Homeschooling in Singapore: The MOE Exemption, Expat Families and Your Options

By Brendaliz Chelangat, Head of Academics · November 2026 · 7 min read · First published

Homeschooling in Singapore is legal, but how it works depends on whether the child is a Singapore citizen. Citizens of primary-school age need an exemption from the Ministry of Education; expatriate families are not covered by the Compulsory Education Act. This guide explains both routes and where an online school fits.

Singapore citizens and the Compulsory Education Act

Singapore citizens of compulsory school age, above 6 and under 15, must be enrolled in a national primary school. Parents who want to home school a citizen child apply to MOE's Compulsory Education Unit for an exemption, and MOE sets the conditions, including the national benchmarks it expects the child to meet. Requirements can change, so read MOE's current guidance and apply before taking a child out of school.

Expatriate families

The Act covers Singapore citizens. Families on Employment Passes, Dependant's Passes and similar passes are not covered by it, and can choose home education, an international school or a full-time online school without an MOE exemption. Many choose online school to keep the curriculum their child already follows.

Permanent residents

Permanent residents should confirm their own position with MOE before deciding, rather than relying on general advice.

Secondary school and beyond

The compulsory education rules concern the primary years. Many Singaporean secondary students take an international qualification such as IGCSE or A Level alongside, or instead of, the national route. Talk to MOE and your child's school about how a change fits their pathway.

Where an online school fits

For expatriate children, an online school such as Smartious can be the whole school: live classes with subject teachers, marked work, reports and exams. For a Singapore citizen of primary age without an exemption, online teaching fits alongside school: IGCSE or A Level, a subject the school does not run, or extra support. Smartious is not a school registered with MOE and does not claim to be.

Exams for homeschooled students

Homeschooled and online school students sit Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel exams as private candidates at a centre that accepts them, such as British Council Singapore. The centre sets fees and deadlines, so plan entries early.

Smartious in Singapore

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Start with citizenship, then choose the route. If your child is not a Singapore citizen, an online school can be the whole school; if they are, MOE's rules come first. Book an assessment and we will tell you plainly which applies to your family.

Frequently asked questions

Is homeschooling legal in Singapore?

Yes. Singapore citizens of compulsory school age need an exemption from MOE, which sets the conditions. Families who are not citizens are not covered by the Compulsory Education Act. Permanent residents should confirm their position with MOE.

Do expat families need MOE approval to homeschool?

The Compulsory Education Act covers Singapore citizens, so expatriate families on passes are not covered by it. Confirm your own situation if you are unsure.

Can a homeschooled child in Singapore sit IGCSEs?

Yes, as a private candidate at a centre that accepts them, such as British Council Singapore.

Can my Singaporean child use an online school?

Alongside school, yes. Full time only with an MOE home-schooling exemption for a citizen child of compulsory school age.

Next steps

What parents say

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“What stands out most about Smartious Homeschool and Tuition is their dedication to each learner. They don't rush through topics but ensure the child fully understands before moving forward. The progress my child has made in a short time is impressive. I would definitely recommend them to any parent.” — Google reviewer, Google review

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