 10-12: Approximately 4.01 million yen
Other expenses	can be

Nisai British Online School

School Name	Nisai British International Online School
Qualifications that can be obtained	IGCSE A Levels
curriculum	British style
introduction	Established in 1996 and headquartered in the UK, this school is a historic institution, being the world’s first fully online in-international school to receive accreditation from Cambridge. Students can obtain international qualifications (IGCSE, A Levels), which are equivalent to UK secondary and higher education certificates. International curriculum and English language development programs are available even before relocating to Singapore. Furthermore, the English language development program offers Japanese language support for those who need it.
Tuition fees	Year 7～９　260,000 yen (per subject)520,000 yen (2 subjects)790,000 yen (3 subjects)1,050,000 yen (4 subjects)1.18 million yen (5 subjects) Year 10-11 (IGCSE) 5 subjects1.3 million yenYear 12-13 (A Level) – 3 subjects950,000 yen
Other expenses	can be

Why choose Nisai?

Nisai allows students to take courses regardless of their location, as long as they have an internet connection. While Singapore boasts many international schools, some schools lack A-Level curricula or offer less-than-ideal educational quality. However, once a student enrolls, transferring schools can be difficult. Therefore, Nisai, which provides high-quality international education regardless of location, is a popular choice. The reasons for choosing Nisai are as follows

Reason ① Children who have stopped attending local international schools can continue their education.

Many children who have stopped attending their local international schools come to Nisai. They may have been unable to continue attending international schools due to their environment or peer relationships. However, their parents’ work prevents them from returning to Japan. In such cases, Nisai allows them to continue their international education at home. Furthermore, they can obtain international qualifications such as IGCSE and A-Levels, opening the door to university admission. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) also recognizes A-Level qualifications as a requirement for university entrance in Japan, allowing students to take Japanese university entrance exams. We also partner with a domestic preparatory school (JOI), so we can provide domestic exam preparation programs as well.

Reason ② It can be used as an after-school program for other international schools, similar to a cram school.

Many students attending local international schools may feel that they are “weak in math” or “want to improve their English.” Nisai is an international school, but students can enroll in just one subject. Many students residing in Singapore enroll in Nisai as an after-school program, similar to a cram school. Nisai places students into classes based on their ability, so if they meet the requirements, they can learn subjects one grade level higher than their local international school. Using Nisai for advanced learning or review will have a positive impact on their results on international exams.

Reason ③: Obtaining IGCSE and A-Levels opens up the possibility of attending universities around the world.

A common challenge for international schools in Singapore is the lack of schools offering high-quality IGCSE and A-Level curricula. While some schools do offer excellent A-Level programs, they often have to hire senior teachers from overseas or other schools, resulting in high recruitment costs and consequently high tuition fees. Nisai, being a fully online international school, can directly employ A-Level teachers from abroad. We provide high-quality education at the most competitive price. Students can access IGCSE and A-Level curricula regardless of their location and pursue higher education at universities worldwide.

Summary

Singapore’s Northeast district is a highly attractive area for families with children, offering a blend of excellent public housing and abundant nature. While this region boasts numerous international schools with diverse curricula, careful consideration is essential regarding admission difficulty, high tuition fees, and suitability for your child. When considering education in Singapore’s Northeast district, it’s a viable option to combine traditional, prestigious on-campus schools with online options like Nisai, which offer flexible access to high-quality British-style education. From addressing school absenteeism and providing early access to specific subjects to achieving globally recognized IGCSE and A-levels, we hope the information presented in this article will help you choose the best school to maximize your child’s potential.