Singapore's international schools hold open houses throughout the autumn term, and the popular ones fill fast. Two of this October's sessions were already full by late September. If you see a date that suits you, book it now.
An open house is your best chance to see a school on an ordinary working day. Here's how to use it well, followed by the dates confirmed so far.
Which kind of visit is right for you?
- On-campus open house. A talk from school leaders and a guided tour. The best first look at a school.
- Early years session. Built for families of toddlers and young children, sometimes with an outdoor or forest-school element.
- Virtual open house. Useful if you're still overseas, or to rule schools in or out quickly.
- Private tour. Many schools offer these on request. Good for a second look.
Before you go
Check eligibility. Singapore citizens usually need approval from the Ministry of Education to attend an international school. If your child holds a Dependant's Pass or Student's Pass, check which documents the school needs at application.
Ask about waiting lists early. Popular year groups at popular schools can have waiting lists. Ask where your child would sit on the list, and how often places come up.
Map the journey. Campuses spread from Jurong in the west to Tampines in the east. Check school bus routes from your area, or the MRT journey at school-run time.
Read the rules for the session. Some schools limit how many family members attend, and some ask that at least one parent speaks English. Check before you bring grandparents, helpers or younger siblings.
Write your questions down, and decide whether your child joins you.
On the day
- Notice how students speak to adults in corridors and at lunch, not only on stage.
- Look for the children's own work on the walls, and ask about a recent project.
- Ask to see an ordinary classroom for your child's age.
- Chat to current parents if the school offers a coffee session.
The NovaEd Campus Culture Check gives you eight things to look for and a simple way to rate each one as you walk around.
Questions worth asking
- Is there a place in my child's year for August 2027, or a waiting list?
- How big are classes, and how many adults support each one?
- What support is there for children learning English, and which other languages are taught?
- How do you settle students who arrive mid-year?
- What does the application involve, and how long does a decision take?
- Which costs sit outside tuition: application fee, deposit, building or development fee, bus, lunch, trips?
- How long do teachers usually stay?
Afterwards
Write down your impressions the same day, and compare schools on the same points. If a school feels right, ask how quickly you need to apply to hold your place in the queue.
Confirmed open days in Singapore, October to December 2026
| Date | School | Campus | Who it's for | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 8, Wed 14, Wed 28 Oct, 9:30 | Canadian International School | Lakeside | Nursery to Grade 12 | Register on the school website |
| Fri 9 Oct, 8:45 | International French School | Ang Mo Kio | Kindergarten to high school | Register on the school website |
| Fri 9 Oct, 9:30–12:00 | Stamford American International School | Woodleigh | Elementary to high school | Register on the school website |
| Fri 9 and Fri 23 Oct, 12:00 | Canadian International School | Online | Nursery to Grade 12 | Register on the school website |
| Sat 17 Oct | SJI International Preschool | Preschool campus | Preschool (2026 places full; waitlist open) | Register on the school website |
| Wed 21 Oct, 9:30 | Dulwich College (Singapore) | Bukit Batok | DUCKS open house (early years) | Register on the school website |
| Wed 28 Oct, 9:30 | Dulwich College (Singapore) | Bukit Batok | Whole College | Register on the school website |
| Thu 29 Oct | Stamford American International School | Online | Chinese-language information session | Register on the school website |
| Sat 31 Oct | Nexus International School | Aljunied | Primary and Secondary | Register by year group on the school website |
| Sat 14 Nov, 9:30 | International French School | Ang Mo Kio | Kindergarten to high school | Register on the school website |
| Fri 11 Dec, 8:45 | International French School | Ang Mo Kio | Kindergarten to high school | Register on the school website |
Dulwich allows up to four people per family and asks that at least one parent speaks English.
Free NovaEd guides for your visits
- NovaEd School Visit Guide: what to do before, during and after a school visit, with a question list you can print.
- NovaEd Campus Culture Check: eight things to look for on campus, with a simple rating sheet.
- International schools in Singapore: browse and compare schools on the NovaEd directory.
Dates are as published by each school on 27 September 2026. Schools do change dates and sessions do fill, so please confirm with the school before you go. NovaEd doesn't organise these events.