How to Apply for an International School in Singapore — A Friendly Guide

Moving to Singapore and wondering how to get your child into an international school? It might seem like a maze of forms and visas - but frankly, the process can be refreshingly simple. At IFIS (Impact Family International School), we keep the steps to a minimum and handhold you through all the steps. Simply follow along in a laid-back, step-by-step fashion.

Step 1: Hit that “Apply Now” Button

The process kicks off when you apply on the school's website and complete a short online application form. It's swift and easy - no paper paddling required. In the case of IFIS, just click that "Apply Now" button and you are completed in less than 5 minutes.

Step 2: Chat with Admissions

Soon after you apply, the Admissions Team will reach out to connect personally. It’s not just for paperwork—they want to understand your child’s needs and your family's goals. They’ll guide you on what documents to prepare and even offer to set up a school tour or Open House visit, if you're keen.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

When contacted, the admissions team will provide you with a checklist of all the requirements, and even assist you on how to get them (if you are unsure). This is a list of paperwork that are typically required by Singapore international schools:

• Completed application form

• Child’s and parents’ passport details (and visa or Dependant Pass)

• School reports/transcripts (usually in English)

• Birth certificate

• Passport-sized photo

• (Possibly) vaccination records

These are standard across most reputable schools in Singapore.

Step 4: The Admissions Decision

With everything submitted, IFIS will review your application—ultimately sending you an Official Offer Letter if your child is accepted. Once accepted, you’ll usually move on to sign a student contract and pay any registration or deposit fees to secure the spot (the specifics can vary by school).

Extra Tips — Applying to International Schools in Singapore

Here are a few helpful reminders that come straight from parents and admissions experts:

• You don’t need a Student’s Pass or visa first. You’ll apply for it after receiving an offer letter from the school.

• International school fees can vary. Annual costs for schools like IFIS start at $12,XXX while other schools can go as high as SGD$50,000, plus extras. That’s why knowing your options (like IFIS - more affordable and values-driven) is key.

  
  

These are a few things to take note of:

• Streamlined application: Submit online, get support, receive your offer. Easy.

• Family-first approach: Admissions should provide a personalized process tailored to your child's situation, not just throw you the forms.

• Transparency: You should know what’s ahead - fees, curriculum, ECA options, etc - without the guesswork.

• Cost-aware: Cost can vary across the schools. Some schools like IFIS stands out as an affordable international school in Singapore without sacrificing quality.

  
  

TL;DR — Applying in 5 Friendly Steps

1. Apply online through the school's website.

2. Admissions team reaches out to guide you on docs and tours.

3. Submit required documents (ID, transcripts, photos—usually in English).

4. Receive an Offer Letter if accepted.

5. Complete registration/login and proceed with visa or pass application—then join the school community!

   
   

Final Word

Applying to an international school in Singapore doesn’t need to be stressful. In this post, we used IFIS as an example to show you it can be easy, transparent, and genuinely supportive. Whether you're after small classes, a bilingual curriculum, or a school that considers your child’s whole being - this gives you a solid blueprint to follow.

Click here to learn more about how to apply to IFIS.