In this guide
The Singapore IB landscape
The International Baccalaureate has been delivered in Singapore since the late 1970s, when UWC South East Asia (then the Singapore International School) became one of the first IB World Schools in Asia. The market has matured into one of the most respected in the world. By 2026, around twelve international schools deliver at least one IB programme. The Diploma is offered by ten or eleven schools, the Middle Years Programme by seven and the Primary Years Programme by six. UWC South East Asia, Canadian International School, Australian International School and Stamford American International School deliver the full continuum from PYP through Diploma. GEMS World Academy and the International Community School also deliver continuum or near-continuum offers. Singapore American School offers the Diploma alongside AP as a parallel pathway, and several smaller schools deliver the Diploma at senior level.
An important context point: Singapore's Compulsory Education Act applies only to Singapore citizens. Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents may attend the international IB schools with Ministry of Education approval, which is generally granted at the school's discretion based on admissions criteria. The eligible cohort is therefore broader than in some other Asian markets, although foreign-passport children remain the primary cohort at most of these schools. The IB curriculum hub covers programme structure across PYP, MYP and Diploma if you are new to the framework. Look for IB authorisation plus CIS or NEASC accreditation as the baseline credential.
How we rank
This list weights five factors. Academic outcomes (average Diploma score and university destinations) carry the most weight. Cohort depth and Higher Level subject choice follow. Faculty stability matters next. Parent satisfaction from our verified review database, and physical infrastructure including science, arts and sport facilities, complete the framework. We treat fees as a separate axis because the Singapore IB market clusters in the SGD 35,000 to SGD 55,000 range with relatively narrow dispersion at the top tier.
The 2026 IB schools list
UWC South East Asia (Dover Campus)
One of the most consequential IB schools in the world. Established in 1971 as the Singapore International School, joined the UWC movement in 1975. Substantial Dover campus serving K1 to Grade 12. Diploma cohort consistently above 350 with an average score of 37 to 38 across recent years and a long tail of pupils scoring 40 plus. University destinations span Oxbridge, the Ivy League, the leading liberal arts colleges, NUS and NTU, and the major Asian and Australian research universities. The natural shortlist anchor for any family committed to IB at full continuum scale.
UWC South East Asia (East Campus)
Sister campus to Dover, opened in 2008 in Tampines to serve the eastern catchment. Same UWC values, same academic ambition, slightly smaller but still substantial Diploma cohort. Diploma averages typically 36 to 38. Newer purpose-built campus with strong sport and arts facilities. The natural choice for IB families based in the East Coast, Katong or further out toward Changi.
Canadian International School (CIS)
The most established Canadian-curriculum school in Singapore, delivering the IB continuum from PYP through Diploma across two campuses. Strong faculty stability, broad subject choice at Higher Level. Diploma averages 34 to 37. Particularly suited to Canadian and broader expat families, with strong placement at Canadian universities (McGill, UBC, Toronto, Queen's) alongside US and UK destinations. The Lakeside campus suits families in the west and the Tanjong Katong campus serves the eastern catchment.
Australian International School (AIS)
The leading Australian-curriculum school in Singapore, offering the IB Diploma alongside the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC) as a parallel sixth form pathway. Strong Diploma cohort with averages typically 33 to 36, and strong placement at the Group of Eight Australian universities, UK Russell Group and US institutions. PYP and MYP delivery through the lower school. The natural choice for Australian families and those targeting Australian university destinations.
Stamford American International School
Substantial American international school delivering both the IB Diploma and an AP pathway as parallel options. Diploma averages 33 to 36 in recent years, with strong placement at US universities and a developing UK and Australian university pipeline. Two campuses, the senior school in Woodleigh and the lower school in Eunos, providing geographic flexibility for families across the city.
GEMS World Academy Singapore
Substantial international school in the north of Singapore, delivering IB continuum to Diploma. Diploma averages typically 32 to 35. Strong campus facilities and a growing Diploma cohort. Particularly suited to families in the north of Singapore wanting full IB continuum at fees materially below the central premium tier. The GEMS network connection provides curricular continuity for families moving across the wider GEMS portfolio.
Singapore American School (SAS)
The largest American international school in Singapore, offering the IB Diploma alongside an AP pathway as parallel routes through the senior school. Most pupils opt for AP given SAS's American orientation, but the Diploma cohort runs to 60 plus annually with strong outcomes and university destinations across the US, UK and Asian universities. Particularly worth shortlisting if a child fits the IB better than AP but the family otherwise sits naturally in the SAS community.
The International Community School (ICS)
Smaller, faith-based international school delivering the Diploma at senior level alongside an American curriculum approach below. Smaller cohorts mean fewer Higher Level subject options but tighter pastoral support. Diploma averages 30 to 34. Suits families wanting a smaller community and a more values-led environment.
EtonHouse International School
Local-founded international group delivering the IB across multiple campuses. The Broadrick campus runs the full continuum through Diploma; other campuses focus on early years and primary. Diploma averages 30 to 33. Strong inquiry-led PYP delivery and a developing Diploma offer. Particularly suited to families wanting IB at fees below the premium tier.
One World International School (OWIS)
Value-tier international school with three campuses across Singapore. Delivers Cambridge IGCSE at GCSE level and offers IB Diploma at senior level. Diploma averages 30 to 33. The most affordable established IB option in Singapore and a strong choice for families with budgets that need to work harder. Particularly useful for those weighing a multi-year posting against the fee gradient at the premium tier.
Compare Singapore IB schools side by side
Use the compare tool to put up to three Singapore IB schools next to each other on fees, cohort size, Diploma averages and university destinations. The school finder matches the family's preferences across budget, curriculum and neighbourhood. Talk to our team for a personal shortlist review and waitlist intelligence.
Fees and the all-in cost
Singapore IB school fees in 2026 cluster in three bands. The premium tier (UWC SEA, Canadian, Stamford American, SAS, Australian International) runs SGD 45,000 to SGD 55,000 a year at the senior school level. The mid tier (GEMS World Academy, ICS, EtonHouse Broadrick) runs SGD 30,000 to SGD 45,000. The value tier (OWIS, NPS International, some of the smaller boutique providers) runs SGD 20,000 to SGD 36,000. Early years and primary fees sit 15 to 25 per cent below the senior school headline at most schools.
Published tuition is rarely the full number. Most Singapore IB schools charge a one-time enrolment fee or capital contribution of SGD 3,000 to SGD 7,500 per child, an annual building or facilities fee at some schools of SGD 1,000 to SGD 4,000, school bus at SGD 3,500 to SGD 5,500 per year, lunch at SGD 1,800 to SGD 3,000, uniform set-up of SGD 400 to SGD 700, and the IB Diploma exam entry fees of SGD 1,200 to SGD 2,500 in Years 11 and 12. Add a 15 to 18 per cent loading to headline tuition for the realistic family number. The Singapore fees explainer covers the full structural picture.
Admissions timing and waitlists
The Singapore IB market runs busy waitlists at the most popular providers. UWC SEA both campuses typically run waitlists for Y1, Y3, Y7 and Y10 in particular, with admissions decisions taken by lottery and educational fit rather than pure first-come-first-served. Canadian, Australian and Stamford American maintain rolling waitlists with priority given to siblings of current pupils. For September entry the practical sequence is: apply 9 to 12 months before the intended start at the premium tier schools, register and pay the registration fee, complete the school assessment (video or in person) and join the waitlist. The mid and value tier schools generally have rolling availability and shorter lead times. For first-time IB entry it is sensible to apply to two or three schools across different tiers to manage the waitlist risk.
How to choose between them
The choice between Singapore IB schools usually comes down to four factors. The first is community: UWC is mission-driven and internationalist; Stamford and SAS are American-orientated; AIS is Australian-orientated; Canadian sits between. The second is location, since school bus runs of 50 minutes wear on a child quickly. The third is the likely sixth form pathway, with US-leaning families benefiting from the AP-and-Diploma offer at Stamford or SAS. The fourth is cohort size, with larger Diploma cohorts at UWC Dover and Canadian opening broader Higher Level subject choice.
For families newer to the framework, our how to choose an international school piece covers the approach and the Singapore city guide covers neighbourhood context.
Cohort depth and subject choice
Cohort depth at Diploma level is the single largest variable across Singapore IB schools. UWC SEA Dover runs a Diploma cohort of 350 plus, allowing every Higher Level subject to run with viable teaching groups, plus strong extension options including specialist languages and advanced mathematics. UWC East and Canadian both run cohorts above 140, similarly broad. Australian, Stamford American and SAS cohorts of 60 to 120 cover the main subjects but may not run every HL option every year. Smaller schools run cohorts of 20 to 40 with limited specialist options. For pupils with a clear academic focus, cohort depth often predicts university outcomes more strongly than the headline Diploma average.
University outcomes
Singapore IB schools place leavers at a strong distribution of universities. UWC SEA Dover places consistently at Oxbridge, the Ivy League, the leading liberal arts colleges, NUS and NTU, the Hong Kong universities, the Australian Group of Eight and the Russell Group. UWC East places similarly. Canadian places strongly at Canadian universities alongside US, UK and Asian institutions. Stamford American and SAS lead with US destinations. Australian International leads with Australian destinations. Across all schools, NUS and NTU are increasingly common destinations as the Singapore universities have moved up the global rankings.
Related guides
- Best international schools in Singapore
- Best primary international schools in Singapore
- International school fees in Singapore
Frequently asked questions
How many IB schools are there in Singapore?
Around twelve Singapore international schools deliver at least one IB programme in 2026, with full continuum delivery at UWC SEA (two campuses), Canadian International School, Australian International School and Stamford American International School. The Diploma is offered as a parallel pathway at several other schools.
Which Singapore IB school has the highest Diploma average?
UWC SEA Dover and East, Stamford American, Canadian International and Australian International all post Diploma averages in the 36 to 39 range in recent years, with UWC consistently among the highest globally. Diploma averages vary year to year and are best read across a 3 to 5 year window.
How much do IB schools in Singapore cost?
Premium IB schools in Singapore charge SGD 45,000 to SGD 55,000 per year at senior level (USD 33,000 to USD 41,000). The IB Diploma exam entry fees are typically charged separately at SGD 1,200 to SGD 2,500 per pupil per year.
Can Singaporean nationals attend IB schools in Singapore?
Singapore citizens may attend international schools with Ministry of Education exemption from the Compulsory Education Act. Most international IB schools admit a small percentage of Singaporean and Permanent Resident children alongside their primarily foreign-passport cohort, subject to MOE approval and school discretion.