Singapore education system: why study in Singapore

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Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the best countries to study globally. 

The bustling island nation is home to many world-class schools and universities, making it a top destination for international students of all ages and levels. Combine this with a safe, multicultural environment, and it’s no wonder many parents have set their sights on Singapore for their children’s education.

Moving to Singapore? Learn how the education system works in Singapore and how you can transfer your child to a Singapore school/university.

Why study in Singapore?

Center of Academic Excellence

Singapore’s education system is consistently praised for being highly effective and competitive, especially in science and mathematics. In fact, Singaporean students are above average in reading, math and science, according to the OECD’s Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).

Additionally, Singapore is home to many world-class international schools and universities, such as the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. This means that your child can access a high-quality education at any age or grade.

Multicultural population

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and nationalities, making it even more attractive for international studies. Many international schools have a diverse student population, which means that your child can make friends with children from all over the world.

The benefits of sending your child to a diverse international school are endless, and best of all, the learning doesn’t end there. Your child will be exposed to Singapore’s rich culture and heritage in daily interactions with others.

Mastery of English

English is one of the four official languages of Singapore (the other three being Chinese, Malay and Tamil). Most classes are taught in English, which can ease the transition for international students.

If you are moving from a non-English speaking country and your child needs individualized support, international schools offer comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programs. Get more info about English schools in Singapore.

International schools also understand that retaining their mother tongue is very important for families and provide students with opportunities to build their foundation in a fun and engaging way.

Exposure to world-class companies

Singapore has a strong, stable and business-friendly economy, making it attractive to international investors and companies looking to establish a presence in Asia. According to the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the country “receives more foreign direct investment (FDI) than most of the world’s developed economies,” and is the fourth largest recipient of FDI in the world.

Additionally, Singapore has a highly diversified economy driven by industries such as aerospace, electronics, and medical technology (to name just a few).

Many multinational companies, such as Unilever, P&G, Google and Meta (Facebook), also have their Asia headquarters in Singapore. This means that her child will have access to global career opportunities, whether she decides to move abroad or stay in the country.

Sustainable infrastructure

In 2021, Singapore ranked first in the CMS Infrastructure Index, which ranks 50 countries for their “infrastructure investment attractiveness”. This is partly due to the Green Plan 2030 – the national government’s plan to transform Singapore into a “greener and more sustainable city.” Singapore has also been described as a regional infrastructure hub and one of the greenest cities in the world.

All parts of the island are easily accessible by car or public transport, and international travelers are welcomed by one of the best airports in the world.

Singapore also has a highly developed communications network, with one of the fastest internet speeds in the world. These infrastructure developments make Singapore one of the most attractive places to study for international students.

Security and governance

It is natural to be anxious for your child’s safety. However, Singapore is considered to be one of the safest cities in Asia and has a very low crime rate.

Public transportation is easy, accessible, and affordable, with many tourists and locals taking buses, taxis, and MRT (subways) around the island.

Singapore also does its best to maintain public safety and cleanliness. The country has a reputation for high fines and strictly enforced laws, but these are in place to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors.

Singapore education system

The K-12 education system in Singapore

Before delving into the Singapore education system, it is important to understand the difference between public and private schools.

  • Public schools are funded by the government and follow the national curriculum established by the Ministry of Education (MOE). Priority is given to Singaporean citizens (SC) and permanent residents (PR), with only a few places available for international students annually.
  • Private schools are not government funded and are not required to follow the Singapore National Curriculum. The curriculum can vary from school to school, and some are modeled after other countries’ education systems.

The education system in Singapore can be divided into four levels:

  • Preschool (optional, 1 to 3 years) – 3 to 6 years
  • Primary school (6 years) – 7 to 12 years
  • Secondary school (4 to 5 years) – 13 to 16/17 years
  • Post-secondary school (1 to 3 years) – 18 to 20 years

Preschool, also known as nursery or kindergarten, is not required but is a popular choice with many parents. Most kindergartens offer full-day and half-day programs with an emphasis on teaching fundamental skills like reading, counting, addition, and more. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) oversees kindergartens and crèches throughout Singapore.

In public schools, formal education is divided into two stages: Primary (6 years) and Secondary (4 to 5 years).

During their last year of elementary education, students must take the PSLE, the results of which will determine their placement in high school and their academic flow. On the other hand, private school students must meet their school’s requirements before enrolling in a Middle Years program.

After graduating from high school, students can enroll in a post-secondary program that typically lasts one to three years.

Once a student achieves a secondary school graduation qualification (for example, Singapore-Cambridge GCE A Level, American Advanced Placements (AP) or the highly respected International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, they may choose to continue their studies by attending a college or university of your choice.


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