Your Singapore School Year
Plan your move to Singapore with confidence. See key school dates, public holidays and planning milestones to help you choose the right time to arrive and settle in.
How To Use This
Use this calendar as a planning guide for your move to Singapore. Compare school terms, holidays and key dates against your preferred arrival timeline, allowing enough time for school applications, housing arrangements and settling in. For families, we recommend planning around the academic calendar rather than simply choosing a flight date, so your child can transition into school as smoothly as possible.
Preparation Milestones
12+ Months Before
Start exploring Singapore
Understand school options, neighbourhoods, estimated costs and the requirements relevant to your family’s move.
9–12 Months Before
Begin your school search
Shortlist suitable schools based on curriculum, location, availability, fees and your child’s individual needs.
6–9 Months Before
Prepare school applications
Gather academic records, supporting documents and application requirements for your preferred schools.
4–6 Months Before
Plan your Singapore visit
Schedule school tours and explore potential neighbourhoods before making your final decisions.
3–4 Months Before
Confirm your school placement
Finalise enrolment and begin planning your move around the school’s confirmed start date.
2–3 Months Before
Secure your accommodation
Narrow down suitable homes based on school location, commute, lifestyle and your family’s requirements.
1 Month Before
Prepare for your arrival
Finalise travel, documentation, transportation and essential arrangements for your first weeks in Singapore.
Arrival & First Weeks
Settle into Singapore
Complete essential registrations, get familiar with your neighbourhood and prepare for a smooth school and family transition.
Processing times depend on the type of school:
- Universities (NUS, NTU and other public institutes of higher learning): ICA's general processing time is within one week of submission if the student doesn't need a visa, and within two weeks if they do. Some applications take longer.
- Private education institutions: Students apply online at least two months, and no more than three months, before the course begins. ICA processes new applications within one month, or within two weeks for EduTrust-accredited schools.
- Schools: These apply through the school, and timings vary. For example, one school quotes about two to four weeks for a new application
Need Help Planning?
Not sure when to arrive? Start Right Up can help align your school, housing and relocation timeline, so every step of your move to Singapore happens at the right time.