Image source: iStock
Singapore is well-known for being a hub for international business. Its financial and economic stability has attracted many multinational companies to set up their headquarters or branch offices for Asia Pacific here. The increasing number of expatriates in Singapore has created a demand for international schools for their children.
Here are five things about international schools in Singapore that you should know:
1. Catered to the expatriate community
International schools in Singapore mainly cater to the children of expatriates who have relocated to the country. It may be difficult for expatriates to enrol their children into local schools as their children need to sit for the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS). Upon passing the AEIS, expatriate children will only be able to enter the local school system if there is a spot available. Only five percent of the total student enrolment in national schools is made up of international students. Strict regulations have also been implemented by the Singaporean government on the enrolment of local students into international schools. Local students need to obtain special permission from the Ministry of Education to gain entry into international schools.
2. Schools with curriculum of other countries
There are a number of non-local schools that offer the Dutch, Swiss, Japanese and French curriculum in Singapore. These schools are suitable for expatriate parents who will move back to their native country and want their children to resume their education seamlessly. Interestingly, there has been a rise in non-native students in these schools. Many of these schools offer language support programmes to help non-native students. Parents also see an opportunity for their children to learn a new language in addition to their mother tongue.
3. A high number of International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools
Over 30 international schools in Singapore offer the International Baccalaureate (IB). The curriculum was first adapted in Singapore in 1977 and is known for being an intellectually challenging curriculum that creates internationally minded students. International schools in Singapore offer either standalone IB programmes or a combination of IB programmes, which are made up of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Career-related Programme (CP).
4. New wave of affordable international schools
There has been a demand for more affordable international schools in Singapore in recent years. It is no secret that international school fees are costly and increase every year. If these fees are not covered by the expatriate package provided by an employer, it can be a financial burden for any expatriate family. In addition, many expatriate families are choosing to relocate to Singapore permanently. Therefore, the availability of affordable international schools will enable parents to keep their child in an international school for primary and secondary levels.
5. The number of international schools
There are over 50 international schools in Singapore offering a variety of international curricula such as the American Curriculum, British Curriculum, International Baccalaureate and Australian Curriculum. In addition, there is a huge number of international preschools available in the country as well.
To find out more about international schools and preschools in Singapore, make sure to use the powerful School Finder on www.EducationDestinationAsia.com.
![[St. Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia] The Lasallian Education Ethos for a Better Future - Gratitude and Giving](https://eda.sgp1.digitaloceanspaces.com/production/TfRAxzU6ATHvsmC0lblUPD8peQ36lt.jpeg)
