By the WahLiao desk · Last verified 29 September 2026
Foreign families in Singapore can use any licensed preschool, from infant care and childcare centres to kindergartens and international preschools. The government’s preschool subsidies, from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), are for Singapore citizen children, so foreign families pay the full fee. At the large government-supported anchor operators, full-day childcare starts from about S$610 to S$640 a month before subsidies and GST; private and international preschools cost more.
Preschool is often the first place a newly arrived family finds its feet: routines for the children, and other parents for you. Popular centres have waiting lists, so start looking before you arrive if you can.
Preschool: quick facts
| Types | Infant care (2 to 18 months), childcare (18 months to 6 years), kindergarten (about 4 to 6), international preschools |
| Regulator | ECDA licenses and regulates preschools |
| Subsidies | Basic and additional subsidies are for Singapore citizen children only |
| Fees | Anchor-operator childcare from about S$610 to S$640 a month before subsidies and GST; private and international centres more |
| MOE Kindergartens | International students are considered only if places remain after citizens and PRs |
| Enrolment | Directly with each preschool; waiting lists are common |
The WahLiao Verdict
| Cost | Full fees for foreign children; budget for it before you move. |
| What you get | Licensed, regulated care with long opening hours for working parents. |
| The catch | Waiting lists at popular centres. |
| Start | As early as possible, ideally before you arrive. |
| Worth knowing | Citizen children get subsidies; foreign and most PR children do not. |
Types of preschool
Childcare centres offer full-day care for working parents, for children from 18 months to 6 years, and infant care from 2 months. Kindergartens run shorter days for children of about 4 to 6. MOE Kindergartens admit international students only if places remain after citizens and permanent residents. International preschools follow overseas curricula and set their own fees.
Fees and subsidies
ECDA’s childcare subsidies, a basic subsidy for every citizen child and a means-tested additional subsidy, are for Singapore citizen children enrolled in licensed centres. Foreign families pay the full fee. Government-supported anchor operators cap their fees; one large anchor operator lists full-day childcare from about S$610 to S$640 a month before subsidies and GST, and infant care from about S$1,235. The Big Buy explains the fee caps in childcare fees and subsidies.
How to enrol
- Shortlist centres near home or work, and visit.
- Register with each centre; many run waiting lists.
- Confirm the place and complete the centre’s enrolment form, usually with a deposit.
- Have your child’s pass details ready; parents with Singpass use it for official forms.
Preschool: FAQ
Can foreign children go to preschool in Singapore?
Yes. Any licensed preschool can enrol them, though MOE Kindergartens give priority to citizens and permanent residents.
Do foreigners get childcare subsidies in Singapore?
No. ECDA’s basic and additional subsidies are for Singapore citizen children.
How much does childcare cost in Singapore for expats?
At the large anchor operators, full-day childcare starts from about S$610 to S$640 a month before GST. Private and international preschools cost more.
When should I start looking for a preschool?
As early as possible. Popular centres have waiting lists.
Read next
This page belongs to Moving to Singapore. For school-age children, read schools for newcomers’ children.
Sources checked 29 September 2026: ECDA, infant and childcare subsidy scheme; ECDA, applying for subsidies on enrolment; My First Skool, published fees before subsidies; MOE, admission for international students including MOE Kindergartens. General information; each preschool sets its own fees. Last updated 29 September 2026.
