Singapore's education system at a glance
How each stage is structured, the new secondary system from 2024, the post-secondary and university options, how the school year runs, and how to check that a private institution is registered.
Verified 2026-10-31 Changes often
Singapore’s system runs from pre-school through a six-year primary school and secondary school to post-secondary options and universities. This follows MOE and other official pages, as of 31 October 2026.
Overall structure
| Stage | Length | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-school | Kindergartens, childcare centres | Foreign children can only take places at pre-schools licensed by ECDA |
| Primary | 6 years (Primary 1 to 6) | The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is taken at the end of Primary 6 |
| Secondary | New system from 2024 | Full Subject-Based Banding; subjects at G1, G2 or G3 |
| Post-secondary | Varies | Junior colleges, Millennia Institute, polytechnics, ITE, arts institutions and more |
| University | Six autonomous universities, plus the government-supported private University of the Arts Singapore |
Primary
MOE describes primary school as a compulsory six-year course that builds literacy, numeracy, problem-solving and character. Besides English, Mathematics, Science and Mother Tongue, pupils take Art, Music, Social Studies and Physical Education. Primary 1 to 4 is the foundation stage. In Primary 5 and 6, English, Mathematics, Mother Tongue and Science can be taken at Foundation or Standard level, and pupils who do well in Mother Tongue may take Higher Mother Tongue.
The bilingualism policy is a cornerstone: every student learns English and a Mother Tongue language. For international students entering government primary schools, see AEIS.
Secondary: the system from 2024
Students who entered Secondary 1 in 2023 or earlier followed Express, Normal (Academic) or Normal (Technical). From the 2024 Secondary 1 cohort MOE has implemented Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB). Streams no longer exist; students take each subject at G1, G2 or G3, mapped from the N(T), N(A) and Express standards respectively, and can adjust levels at suitable points.
The N(T), N(A) and O-Level certificates will be replaced by the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) from 2027, with results released in January of the following year. More in Primary to secondary to university pathways.
After secondary, and universities
- Junior colleges (two-year course) and Millennia Institute (three-year course) lead to the A-Level or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, depending on the school.
- Polytechnics offer full-time, practice-oriented diploma courses with industry internships. Graduates who want to continue may be considered for university on their diploma.
- The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) offers full-time Higher Nitec courses. MOE says all courses will move to the enhanced three-year structure by 2026.
- Arts institutions: LASALLE College of the Arts and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, with publicly funded degree and diploma programmes.
- Universities: NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD, SIT and SUSS, plus the University of the Arts Singapore. See Universities in Singapore.
The school year
MOE publishes that the 2027 school year for MOE primary schools, secondary schools and MOE Kindergartens runs from 4 January to 19 November 2027, in four terms:
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | 4 January to 12 March |
| Term 2 | 22 March to 28 May |
| Term 3 | 28 June to 3 September |
| Term 4 | 13 September to 19 November |
The year-end break is 20 November to 31 December. Junior colleges and Millennia Institute differ by year group. The MOE release does not cover private or international schools, so ask the school.
Checking a private institution
- The Private Education Act requires private schools to be registered with SWDA and to meet basic requirements on information disclosure, academic processes and corporate governance. Courses such as diplomas, degrees, full-time certificates and preparatory courses must also be registered.
- SWDA’s guide tells you to check that the school is on the register, its registration period and expiry date, its track record, and that the course is on the list of permitted courses. The lists are on the Training Provider Gateway (tpgateway.gov.sg).
- SWDA says it oversees course registration but does not endorse or accredit courses. EduTrust is a quality assurance scheme covering academic processes, governance, quality management and student protection, and “does not assess the content of the course”.
- A school that does not subscribe to the course fee insurance schemes may not collect more than two months of fees in advance.
What this means for international students
- Government schools: through MOE’s admission exercises. MOE assigns the school from vacancies; you cannot name it.
- Junior colleges and Millennia Institute: apply directly in December, subject to vacancies and the school’s criteria.
- Kindergartens, private schools, polytechnics and universities: apply directly to each one, outside MOE’s exercises.
- Foreign children at kindergartens must use ECDA-licensed pre-schools. For the pass, see Student’s Pass.
- Costs differ widely; see Cost components.
Common mistakes
- Using the old stream names for today’s system: from 2024 Secondary 1 students are no longer streamed.
- Trusting a school’s marketing: check the register yourself.
- Assuming every school’s year is the same: MOE schools start in January, others set their own.
- Assuming international students can pick a government school: schools are assigned.
Next steps
- Choose your stage in the planner and answer one step at a time.
- Read AEIS for the way into government schools.
FAQ
When does the school year start?
MOE says the 2027 school year for MOE primary schools, secondary schools and MOE Kindergartens runs from 4 January to 19 November 2027, in four terms. Junior colleges and Millennia Institute differ slightly. Private and international schools set their own calendars, so ask the school.
Are secondary students still streamed into Express, Normal (Academic) and Normal (Technical)?
No. From the 2024 Secondary 1 cohort MOE has implemented Full Subject-Based Banding (Full SBB). Stream labels are phased out and students take each subject at G1, G2 or G3.
Do O-Levels still exist?
MOE says the N(T), N(A) and O-Level certificates will be replaced by the Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) from 2027. SEAB says the first examination is in 2027, with results released in January of the following year.
What types of school can international students go to?
Government schools through MOE’s admission exercises, depending on vacancies (see the AEIS article). Junior colleges and Millennia Institute take direct applications in December. Kindergartens, private schools, polytechnics and universities are approached directly.
How do I know a private institution is legitimate?
The Private Education Act requires private schools to be registered with SWDA. SWDA’s guide points to registers on the Training Provider Gateway for registered schools, registered courses and EduTrust-certified schools. EduTrust is a quality assurance scheme and does not assess course content.
Sources
- MOE: Education Statistics Digest 2025, Overview of Singapore’s Education System (October 2025)
- MOE press release: School terms and holidays for 2027 (14 Jul 2026)
- SEAB: Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate, SEC (updated 14 May 2026)
- SWDA: Guide for choosing a private education institution (updated 22 Jul 2026)
- MOE: Admissions process for international students (updated 14 Jan 2026)
- ICA: Student’s Pass for kindergartens and childcare centres (updated 29 Oct 2026)