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Last Updated:  05 Dec 2025

Other schooling options

Returning Singaporeans (RS) may also consider these alternative options for their child's schooling needs.

Privately funded schools (PFS)

These PFSes offer international curricula at the secondary and pre-university levels:

The PFSes adhere to our educational policies on bilingualism and National Education and are suitable for RSes who wish to:

  • Continue their studies under international curricula and standards.
  • Study in an environment that fosters Singapore spirit and character.

Eligibility

All RSes are eligible to apply to the PFS. There is no need to seek MOE’s approval for admission to the PFS.

Application and timeline

Each PFS has its own set of admission criteria and application window. Apply directly to the schools for admission. Find out more by visiting the schools’ websites.

 
MOE’s approval for admission to PFS is not required. The PFS will assess your child based on their admission criteria and make a school offer if they are able to admit your child.

Private education institutions (PEI) including international schools

PEIs in Singapore, including international schools (except the three privately funded schools), offer an international curriculum and primarily cater to expatriates’ children.

Singaporean students are expected to attend national schools to foster shared values and national identity. Nevertheless, we may consider individual cases of Singaporeans wishing to study in international schools, such as those who have been overseas for a few years.

Eligibility

RSes may apply for admission to an international school if they have been studying overseas for a few years from Grade or Year One (equivalent to Primary One in our mainstream schools) and above before returning to Singapore.

Application and timeline

Based on regulations by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), PEIs, including international schools (except the three privately funded schools), who wish to admit Singapore Citizen students will need to seek MOE’s approval before they can admit the student.

  • Parents who wish to apply for their child to study in a PEI are advised to consider a range of PEIs (as some may have no available vacancies) and apply directly to the one that you have decided to seek admission to.
  • The PEI will submit all the relevant documents to MOE for approval, if it is willing to offer a place to the student.
  • MOE will need up to 4 weeks to consider the PEI’s application, if all required documents are submitted. For more complex medical cases, MOE will need up to 8 weeks. The outcome will be relayed to the PEI directly.

You may visit the SkillsFuture website to find a list of PEIs including international schools.

 
If your child does not receive an offer from one international school, you can approach other international schools for their consideration.

For RSes, you may wish to apply early (for instance, before your return to Singapore) and to provide all relevant documents in your application to the international school to avoid delays.

If MOE receives multiple applications from different international schools for your child, you will need to decide on one, as MOE will only process one application at each time for one child.