Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Tuition Costs Vary in Singapore
- Average Tuition Rates by Education Level
3.1 Preschool and Kindergarten
3.2 Primary School
3.3 Secondary School
3.4 Junior College and Pre-University
3.5 International Curriculum (IB and IGCSE) - Subject-Specific Tuition Costs
- Factors That Affect Tuition Prices
- Average Monthly Tuition Expenses
- Tips for Parents to Manage Tuition Costs
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
Private tuition has become an integral part of Singapore’s education landscape. With high academic expectations and a competitive environment, many parents turn to tutors to help their children excel in school. However, the cost of private tuition can vary widely depending on the tutor’s experience, subject, and level of study.
This 2025 guide provides a comprehensive overview of tuition rates across different education levels and subjects in Singapore, helping parents make informed decisions before engaging a tutor. Please do no that the cost is for your reference only and may vary.
2. Why Tuition Costs Vary in Singapore
Tuition prices in Singapore are influenced by several factors. The most significant include:
- Tutor qualifications – Ex- or current MOE teachers typically charge more due to their teaching experience.
- Education level – As students progress to higher levels, the syllabus becomes more challenging, increasing rates.
- Subject demand – Popular or difficult subjects such as Additional Mathematics and Pure Sciences often cost more.
- Mode of learning – One-to-one home tuition costs more than group or online tuition due to personalization and convenience.
Parents should always balance cost with quality to ensure their child receives value for money.
3. Average Tuition Rates by Education Level
The following breakdown represents typical hourly rates in 2025 for private tuition in Singapore.
3.1 Preschool and Kindergarten
| Tutor Type | Average Rate (Per Hour) |
|---|---|
| Part-time / Undergraduate Tutor | S$25 – S$30 |
| Full-time Tutor | S$35 – S$45 |
| Ex-/Current MOE Teacher | S$50 – S$65 |
At the preschool stage, tuition focuses on phonics, reading, numeracy, and school readiness. Parents often hire tutors to prepare children for Primary 1 admission tests or to build confidence in English and basic mathematics.
3.2 Primary School (P1–P6)
| Tutor Type | Lower Primary (P1–P3) | Upper Primary (P4–P6) |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time / Undergraduate Tutor | S$25 – S$35 | S$30 – S$40 |
| Full-time Tutor | S$35 – S$50 | S$40 – S$60 |
| Ex-/Current MOE Teacher | S$55 – S$80 | S$60 – S$90 |
The cost of Primary tuition rises significantly at the PSLE level as parents seek tutors familiar with exam strategies and MOE marking standards.
3.3 Secondary School (Sec 1–5)
| Tutor Type | Lower Secondary (Sec 1–2) | Upper Secondary (Sec 3–5) |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time / Undergraduate Tutor | S$30 – S$40 | S$35 – S$45 |
| Full-time Tutor | S$45 – S$60 | S$50 – S$65 |
| Ex-/Current MOE Teacher | S$60 – S$95 | S$65 – S$100 |
Secondary tuition often covers O-Level or IP preparation, with subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and English being the most in demand. Students preparing for N-Level or O-Level exams tend to require more frequent sessions.
3.4 Junior College and Pre-University
| Tutor Type | Average Rate (Per Hour) |
|---|---|
| Part-time / Undergraduate Tutor | S$50 – S$65 |
| Full-time Tutor | S$70 – S$90 |
| Ex-/Current MOE Teacher | S$90 – S$130+ |
At the JC level, the syllabus becomes highly specialized. Tutors with expertise in General Paper, H2 Mathematics, or Economics command premium rates due to the complexity of the content and exam techniques required.
3.5 International Curriculum (IB / IGCSE)
| Tutor Type | Average Rate (Per Hour) |
|---|---|
| Part-time / Undergraduate Tutor | S$40 – S$60 |
| Full-time Tutor | S$60 – S$90 |
| Specialist / MOE Teacher | S$80 – S$120+ |
IB and IGCSE tuition requires tutors familiar with international syllabuses, internal assessments, and extended essays, which justifies the higher rates.
4. Subject-Specific Tuition Costs
Tuition rates also vary by subject difficulty and demand:
| Subject | Average Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| English | S$30 – S$80 |
| Mathematics / Additional Mathematics | S$35 – S$100 |
| Science (General / Physics / Chemistry / Biology) | S$35 – S$100 |
| Chinese / Mother Tongue | S$30 – S$80 |
| Economics / GP / Literature | S$50 – S$130 |
| Computing / Technical Subjects | S$50 – S$120 |
STEM subjects, particularly at the upper secondary and JC levels, tend to cost more due to the limited number of qualified tutors available.
5. Factors That Affect Tuition Prices
Beyond education level and subject, a few additional factors can influence the cost of tuition:
- Tutor Experience: Tutors with proven track records of improving student results or working in MOE schools often charge premium rates.
- Location: Tutors may charge more for lessons in distant or high-demand areas.
- Lesson Duration: Longer lessons (e.g., 2 hours) may offer lower per-hour rates but higher total costs.
- Group Size: Small-group tuition (2–4 students) can reduce individual costs while maintaining personalized attention.
- Peak Seasons: Prices may rise during exam periods such as mid-year or end-of-year revisions.
6. Average Monthly Tuition Expenses
To help parents estimate monthly costs, here are approximate figures assuming one 1.5-hour session per week:
| Education Level | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Preschool | S$150 – S$250 |
| Lower Primary | S$180 – S$300 |
| Upper Primary (PSLE) | S$250 – S$400+ |
| Lower Secondary | S$250 – S$400+ |
| Upper Secondary / O-Level | S$300 – S$500+ |
| Junior College / IB | S$350 – S$600+ |
Families with multiple subjects or children may spend several thousand dollars monthly on tuition, particularly during major exam years.
7. Tips for Parents to Manage Tuition Costs
- Set clear goals: Identify whether the child needs general improvement, exam preparation, or enrichment before committing to long-term tuition.
- Compare tutor profiles: Use reputable platforms like AdventuresTutor.com to compare qualifications, reviews, and hourly rates.
- Consider online options: Online tuition is often cheaper and more flexible, eliminating travel time and expenses.
- Start early: Engaging a tutor early allows gradual improvement and avoids last-minute, high-cost crash courses.
- Evaluate progress regularly: Track performance to ensure tuition is effective and worth the cost.
- Explore group tuition: Small-group lessons provide peer motivation and cost savings compared to one-on-one sessions.
By approaching tuition strategically, parents can achieve quality education without excessive financial strain.
8. Conclusion
The cost of private tuition in Singapore varies widely based on factors such as level, subject, and tutor experience. In 2025, parents can expect to pay anywhere between S$25 to S$130 per hour, depending on these variables.
While tuition represents a significant investment, the right tutor can make a lasting difference in a child’s academic confidence and performance. By understanding market rates, evaluating tutor credentials, and setting clear learning goals, parents can make informed choices that balance quality education with affordability.
Ultimately, private tuition should not be seen merely as an expense but as an investment in a child’s long-term academic success and personal growth.