Study in Singapore, Singapore

About Singapore

Singapore is a city-state at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Its total population was 6.21 million in June 2026, according to the Department of Statistics Singapore. Mainstream schools teach in English.

For international students, Singapore offers government schools that accept foreign pupils through central admission tests, international and foreign-system schools, and a large private education sector alongside its public universities and polytechnics. The rules for each type of institution differ, so it pays to check which one you are applying to.

Studying in Singapore

Our directory lists three schools in Singapore: two secondary schools and one design school.

• Damai Secondary School is a government secondary school at 4800 Bedok Reservoir Road. In its current form it was established in 2018 through the merger of Bedok North Secondary School (founded in 1981) and Damai Secondary School (founded in 1994).
• Insworld Institute and First Media Design School are also listed in Singapore. First Media's website could not be checked for this page, so confirm its current courses and status directly with the school.

According to the Ministry of Education (MOE), international students can seek admission to mainstream primary and secondary schools, junior colleges and Millennia Institute. Entry to primary and secondary schools is through the AEIS or S-AEIS admission tests, which are held only in Singapore; the 2026 AEIS tests ran from 1 to 3 September 2026. Lessons and tests are in English, and pupils should not be more than 2 years older than the usual age for their level. School fees depend on nationality and the type of school, and for international students they include GST.

Private schools work under a different system. Private education institutions (PEIs) are registered with the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA), and only EduTrust-certified PEIs can offer places to foreign students. Before enrolling at a private school, check that it holds EduTrust certification.

Student's Pass

According to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), a foreigner accepted for full-time studies in Singapore needs a Student's Pass, unless they already hold a Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Exemption Order. For universities and other institutes of higher learning you apply online at least two months and not more than three months before the course begins; the processing fee is S$45 and is not refundable. Children entering MOE schools also need a Verification of Vaccination Requirement document from the Health Promotion Board before applying.

Cost of living for students

Singapore has no official student budget comparable to those published in some other countries. School and course fees vary by institution and nationality, so take the fee schedule from the school itself and budget separately for housing and daily expenses.

Climate

The climate is tropical, with abundant rainfall, high temperatures and high humidity all year. According to the Meteorological Service Singapore (1991-2020 normals), the 24-hour mean temperature is 26.8 °C in January and 28.2 °C in July, and annual rainfall averages 2,113 mm. The Northeast Monsoon runs from December to early March and the Southwest Monsoon from June to September.

Frequently asked questions

Can international students attend government schools in Singapore?

Yes. International students can apply to mainstream primary and secondary schools through the AEIS or S-AEIS tests, which are held in Singapore and taught and tested in English.

Do I need a Student's Pass to study in Singapore?

Yes, for full-time studies, unless you already hold a Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Exemption Order. For higher education you apply online two to three months before the course starts.

Can foreign students enrol at any private school in Singapore?

No. Only private education institutions with EduTrust certification can offer places to foreign students.

What is the weather like in Singapore?

Tropical and humid all year, with mean temperatures of about 27 to 29 °C and frequent rain, especially from November to January.