Let's be honest, recent years have seen education become more of a rat race. It’s a global phenomenon and a very substantial part of it exists in Singapore.
A lot of Singaporean parents think standard schooling isn't enough for children. That’s why there’s been a spike in enrichment classes that promise to help your child get an edge over their peers when it comes to learning new skills.
And if you were thinking that these classes aren’t that consequential, let us tell you, the tuition and enrichment industry in Singapore is worth $1 billion per year.
That’s a whole lot of money people are spending on special education over and above what the schools have to offer. It’s no surprise then that tuition in Singapore doesn’t come cheap.
An HSBC survey concluded that child education cost on the island from primary school to the undergraduate years will set parents back by an average of $96,000. In fact, Singapore ranks third globally in terms of educational spending after Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.
But how do we end up spending so much on tuition in Singapore? Here’s a breakdown of how the costs work.
Why Are Tuition And Enrichment Classes So Popular?
The Singapore education system is rigorous and parents often attribute tuitions and enrichment classes as lending a gentle nudge to the child’s capabilities.
However, many would agree that there is a stronger emotion of fear associated with education. The fear that your child may be left behind pushes parents to invest in enrichment classes.
Tuition is a privilege
Given the costs involved, tuition in Singapore is a privilege. Not all parents can afford it but those who can, do so without second-guessing it.
So don’t be surprised if your child’s schedule is busier than yours on any given day. That’s just how many classes you’ve signed them up for.
Kiasu parenting
This kiasu mentality often comes from “because everyone I know is doing it.” It also comes from your own inability to resolve your child’s concerns.
With the syllabus evolving by lightyears for math and science, it's natural that their subjects look and sound gibberish when compared to your days of schooling.
Focus on career
There’s also the aspect of professional careers for both parents that may not allow you to spend adequate time with your child. You think the kid is better off learning something instead and is taken care of at the same time.
Cost Of Tuition In Singapore: Breakdown
| Life Stage | Tuition & Enrichment | Fees | Duration | |
| Preschool | Yamaha Music Wonderland Course For 3-Year-Olds | Starting from $356.40/term |
11 lessons per term 1 year, OR 6 months |
|
| Primary School (P1 - P4 Programmes) | Tuition for English, Maths and Science programmes at The Learning Lab |
Per lesson: $125.28 – $135.00 Weekday (*per month): $501.12 Weekend (*per month): $540.00 |
Per month refers to 4 lessons. One term has 12 to 14 lessons. | |
| Kids Group Class at Singapore Swimming Academy (5 years old onwards) | $100/month | 45min sessions at fixed weekly classes | ||
| Primary School Upper Pri: P5-P6) | Tuition for English, Math and Science programmes at The Learning Lab |
Per lesson: $133.92 – $143.64 Weekday (*per month): $535.68 Weekend (*per month): $574.56 |
*per month refers to 4 lessons One term has 12 to 14 lessons. |
|
| Piano Course for Children (For 6- to 8-year-olds) @ Yamaha | Starting from $421.20/term |
11 lessons per term 4 years |
||
| Secondary School (Lower Sec) | Tuition For 3 Subjects (English, Math and Science) at Mavis Tutorial Centre | $165.85/month (per subject) $497.55/month (for 3 subjects) |
2 Years (24 months) | |
| Secondary School (Upper Sec) | Tuition for 3 Subjects (e.g A Math, Physics, Chemistry) at Mavis Tutorial Centre | $219.35/month $658.05/month (3 subjects) |
2 Years (24 months) | |
| Junior College | Tuition for 2 subjects (Private tuition at market rate of $55/hr per subject) | 440/month (1x weekly, 2 hrs a session for 1 subject) 880/month (1x weekly, 2 hrs |
2 Years (24 months) | |
Now that you have a fair idea of how you are likely to spend money over the next 14-15 years for your child's tuition and enrichment classes, here's how the costing works through the different stages.
Average Tuition Fee In Singapore
Here's what the average tuition fee in Singapore looks like. Do remember, the actual rates will vary so make sure to speak to your preferred enrichment classes for the best deals.
| Part-Time Tutors |
Full-Time Tutors |
Ex/Current
MOE Teachers |
|
| Pre-School | $25-$35/h | $40-$50/h | $50-$70/h |
| Primary 1-4 | $25-$35/h | $35-$45/h | $50-$70/h |
| Primary 5-6 | $30-$40/h | $40-$50/h | $60-$80/h |
| Sec 1-2 | $30-$45/h | $45-$55/h | $60-$85/h |
| Sec 3-5 | $35-$45/h | $45-$60/h | $65-$95/h |
| JC | $40-$55/h | $60-$85/h | $90-$130/h |
| IB | $40-$55/h | $60-$85/h | $90-$130/h |
| IGCSE / International | $30-$55/h | $45-$85/h | $60-$120/h |
| Poly / Uni | $40-$65/h | $60-$95/h | $100-$130/h |
| Adult | $30-$45/h | $40-$65/h | $70-$100/h |
Info from Mindflex Home Tuition quoted from Home Tutors in Singapore.
Preschool: Age 3-7 Years
Toddlers grasp different concepts faster and that's why some parents choose to enrol kids in enrichment classes right from a young age.
Swimming, baby spas, music robotics, coding and more, the choices for three to six-year-olds is huge. In fact, a one-year session at Yamaha Music for three-year-olds will cost you nearly $1476.
| Life Stage | Tuition & Enrichment | Fees | Duration | Total Cost |
| Preschool | Music Course For 3-Year-Olds | $369.15 / 3 Months | 1 Year | $1476.60 |
Primary School: Age 7-12 Years
Your child's primary school days will also be their most memorable, while the learning curve is only going to get steeper. This is the age when kids have a jam-packed schedule with nearly every second of the day mapped out and packed with some activity or the other.
On average, kids go through two to three classes every week for academics, along with learning a musical instrument and a sports enrichment class.
Factoring this in mind, the cost of tuition and enrichment classes during the primary stage will be around $44,091. That's almost the same as getting a bachelor's degree at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
| Life Stage | Tuition & Enrichment | Fees | Duration | Total Cost |
| Primary School (Lower Pri: P3-P4) | Tuition for English and Math (1x weekly/subject) | $400/month per subject, $800/month for 2 subjects |
2 Years (24 months) | $19,200 |
| Swimming Lessons (1x weekly) | $50/month | 2 Years (24 months) | $1,200 | |
| Primary School Upper Pri: P5-P6) | Tuition for English and Math (1x weekly/subject) | $420/month per subject $840/month for 2 subjects |
2 Years (24 months) | $20,160 |
| Piano Lessons- Individual Lessons (1x weekly) | $171.20/month | 1 Year (12 Months) - assume lessons stop after P5, as the student prepares for PSLE | $2,054.40 |
Secondary School: Age - 13-16 Years
While enrichment classes may not be a part of your child's life, the cost of tuitions will go up. By this point, you would've spent about $71,825.40 for over 10 years of education on your child.
| Life Stage | Tuition & Enrichment | Fees | Duration | Total Cost |
| Secondary School (Lower Sec) | Tuition For 3 Subjects (English, Math and Science) | $165.85/month (per subject) $497.55/month (for 3 subjects) |
2 Years (24 months) | $11,941.20 |
| Secondary School (Upper Sec) | Tuition for 3 Subjects (e.g A Math, Physics, Chemistry) | $219.35/month 658.05/month (3 subjects) |
2 Years (24 months) | $15,793.20 |
Junior College: Age - 17-19 Years
For students who've selected the junior college route to pursue further education. They do require tuition for complicated subjects like math, economics, and general paper to clear the A-Levels examinations.
Factoring this in mind, the amount you will end up spending will be another $10,000.
| Life Stage | Tuition & Enrichment | Fees | Duration | Total Cost |
| Junior College | Tuition for 2 subjects (Private Tuition at market rate of $55/hr per subject) | $440/month (1x weekly, 2 hrs a session for 1 subject) $880/month (1x weekly, 2 hrs a session for 2 subjects) |
2 Years (24 months) | $10,560 |
Should You Enrol Your Child For Tuition In Singapore?
Tuitions or enrichment classes are frowned upon largely due to the costs involved around them. However, if your child needs that extra help with their academics, it's completely justified.
This holds true even for kids attending enrichment classes to further a talent or skillset. It's always a good idea to encourage children to find their purpose.
At the end of the day, parents need to be real and understand if their child is actually benefitting from all these extra classes or is it just a checklist that you are trying to achieve. Not just parents but kids too may feel they need tuitions to help cope up with their studies.
It's fairly common for children to stress and then enrol for classes closer to the examinations, or to prepare for other kinds of competitive exams.
As long as you aren't overburdening your child's day and your financial situation, tuition and enrichment classes are welcome and quite nurturing even. Because when you look at the nearly $100,000 figure you've spent on your child's education, some of it can seem like an avoidable expense.
However, think of it as an investment that you've made for your kid's future who will reap the rewards later.
But yes, signing up for tuition and enrichment classes aren't the only ways to achieve them. Even the Ministry of Education is launching initiatives to de-emphasise academic achievement.
So, concentrate on nurturing your child's holistic growth and that will only happen when parents choose physical and mental wellbeing over getting specific grades.
Disclaimer: All costs listed in the article are approximate and may change based on the centre. It is advisable to check with the tuition or enrichment centre for the exact amount.
ALSO READ:
Top 10 Enrichment Classes For Toddlers In Singapore
Your Kids’ Social Skills Are More Important Than Scoring An 'A'