International School Contract Singapore: 12 Clauses to Check First

So you've shortlisted a few international schools in Singapore, maybe done the campus tour at Tanglin Trust or UWCSEA, and the admissions officer just slid a fat enrolment pack across the table. Before you whip out your pen (or worse, your online signature), here's what you need to know: an international school contract in Singapore is a legally binding agreement, often locking you in for a term, a year, or longer — with fees that can run into six figures over a child's education.

Unlike your average tuition centre sign-up, this isn't a small commitment you can walk away from without cost. We've gone through enrolment agreements from several Singapore international schools to flag the clauses parents consistently miss — and what's actually negotiable versus standard practice.

1. Application and Registration Fees (Almost Always Non-Refundable)

Most schools charge a non-refundable application fee of $200 to $500 just to process your child's file, on top of an assessment fee if there's an entrance test. This is standard across the board — Singapore American School, Dulwich, ISS — and you won't get this back even if your child doesn't get an offer or you decline it.

What to push back on: Nothing really — this is industry standard. But do ask if the fee is waived for sibling applications, since some schools quietly offer this.

2. The Deposit, Debenture, or Capital Levy

This is the big one. Many international schools require a one-time, often substantial, capital contribution — sometimes called a