Overview: Are Singapore Primary Schools Affordable?
Singapore's primary education is heavily subsidised by the government. For Singapore Citizens, monthly school fees at government primary schools are just S$6.50 per month — making primary education one of the most accessible in the world. The bulk of expenses come from miscellaneous fees and enrichment activities, not tuition fees.
Monthly Tuition Fees by School Type and Citizenship
| School Type | Singapore Citizen | Permanent Resident | International Student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government | S$6.50 | S$330 | S$570–S$740 |
| Government-Aided | S$6.50–S$13 | S$330–S$363 | S$570–S$806 |
| Independent | Up to S$2,420 | Higher | Significantly higher |
Figures based on MOE 2024/2025 fee schedule. Fees are reviewed periodically by MOE.
Miscellaneous Fees
In addition to tuition fees, schools charge miscellaneous fees covering IT, library, sports, and other services. For government schools, these typically range from S$5 to S$13 per month for Singapore Citizens. Government-aided schools may charge slightly higher. These fees are capped by MOE.
The Edusave Scheme
The Singapore government credits every Singaporean student's Edusave account annually:
- Primary school students: S$230 per year (P1–P6)
- Additional top-ups may be given as Edusave Supplements during budget periods
Edusave can be used to pay school fees, enrichment programmes endorsed by MOE, and school-based CCA fees. For most Singaporean families, Edusave credit more than covers annual school fees — effectively making primary school free.
MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)
Families facing financial difficulty can apply for the MOE FAS, which provides:
- Full fee waiver for tuition and standard miscellaneous fees
- Textbook grant
- School attire grant
- Meal subsidy at school canteen
- Transport subsidy for students on public transport
FAS Eligibility Criteria (2025)
Families qualify if either condition is met:
- Gross monthly household income ≤ S$3,000, OR
- Per capita income ≤ S$750 per month
Applications are made through the school directly. Documents required: latest payslips or CPF statements, NRIC, and proof of address.
Other Financial Considerations
School Excursions and Outdoor Education
Schools organise learning journeys, overseas immersion trips, and camp programmes. Costs vary widely — local day trips are typically S$10–S$30, while overseas programmes can cost S$1,000–S$2,000 for a week. These are optional but children often feel peer pressure to participate. FAS recipients typically receive subsidies for these too.
Textbooks and Stationery
The Textbook Loan Scheme (TLS) allows students to borrow MOE textbooks from school. Families that purchase books outright spend approximately S$100–S$200 annually per student. FAS recipients receive free textbooks.
Enrichment and Tuition
This is the biggest discretionary expense for most families. Private tuition costs range from S$20/hour (group tuition) to S$150+/hour (private tutors in core subjects). MOE advises that well-taught school curriculum should be sufficient — tuition is not mandatory and some children thrive without it.
Calculating Your Annual Cost
For a Singaporean family with a child in a government primary school:
- Annual tuition fees: S$78 (covered by Edusave)
- Annual miscellaneous fees: ~S$100 (often covered by Edusave)
- Net out-of-pocket fees: S$0 for most families
- Textbooks: S$0 (TLS) or S$100–S$200
- School uniforms: S$60–S$150 (varies by school)
- Transport: varies by distance and mode
The government heavily subsidises primary education. The real costs to families are enrichment activities, tuition, and school merchandise — all of which are discretionary.