Compare up to three paths side by side: selectivity, cost, English level, lead time, pros and cons.

Reference data (2026-10): tuition for public universities, government schools and several international schools comes from official fee schedules (NUS, NTU, MOE and the schools). Private-institution fees come from four institutions’ published programme fees; living costs are estimates. Use this for rough planning and confirm with each institution.

	Government primary school (incl. AEIS route)	Private primary school	International-school primary section
Stage	Primary	Primary	Primary
Selectivity	Depends on vacancies	Moderately selective	Moderately selective
Tuition reference (SGD/year)	S$7,140–12,420	No reference data yet	S$19,750–58,100
English level (reference)	Can read and write in English	Basic speaking and listening	Basic speaking and listening
Suggested lead time	12 months	9 months	9 months
Strengths	Part of the mainstream local system Fees are lower than international schools (confirm officially)	Flexible intakes and curriculum Class sizes are often smaller	Wide curriculum choice, English environment Several intakes a year are common
Watch-outs	Entry for international students depends on exams and vacancies; MOE assigns the school Taught in English; word problems in English are demanding	Curriculum recognition and progression need checking school by school Fees vary	High fees Does not necessarily lead into the local system

Path comparison