Navigating Local Schools In Singapore – Guide To 2026 Singapore Primary 1 Registration For Expats

Considering a Local Primary School in Singapore?

If you’re an expat planning to enroll your child in a Singapore local primary school for 2026, now’s the time to get organized. Registration opens for international students in May 2025, and unlike local citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs), foreigners must first submit an online Indication of Interest form to even be considered for admission under Phase 3 of the Primary 1 registration process.

Here’s your step-by-step breakdown of how to register, what documents to prepare, and why a local school might just be the right fit for your family.

Who’s Eligible?

For the 2026 Primary 1 intake, your child should be born between January 2, 2019, and January 1, 2020. Children who meet the age requirement can be considered for a local school place, although spaces are limited and competition is high.

Registration Process for International Students

Step 1: Submit an Indication of Interest

📅 When: Expected in May 2025
📍 Where: MOE Primary 1 Registration Website

This online form is mandatory for all non-PR foreigners and determines your child’s eligibility to enter Phase 3 of the P1 registration. The Ministry of Education (MOE) will announce exact dates and details by May 2025, so consider joining their mailing list for timely updates.

Step 2: Wait for Eligibility Confirmation

After submitting the Indication of Interest, you’ll receive a notification from MOE if your child qualifies for Phase 3. This phase happens after all Singapore citizens and PRs have secured places through earlier phases.

Step 3: Register During Phase 3

If you’re eligible, MOE will provide specific instructions on how and when to register your child officially during Phase 3. Be sure to follow the guidelines strictly—late or incomplete submissions won’t be accepted.

Required Documents

When submitting the Indication of Interest form and/or registering during Phase 3, have these documents ready:

Child’s Documents:

• Birth certificate (English translation required if in another language)

• Passport

• Immigration documents (if applicable): Dependant’s Pass, Student’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Immigration Exemption Order

Parent’s Documents:

• Passports

• NRIC or other Singapore ID (if any)

• Employment/Work Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass

Contact & File Info:

• Valid email address

• Local or overseas contact number

• Scanned soft copies of required documents (PDF or JPG format)

Is It Easy to Get a Spot?

No, it’s not. Admission into local primary schools is highly competitive for non-citizens. International students are considered only after all Singaporeans and PRs, which means limited vacancies in less popular schools. Still, it’s worth applying—especially if you’re keen on local integration and a more affordable education path.

Why Choose a Local School?

There are some strong reasons expat families might go local:

• Affordability: Local school fees range from SG$8,000–SG$15,000/year, which is about half the cost of international schools.

• Cultural Immersion: Your child will experience the local culture and community firsthand.

• Academic Strengths: Singapore’s public schools are globally respected, particularly in maths, science, and Mandarin.

Popular Local Schools for Expats

While top-tier local schools are typically oversubscribed, some schools have more availability and are known to welcome expat students. These include:

• Balestier Hill Primary

• Bukit Panjang Primary

• Bukit Timah Primary

• Opera Estate Primary

• Tanjong Katong Primary

Local vs. International: What’s Right for You?

More Resources

• MOE Primary 1 Registration

• Join MOE Mailing List

• WhichSchoolAdvisor’s School Survey