Uncovering the Truth About School Fees in Singapore

School fees in Singapore can be a significant financial burden for parents. The cost of education varies depending on the level of education and whether the student is a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or foreigner. With the increasing cost of living, parents need to be aware of the school fees and financial assistance available to them.

Key Takeaways

1. School fees in Singapore vary depending on the level of education and type of student.
2. Financial assistance and scholarships are available to help reduce the cost of education.
3. Understanding the breakdown of costs by education level and factors influencing school fees is vital for parents.

Overview of School Fees in Singapore

Singapore is known for its high-quality education system, but it comes at a cost. School fees in Singapore can be quite expensive, especially for international students. The cost of education in Singapore varies depending on the level of education, the type of school, and whether the student is a citizen, permanent resident, or international student.

An overview of school fees in Singapore shows that the cost of education from primary to tertiary levels can be substantial. According to a SingSaver article, the estimated cost of education for a child in Singapore is at least S$35,416 for the JC route. This includes primary, secondary, junior college, and university fees. The article also notes that school fees for international students are higher than those for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Primary and secondary education in Singapore is compulsory and is heavily subsidised by the government. However, there are still some fees that parents need to pay, such as school fees, miscellaneous fees, and exam fees. The fees for primary and secondary schools are relatively low and can range from S$13 to S$60 per month for citizens and permanent residents. International students, on the other hand, can expect to pay significantly higher fees.

Junior colleges (JC) and polytechnics are post-secondary institutions in Singapore that offer diploma and degree courses. The fees for these institutions are higher than primary and secondary schools, but they are still heavily subsidised by the government. For example, the fees for a JC student can range from S$6 to S$20 per month for citizens and permanent residents. International students, however, can expect to pay much higher fees.

Universities in Singapore are also heavily subsidised by the government, but the fees are still relatively high. The fees for a local university can range from S$8,200 to S$10,700 per year for citizens and permanent residents. International students, on the other hand, can expect to pay much higher fees, ranging from S$17,550 to S$50,800 per year. Parents can use their CPF to pay for university fees too, check out our write-up here.

Overall, the cost of education in Singapore can be pretty expensive, but the government heavily subsidises education to ensure that it remains affordable for citizens and permanent residents. International students, however, can expect to pay much higher fees.

Breakdown of Costs by Education Level

Understanding the breakdown of costs by education level is important for parents who want to plan for their child's education. The Ministry of Education provides a fee checker to find out the amount and structure of monthly fees for different types of students. Scholarships and subsidies are also available to help reduce the cost of education.The following subsections will give an overview of the average costs for each level of education.

Pre-School Fees

Pre-school fees are the costs associated with sending a child to a pre-school or childcare centre in Singapore. According to SmartWealth.sg, the average cost for infant care (full-day) provided by an ECDA-licensed centre is $10,140.80 for 16 months. This estimate assumes that the child is a Singapore Citizen and that the median household income applies.

Primary School Fees

Primary school fees are the costs associated with sending a child to a primary school in Singapore. The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides subsidies to help offset the cost of education for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. According to the MOE website, the monthly fees for primary school students range from $13 to $155 depending on the citizenship status of the student. The fees include school fees and miscellaneous fees.

Secondary School Fees

Secondary school fees are the costs associated with sending a child to a secondary school in Singapore. Similar to primary school fees, the MOE provides subsidies to offset the cost of education. According to the MOE website, the monthly fees for secondary school students range from $23 to $310, depending on the student's citizenship status. The fees include school fees and miscellaneous fees.

Pre-University School Fees

Pre-university school fees are the costs associated with sending a child to a junior college, Millennia Institute, or polytechnic in Singapore. According to SingSaver, the average monthly fees for pre-university students range from $80 to $400 depending on the type of institution and citizenship status of the student. The fees include school fees and miscellaneous fees.

Eventually, the cost of education in Singapore varies depending on the level of education. While the fees may seem high, the Singapore government provides subsidies to help offset the cost of education for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.

Factors Influencing School Fees

Several factors influence the cost of school fees in Singapore. Some of the most important factors are the type of institution, programme enrolment, and additional support services.

Type of Institution

The type of institution is one of the main factors that determine the cost of school fees in Singapore. Government schools are generally the most affordable, while independent schools tend to be more expensive. Government-aided schools fall somewhere in between.

Program Enrolment

The cost of school fees in Singapore also depends on the programme enrolment. For example, the fees for primary school education are generally lower than those for secondary school education. The fees for international programmes such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) are also generally higher than those for local programmes.

Additional Support Services

Additional support services such as special education needs (SEN) support and boarding facilities can also significantly increase the cost of school fees in Singapore. Parents should carefully consider whether these additional services are necessary for their child and whether they are willing to pay the extra cost.

Financial Assistance and Scholarships

In Singapore, financial assistance and scholarships are available to help families who are struggling to pay for their children's education. The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides financial assistance to Singaporean Citizens who are in financial need. This assistance can be used to pay for school fees and other expenses. Financial assistance is available for students attending government, government-aided, specialised, and some independent schools.

The MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE FAS) is one such scheme that provides financial assistance to Singaporean Citizens from lower-income families. MOE FAS fully covers the cost of school and standard miscellaneous fees, textbooks, and school uniforms for primary and secondary school students.

In addition to financial assistance, scholarships are also available to help students with their school fees. The Edusave Scholarship is one such scholarship that is available to students who excel academically. The scholarship provides financial assistance to cover school fees and other expenses.

There are also other scholarships available for students who excel in specific areas such as sports, arts, and leadership. These scholarships provide financial assistance to cover school fees and other expenses, as well as opportunities for students to develop their skills and talents in these areas.

The Bottom-Line

While navigating the complex landscape of school fees in Singapore can feel overwhelming, remember you're not alone. Just like a skilled tutor guides students to success, Tutor City can illuminate the path to affordable education.

With our personalised financial planning services and extensive tutor network, we will help you optimise your budget and ensure your child receives the top-notch education they deserve. Let Tutor City be your trusted companion on this journey, empowering you to make informed decisions and secure a brighter future for your child.