How many French schools in Singapore
Singapore's French curriculum cluster is small. The main provider is Lycee Francais de Singapour in Ang Mo Kio, an AEFE-accredited school delivering the full French national curriculum from maternelle (age 3) through to the lycee terminal (age 18). The International French School Singapore operates an associated campus annex serving the same community. Several bilingual nurseries across the city run French-English early years streams that feed into Lycee Francais at primaire entry, but these are not full-curriculum French schools.
The cluster size reflects French population in Singapore. The French embassy estimates around 18,000 French nationals living in Singapore in 2025, well below the equivalent figures for British or American expats. Most French families on long postings prefer the AEFE pathway because it keeps their children compatible with French universities through Parcoursup. Shorter-posting families often choose IB instead, knowing the IB Diploma converts cleanly to French university applications. For the curriculum context see our French curriculum page.
Lycee Francais de Singapour was established in 1967 and is one of the oldest French overseas schools in Asia. It runs the standard AEFE programme with the addition of compulsory English as a foreign language from primaire, plus a Mandarin option from college (middle school). Class sizes sit around 22 to 25, smaller than the major French city lycees. The school typically graduates 90 to 120 students per year at baccalaureat level.
Fees and AEFE bourses
Annual tuition at Lycee Francais de Singapour runs from about S$20,000 at maternelle level to S$32,000 at lycee terminal. Median primaire tuition sits around S$24,000 in 2026. Registration and capital fees add roughly 8 to 12 percent. The school is materially cheaper than the British, American or IB schools in Singapore, partly because AEFE accreditation places limits on revenue-driven fee increases.
French citizens may be eligible for AEFE bourses scolaires, the French government school fee scholarship system. Bourses can substantially reduce the net cost for French families based on a needs-tested calculation. The application process runs through the French consulate and is reviewed annually. Non-French families do not qualify for bourses but still benefit from the lower headline tuition. The Singapore fees guide contextualises French school fees against the broader market.
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Illustrative example schools
The schools below are illustrative, not a ranking. With only one main French curriculum provider, the comparison is mostly between Lycee Francais de Singapour and the IB option many French families pick instead.
Lycee Francais de Singapour in Ang Mo Kio is the AEFE-accredited anchor school. Full French curriculum from maternelle to terminale, English from primaire, Mandarin option from college. Baccalaureat results consistently above the French national mention rate, with around 85 percent of students earning a mention. Strong feeder to Sciences Po, the grandes ecoles preparatory route and AEFE partner universities.
International French School Singapore operates a smaller campus annex serving the same community. Useful when Lycee Francais main campus is full at a particular year group.
Mind Champs and other bilingual nurseries across Singapore run French-English preschool streams. These are not full curriculum French schools but they prepare children for entry into Lycee Francais petite section or moyenne section.
Where French families live
French families in Singapore concentrate around Ang Mo Kio and Bishan for proximity to Lycee Francais, with a cluster of French-friendly cafes, bakeries and grocery stores serving the school catchment. Bukit Timah and Holland Village are popular for families who want larger homes and accept a 20 to 30 minute school bus run. River Valley and Tanglin are favoured by French executives in finance, who can drive their children to school or use the long school transport route.
The French expat community in Singapore is anchored on Lycee Francais much more tightly than the British or American communities are anchored on their respective schools, because there is only one full curriculum option. School-related social life, sports clubs and family events sit around the campus. The French Chamber of Commerce maintains an active family programme. For the wider relocation picture, use the cost calculator.
Admissions calendar
Applications for the September 2026 academic year at Lycee Francais de Singapour opened in October 2025. Maternelle and primaire year groups fill quickly, typically by February, with offers issued from March. Secondary and lycee admissions run on a slightly longer timeline, with rolling applications accepted through to May subject to year group availability. AEFE accreditation requires the school to prioritise children of French government and embassy postings, but in practice the school accepts a wide international mix.
Non-French speakers can join, especially at maternelle and early primaire, through the Francais Langue de Scolarisation immersion track. Joining at college (middle school) or lycee level requires functional French because the curriculum is delivered in French. For mid-year relocations, apply 3 to 4 months ahead. AEFE has a strict cut-off date of 31 December for the year of birth, which determines year group placement.
Frequently asked questions
How many French schools are there in Singapore?
Singapore has 2 schools delivering a full French national curriculum from maternelle through to the baccalaureat. The main provider is Lycee Francais de Singapour, an AEFE-accredited school in Ang Mo Kio. The International French School Singapore operates an associated campus annex. Several international bilingual nurseries offer French-English streams in the early years.
Is Lycee Francais de Singapour AEFE accredited?
Yes. Lycee Francais de Singapour holds full AEFE accreditation, which means its programme, teacher recruitment and assessment are managed under the French Ministry of Education framework. Graduates take the baccalaureat at the same level as students in France, with results recognised by Parcoursup and by universities across the European Union.
How much do French schools in Singapore cost?
Annual tuition at Lycee Francais de Singapour ranges from about S$20,000 at maternelle level to S$32,000 at the lycee terminal. French citizens may be eligible for AEFE bourses scolaires (scholarships) which can substantially reduce the net cost. Registration and capital fees add roughly 8 to 12 percent.
Can non-French speakers join?
Yes, particularly at maternelle and early primary level. Lycee Francais runs a Francais Langue de Scolarisation programme for non-native speakers and many bilingual nurseries feed into the school. Joining at college (middle school) or lycee (sixth form) requires functional French because the entire curriculum is delivered in French except for one foreign language stream.
When should I apply for Lycee Francais Singapore?
Applications for the September 2026 academic year opened in October 2025. Year groups are typically full by February, with offers issued from March onward. Mid-year transfers are possible subject to year group availability. AEFE prioritises children of French government and embassy postings, but the school takes a wide international mix.
