Singapore is not only a global financial and commercial hub, but also a focal point for international students and parents due to its high-quality education system.
If you plan to open a private school here, whether it be for language training, vocational skills courses, or high-end academic tutoring, it is crucial to understand the legal framework, registration process, and compliance requirements.
I. Prospects and Advantages of Opening a Private School in Singapore
1. Strong Demand in the Education Market
Singapore’s private education market has seen sustained growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for international and diverse educational opportunities. Whether it’s skill training for working adults, language schools for international students, or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, the demand is stable and diverse.
According to data from the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE), the proportion of international students among new enrollees has been steadily increasing each year, fueling the demand for high-quality private educational institutions.
Additionally, Singapore encourages high-quality private education providers to enter the market through systems such as Skills Future Singapore (SSG) and EduTrust Certification, providing policy and financial support for compliant private schools.
Private schools also offer greater flexibility than public schools, enabling them to design customized programs for specific groups, such as corporate employee training, short-term language courses, and vocational skills certification programs.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
2. Policy and Regulatory Advantages
Singapore has a clear legal and regulatory framework for private schools, enabling investors and parents to have clear expectations. Through registration under the Private Education Act and the Committee for Private Education (CPE), schools obtain legal operating qualifications, while transparent regulatory systems ensure educational quality and financial security.
For example, schools certified by EduTrust can enroll international students and enjoy greater course autonomy, while being protected by the Fee Protection Scheme (FPS), which enhances the confidence of parents and students.
3. Market Competition and Brand Value
Private schools in Singapore are not only education service providers but also brand operators. Offering high-quality courses, hiring professional teachers, and adopting modern teaching methods can help quickly establish market reputation.
Additionally, an international background and diverse curricula can attract students from Asia, Europe, and the Americas, enhancing the school’s brand value in the global education market. Combined with digital marketing and social media promotion, private schools have a higher likelihood of quickly attracting students and expanding their influence.
In summary, Singapore offers numerous market opportunities, clear policies, and transparent regulations, making it an ideal location for establishing private schools. Investors need only prepare thoroughly in terms of registration, qualifications, and operational compliance to enter the market swiftly.
Image source: Lianhe Zaobao
II. Registration of Private Schools in Singapore:
Legal Framework and Licensing Requirements
The first step in establishing a private school is to understand Singapore’s legal and regulatory requirements and determine whether the school meets the registration criteria for a Private Education Institution (PEI).
1. Legal Framework and Applicable Entities
The regulatory authority is the CPE under SkillsFuture Singapore, which oversees private education institutions in accordance with the Private Education Act.
Applicable entities include any institution that provides training or courses to the public, charges tuition fees, and operates for profit, such as language training, vocational skills courses, and academic tutoring. Internal corporate training that does not charge fees to the public does not require PEI registration.
CPE’s regulatory oversight encompasses not only course quality but also teacher qualifications, facility safety, student contracts, and financial transparency, ensuring the school operates in compliance with regulations and student interests are protected.
2. Types of Licenses and Certifications
Common licenses and certifications for private schools in Singapore include:
① PEI Registration License (mandatory)
Any training institution that recruits students from the public must first obtain PEI registration to operate legally.
② EduTrust Certification (optional, but mandatory in certain cases)
Must be applied for when recruiting international students or offering long-term courses;
Provides Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) to safeguard prepaid tuition fees;
The certification is valid for 1, 4, or 6 years, depending on the institution’s performance.
③ WSQ/ATO Training Institution Certification
If offering government-subsidized courses, institutions must apply for SSG-accredited training institution (ATO) certification.
④ MOM Course Approval (optional)
For safety, construction site, or industry-mandated training courses, approval from the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is required.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
3. PEI Registration Process
Step 1: Establish a Company
You must first register a company (Pte. Ltd., Sole Proprietorship, or LLP) with ACRA. The business scope is recommended to be SSIC Code 85509 (Training Courses N.E.C.) or other education-related SSIC codes. After company registration, you can open a commercial bank account, manage finances, and hire teachers.
Step 2: Determine the Training Model and Curriculum
Develop a course outline (Objectives, Duration, Mode of Delivery, Assessment);
Prepare a prospectus, clearly stating tuition fees, refund policies, and admission requirements;
Arrange for teacher qualification reviews to ensure compliance with course requirements.
Step 3: Submit the CPE Registration Application
Submit the application via GoBusiness Licensing → Private Education Institution Registration.
Required documents include:
Company registration information (BizFile);
Curriculum outline and course schedule;
Teacher qualification certificates (academic qualifications, industry experience, resumes);
School premises proof (lease agreement, floor plan, URA use approval);
Student contract sample;
Refund and complaint handling policy;
Management team resumes.
Application fees range from approximately S$500 to S$1,400, with approval typically taking 2–4 months.
Step 4: If enrolling international students
EduTrust Certification must be obtained first;
Provide a Student Protection Scheme (FPS);
The school must be registered with the ICA to issue student passes (Student Pass);
Upon completing the above process, the school will obtain legal qualifications and can proceed with international recruitment.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
III. Operational Considerations and Compliance Requirements for Private Schools
Obtaining a license is just the first step; long-term operations must adhere to the following compliance and management requirements.
1. Annual Inspection and Renewal
PEI registration is valid for 1 year and must be renewed 3 months in advance;
EduTrust certification is valid for 1, 4, or 6 years and must be renewed based on institutional assessment results;
Schools must submit an annual report to CPE annually, including student numbers, course records, and financial statements, to ensure ongoing compliance.
2. Financial Transparency and Tuition Management
Prepaid tuition fees must be protected through the Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) or insurance;
Schools should establish separate accounts to manage tuition fees to ensure fund safety and compliance;
Financial records should be audited regularly to facilitate official reviews and parental oversight.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
3. Teacher and Course Management
Teachers must provide proof of academic qualifications or industry experience;
Teaching plans must be clear, executable, and include course assessment and evaluation mechanisms;
Admissions promotions must be truthful and accurate, and must not exaggerate course outcomes.
4. Complaint and Refund Mechanisms
Student contracts must clearly state refund policies, conditions, and procedures;
An internal complaint handling mechanism must be established to promptly address student or parent concerns;
In cases of disputes, the matter should be handled in accordance with CPE guidelines.
5. International Student Management
Schools holding EduTrust certification may enroll international students;
Schools must apply for a Student Pass for each student and submit relevant documents to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA);
Accommodation, insurance, and safety measures must comply with regulations.
Through these measures, schools can not only operate legally but also establish a reputation and brand credibility in the competitive market.
Image Source: Lianhe Zaobao
【Conclusion】
The Singapore private education market offers abundant opportunities but is subject to strict legal and regulatory requirements. From company registration, curriculum design, CPE registration, EduTrust certification, to financial transparency and compliance management, every step is critical.
Understanding regulations, planning effectively, and maintaining compliance are the cornerstones of successful private school operations. By mastering the entire process and continuously optimizing management, the vibrant education landscape in Singapore will provide private school entrepreneurs with abundant opportunities and long-term growth potential.