Reference for Accompanying Study Costs in Singapore
Published on February 23, 2023
If a student is admitted to Singaporean government primary or secondary schools or international schools and is under 16 years old, parents can apply for a Singapore Dependant Pass. Government school fees are charged monthly, while international schools typically charge on a yearly or semester basis. The living expenses for dependents are around 30,000 to 40,000 Singapore Dollars per year, with accommodation costs representing a significant portion. Rent for housing is typically between 1,000 to 2,500 Singapore Dollars per month. Only one person among the mother, grandmother, or paternal grandmother is allowed to accompany the student.
Singapore Dependant Pass Policy
The Singapore Dependant Pass policy allows younger international students to be accompanied by their mothers to ensure that children can focus on their studies. Dependant Pass holders are allowed to work legally in Singapore in the second year. This policy specifies that the child must be between 6-16 years old, and only the mother is allowed to accompany the child. To apply for the Dependant Pass, the child must meet age and academic requirements, pass the AEIS exam, and enroll in a government school.
Singapore Dependant Pass Conditions
The age requirement for the Singapore Dependant Pass is 6-16 years old; those above 16 years old need to apply for a renewing Long-Term Visit Pass. Students must pass the AEIS exam and enroll in a government primary or secondary school. If a student is attending a private institution for preparatory courses, they are not eligible to apply for the Dependant Pass.
Singapore Primary School Admission Conditions
The admission conditions for Singaporean primary schools state that students who are 7 years old can directly enter Grade 1 without the need for an exam. Applications before April can be considered for Grade 1 placement, while applications after April will have to wait until the following January. Transferring to Grades 2 to 5 requires taking the AEIS exam, and the placement is based on the exam results.