Singapore is known for its excellent education system, which is ranked among the top in the world. Many parents, both local and foreign, are interested in sending their children to Singaporean schools. However, one question that often arises is whether foreigners can attend public schools in Singapore.
The answer is yes, foreigners are allowed to attend public schools in Singapore. However, there are certain requirements that must be met. Firstly, the child must have a valid Dependant’s Pass or Student’s Pass issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). This pass is required for all foreign students studying in Singapore, regardless of whether they are attending public or private schools.
Secondly, the child must meet the age requirements for the level of schooling they wish to attend. For example, children must be at least six years old to attend primary school, and 12 years old to attend secondary school.
Thirdly, the child must pass the Admissions Exercise for International Students (AEIS) or Supplementary Admissions Exercise for International Students (S-AEIS) if they are not from an approved list of countries. The AEIS is a centralised test that assesses the child’s English language and mathematics proficiency, while the S-AEIS is a supplementary test for children who missed the AEIS or did not do well in it.
It is worth noting that while foreigners are allowed to attend public schools in Singapore, they are not entitled to the same subsidies as Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. Foreign students are required to pay higher fees, which can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per year, depending on the level of schooling and the type of school.
In conclusion, foreigners can attend public schools in Singapore, but they must meet certain requirements and pay higher fees. Singapore’s education system is highly regarded, and attending a Singaporean school can provide children with a high-quality education and valuable cultural experiences.
