Can Foreigners Attend Primary School in Singapore? What You Need to Know
A guide for expat parents on the process, requirements, and real experiences of enrolling foreign children in Singapore's public primary schools.
Published on August 7, 2025
If you’re a foreigner living in Singapore and wondering, “Can my child attend primary school here?”, you’re not alone. Many expat parents face this question and want to know how the system works, what the requirements are, and what the real experiences of other families have been. The good news? Yes, foreigners can send their children to Singapore’s public primary schools — but there are important things to understand before you jump in.
In this article, we’ll break down the process, share insights from Singaporean parent forums like KiasuParents, Reddit, and other popular communities, and give you tips to maximize your child’s chances. Let’s dive in!
Overview: Foreigners in Singapore Primary Schools — Possible But Competitive
Singapore’s government schools prioritize admissions for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs). Foreigners can join the party but only at a later stage called Phase 3 of the Primary 1 Registration Exercise. This means you’ll compete for the leftover spots after locals have registered.
Key Eligibility
- Child must be at least 6 years old in the year of admission.
- Must hold a valid pass (Dependent’s Pass, Student’s Pass, or other legal residency).
- Application submitted during Phase 3, usually in mid-year (May–June for indication of interest, formal registration in October).
The Admissions Process Explained
Indication of Interest (IOI): You start by submitting an IOI form online through the Ministry of Education (MOE) website to express interest in Phase 3 registration.
Admission Exercise for International Students (AEIS): Once your IOI is accepted, your child must pass an admissions test assessing English and Math skills. This step ensures your child can keep up with Singapore’s rigorous curriculum.
Note: Starting 2023, AEIS English is gradually being replaced with Cambridge English Qualification tests, offering a globally recognized assessment alternative.
School Placement: After passing AEIS, your child will be assigned to schools with available places. Keep in mind, these might not be your preferred schools since priority goes to locals.
Parents on forums like KiasuParents echo how competitive and nerve-wracking the process can be. Many advise enrolling children in AEIS prep courses early to boost test performance.
One Reddit parent shared how her child initially struggled with the demanding curriculum and compulsory Mother Tongue classes (Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil), but with parental support and school encouragement, the child adapted quickly and thrived.
Some parents mention that while the academic pressure is high, schools are very supportive and discipline is strongly emphasized, which ultimately benefits the children.
Costs and Considerations
- School fees for international students range roughly around SGD 9,000 per year, significantly higher than for locals but generally affordable compared to international school fees.
- Mother Tongue Language lessons are mandatory, though exemptions can be requested if applicable.
- School calendars and holidays follow the local schedule, which might not sync with family holidays abroad, something to consider if you travel often.
- Many expats opt for international schools for a more familiar curriculum and global student community — but at a cost of SGD 15,000 to 30,000+ per year.
Alternatives to Local Schools
- International Schools: Offer international curricula, often easier for foreign children to adapt to but come with hefty fees.
- Homeschooling: Some families homeschool, preparing children for AEIS testing, enabling later entry into local schools if desired.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If your goal is to give your child a high-quality, affordable education steeped in Singapore’s local culture and academic rigor, attending a local primary school as a foreigner is possible — but it requires patience, preparation, and flexibility.
Remember that competition for places is stiff, so early action and proper preparation for AEIS (or Cambridge English tests) will greatly increase your chances.
If you prefer a more international environment with familiar curricula and schedules, prepare for a bigger budget for private international schools.
Whichever path you choose, planning ahead and leveraging community advice will be key to your child’s successful school journey in Singapore.