Choosing a preschool can feel overwhelming. You want a safe, nurturing, and educational environment, but costs vary widely, and hidden fees can add up. When researching preschool cost in Singapore, it becomes clear that fees differ significantly based on programme type, school model, and your child’s nationality. Fees also depend on whether your child is a Citizen, Permanent Resident (PR), or Foreigner, and whether you choose a government-supported centre or a private/international school. Without clear information, planning can feel like a maze.
This guide breaks down typical costs, explains subsidies, highlights hidden fees, and gives a clear comparison, helping you plan confidently and choose the right preschool for your child.
Factors That Affect Preschool Fees
Preschool fees can vary a lot, and understanding what drives the cost can help you plan your budget more effectively. Here are the main factors:
Residency Status: Citizen, PR, or Foreigner
Singapore Citizens often receive government subsidies that significantly reduce fees. Permanent Residents (PRs) and foreigners usually pay higher rates because subsidies are limited or unavailable, contributing to higher preschool fees for foreigners.
Type of Preschool: Government, Private, or International
Government-supported centres (Anchor or Partner Operators), MOE kindergartens, private preschools, and international programmes all have different fee structures. The more specialized or premium the programme, the higher the cost. This applies especially to Montessori-based schools, where Montessori preschool fees may be higher due to the preschool curriculum and specialised learning materials.
Programme type and age group:
Infant care for babies tends to be the most expensive, followed by toddler and preschool/kindergarten programmes.
Extra services and facilities:
Meals, transport, uniforms, learning materials, and enrichment activities like music or STEM classes can add to your monthly fees.
By considering these factors, you can better compare preschools and find one that fits both your child’s needs and your family budget.
Typical Preschool Fees in Singapore
Preschool school fees can vary depending on your child’s age, residency status, and the type of programme. The table below shows typical monthly preschool fees before subsidies for full-day programmes at government-supported and licensed centres:
| Programme Type | Singapore Citizen | Permanent Resident (PR) | Foreigner |
| Infant Care (full-day) | ~S$1,300 – S$1,350 | ~S$1,700 – S$1,740 | ~S$2,000 – S$2,330 |
| Childcare / Toddler (full-day) | ~S$650 – S$700 | ~S$900 – S$980 | ~S$1,170 – S$1,280 |
| Kindergarten (short-/half-day) | ~S$160 | ~S$390 | ~S$570 |
Key points to note:
- Citizens benefit from government subsidies, which can significantly lower the actual fees.
- PRs usually pay more than citizens because subsidies are limited or unavailable.
- Foreigners generally face the highest fees unless enrolled in special financial assistance schemes, which directly affects the overall cost of preschool in Singapore for non-citizens.
- Private and international preschools often cost even more (sometimes S$2,000+ per month) and are not included here, as they do not follow government fee caps.
By keeping these figures in mind, you can better compare options and plan your monthly budget for your child’s early education.
Private & International Preschool Fees
Many families opt for private or international preschools for reasons such as smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, IB (International Baccalaureate)), longer hours, or a strong focus on English and bilingual education. This includes parents looking specifically for Montessori preschool Singapore fees, which can differ greatly from mainstream programmes.
Typical Costs
While fees vary depending on the school, location, and programme, here’s a general guide for full-day programmes:
| Programme Type | Estimated Monthly Fees (SGD) |
| Infant Care (0–18 months) | S$1,800 – S$2,800 |
| Childcare / Toddler (18–36 months) | S$1,500 – S$2,500 |
| Kindergarten (3–6 years) | S$1,200 – S$2,500+ |
Additional Costs to Consider:
These fees usually do not include government subsidies. Additional costs such as uniforms, meals, transport, and enrichment classes can add S$100–S$500 per month. Premium international or Montessori schools may charge S$3,000+ per month for full-day programmes.
Many families choose private or international preschools for the extra benefits they offer, such as exposure to global or bilingual curricula, flexible hours, enrichment programs like arts or STEM, and smaller class sizes. While these schools are generally more expensive, they provide a tailored learning environment that some families find valuable.
How Government Subsidies Can Reduce Fees
Singapore Citizens can benefit from government subsidies for licensed childcare and kindergarten programmes, which can make preschool much more affordable.
1. Childcare & Infant Care Subsidy
- Basic Subsidy: Up to S$600/month for infant care and S$300/month for childcare.
Additional Subsidy: Families with a household income of S$12,000/month or less may receive extra support. Subsidies are applied directly to your monthly fees, lowering the amount you actually pay.
2. Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS)
The Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) helps reduce fees for MOE or Anchor Operator kindergartens, bringing kindergarten fees down to around S$100–S$200/month after subsidy.
3. Other Financial Assistance Programs
Programs like Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) and the Start-Up Grant (SUG) can help cover initial costs such as deposits, uniforms, or other start-up fees for eligible families.
Note: Subsidies are generally not available for PRs or foreigners, which means their net preschool costs remain higher.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Even after you have accounted for monthly tuition, there are other expenses that can add up quickly. These include:
- Registration fees and deposits
- Uniforms, books, and learning materials
- Transport or lunch plans
- Enrichment classes such as music, language, or STEM programs
Being aware of these hidden costs ahead of time helps you plan your budget more accurately and avoids unexpected surprises.
Conclusion
Preschool costs vary depending on several factors, including who your child is eligible as, their stage of development, and the kind of preschool in Singapore you choose. Citizens benefit from subsidies that reduce fees, while PRs and foreigners generally pay more. Private and international preschools, including Montessori programmes, offer specialised curricula and smaller class sizes but come at a higher cost. Beyond tuition, extra expenses such as uniforms, meals, transport, and enrichment classes should also be considered. Understanding preschool costs and the available subsidies helps parents plan effectively and choose the right preschool for their child.
FAQs
1. How expensive is childcare in Singapore?
Childcare costs vary by age, residency, and type of preschool. For government-supported centres, infant care fees are around S$1,300–S$1,350 for Singapore Citizens, with PRs and foreigners paying more.
2. What age should children start preschool?
Most children start preschool between 18 months and 3 years old. Infant care programmes cater to children from 2–18 months, while childcare and kindergarten programmes usually accept children from 18 months to 6 years.
3. Is preschool compulsory in Singapore?
Preschool is not compulsory. However, it is highly encouraged because it provides a strong foundation for early learning and primary school readiness. Attendance becomes mandatory only when children start primary school at age 6.
