Dimensions International College - Holland Village vs GIG International School
Dimensions International College - Holland Village and GIG International School are both in Singapore, about 6 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary) and Cambridge IGCSE programmes, and Dimensions International College - Holland Village also offers IPC, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are SGD 12,600 - 25,500 at Dimensions International College - Holland Village and SGD 12,110 - 17,784 at GIG International School, which puts Dimensions International College - Holland Village roughly 27% higher. Dimensions International College - Holland Village takes pupils from 6 to 18, and GIG International School from 5 to 16. Dimensions International College - Holland Village is the larger school, with around 3,000 pupils to GIG International School's 2,000. Typical class sizes are 30 at Dimensions International College - Holland Village and 24 at GIG International School.
IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Dimensions International College’s Holland Village campus is located at 7 Holland Village Way in central Singapore. This area is well-connected, with the Holland Village MRT station and multiple bus routes nearby, offering easy access across the city. Known for its bohemian charm, the Holland Village neighborhood has cafes, boutique shops, and green spaces, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for students.
Location
GIG International School is located at 1 Selegie Road, in the GR.iD Building. Situated in the central region of Singapore, it offers convenient access to public transportation, including nearby MRT stations and bus services. The area is known for its vibrant community and proximity to various amenities.
Stages
Stages
This campus is structured into three main levels: Primary School, Lower Secondary, and Upper Secondary.
Stages
The school has two levels; Primary School and Secondary School.
School type
School type
Holland Village campus is a co-educational institution. It does not provide boarding facilities at this campus.
School type
GIG International School is a co-educational institution. It operates as a day school without boarding facilities.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The school offers student support services that include academic counseling, pastoral care, and orientation programs to help students adjust to campus life and their studies . These services are designed to ensure students' overall well-being and academic success.
Additional learning support
GIG International School emphasizes a child-centric approach, offering flexible and customized programs to enhance individual learning outcomes. This approach aims to accommodate diverse learning needs within the mainstream classroom setting.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school does not have have any particular affiliation however their curriculum is designed for students to pursue internationally recognized qualifications and easy entry into global universities.
Country affiliation
The school does not have an affiliation with any particular country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Dimensions International College does not have any religious affiliation. This school operates as a secular institution.
Religious affiliation
GIG International School is a secular institution with no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
Primary School (Cambridge Primary, Years 1–6) School Days: Monday to Friday
Standard Dismissal Times:
Years 1–2: 2:40 PM
Years 3–6: 3:00 PM
Secondary School (Cambridge IGCSE) School Days: Monday to Friday
Standard Dismissal Time: 3:15 PM
School day structure
The school operates from Monday to Friday, starting at 9:00 AM and concluding at 3:40 PM.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school does not provide a bus service.
Bus service details
GIG International School provides an island-wide transport service to ensure safe and convenient access for students. The air-conditioned buses have moderate capacity to reduce the number of pick-up and drop-off stops, minimizing travel time and enhancing safety. Each bus is equipped with a first-aid box and seat belts.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Primary Education (Cambridge Primary, Years 1–6): Annual tuition fees start at approximately SGD 12,600.
Secondary Education (Cambridge IGCSE, Years 7–10): Annual tuition fees range from SGD 13,000 to SGD 15,000, depending on the specific course track chosen.
Course fee is refundable and will be subjected to Dimensions‘ refund policy.
Other fees charged by Dimensions are :
Application Fee: Application fee is non-refundable, non-transferable and will not be protected under FPS.
Miscellaneous Fees: All type of miscellaneous fees will be spelt out in the Standard PEI-Student Contract. All miscellaneous fees are non-refundable and not protected under FPS.
Refund Policy: Refunds are given if the course cannot start/complete, is terminated early, or if entry/visa requirements aren't met. Full or pro-rated refunds are processed within 7 working days after contract termination. Voluntary withdrawals get 70% if >20 days before start, 50% if ≤20 days, and 0% after the course begins.
Payment Method: Payment of fees should be made in Singapore Dollars only. All payments for services offered by Dimensions International College should be made to Dimensions International College.
-Cheque / cashier’s order / bank draft – Payable to: Dimensions International College Pte Ltd -NETS -Cash -PayNow to UEN number -Scan and pay
Fee details
Application and Administrative Fees: A one-time registration fee of SGD 2,000 is currently waived. An administrative fee of SGD 250 + GST is payable and is non-refundable.
Tuition Fees (billed monthly and payable every two months in advance): - *Classes 1–2 (Cambridge)*: SGD 1,009.20 + GST per month - *Classes 3–5 (Cambridge)*: SGD 1,125 + GST per month - *Classes 6–8 (Cambridge Secondary 1–3)*: SGD 1,239 + GST per month - *Classes 9–10 (IGCSE Years 1–2)*: SGD 1,482 + GST per month
These fees include tuition, activity, student welfare, resource and technology fees, CCAs, ECAs, and celebrations.
Payment Schedule and Terms: Payments are collected six times annually—in April, June, August, October, December, and February. Each collection covers two months. A late fee of SGD 50 per week applies after a three-day grace period.
Other Costs: Book costs range from approximately SGD 250 to SGD 1,000 depending on the year level. Uniform and transport costs are not included in tuition.
Refunds: The administrative fee is non-refundable. For other refund terms, the school refers to its withdrawal and refund policy.
Payment Methods: Payments can be made via NETS, cash, or cheque. All fees are subject to the prevailing GST rate of 9%.
Boarding: GIG International School does not offer boarding facilities.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
The uniform consists of a green T‑shirt with a navy blue collar bearing the GIG International School logo, navy blue shorts or pants for boys, navy blue skirts for girls, white socks, and black shoes. A blue or black plain hoodless jacket is allowed. House T‑shirts are worn during ECA time and House activity days. Hair must be trimmed so it does not touch the collar; long hair should be braided or tied back; colorful hair accessories are not allowed.
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
All students are allocated into four Houses: Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire. The House System fosters inclusive communities through fortnightly House meetings led by Heads of House and House events with a points system to track progress; lower primary students participate in activities. The system includes pastoral care via House Wardens and provides leadership opportunities for students.
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
The school is the flagship school of Cognizance International Academy (CIA), a Singapore‑based group that began as GIG Education Centre in 2003 and expanded into an international school in 2017 after permission from SkillsFuture Singapore. CIA is run by a team of experienced professionals; the CEO is Mr. Gorthi Samba Siva Rao and the Vice‑Principal is Ms. Sathiyamoorthy Parameshwari. The school is registered as a Private Education Institution with SkillsFuture Singapore.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Dimensions International College offers two curriculum pathways for school-aged children: the Cambridge Primary Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) at the primary level. The Cambridge track emphasizes core academic subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, while IPC promotes thematic, inquiry-based learning with a global perspective. At the secondary level, students follow the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum (Years 7–10), which includes subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Business Studies, and more.
The school uses English as the primary medium of instruction but offers a wide range of second language options including Chinese, Malay, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Tagalog, and French. Additionally, the school provides AEIS preparatory courses for students aiming to enter Singapore’s public school system.
Curriculum details
GIG International School follows the Cambridge International curriculum:
Cambridge Primary Modules (Grades 1-5): Focuses on foundational subjects such as Languages (English and options for Hindi, French, or Tamil), Mathematics, and Units of Inquiry encompassing General Science and Global Perspectives.
Cambridge Secondary (Grades 6-8): Builds on earlier learning with an emphasis on advanced concepts, preparing students for higher academic challenges.
Cambridge IGCSE Modules (Grades 9-10): Prepares students for the IGCSE examinations, offering subjects such as English Language, Mathematics (Extended), Chemistry, Global Perspectives, English Literature, Biology, Physics, and Second Language options (French, Tamil, or Hindi).
Dimensions International College supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through dedicated counselling services, bi-monthly student tea meetings, and structured orientation programs. Certified counsellors offer emotional and academic guidance, while orientation helps new students adjust and feel welcomed. Regular tea meetings encourage students to voice concerns and foster open communication, building a sense of trust and emotional safety on campus.
The school has anti-bullying policies, enrichment activities, and tools like ClassDojo for Cambridge Primary students. Students engage in community involvement programs, festive celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, and sports activities.
Social & emotional learning
The school's proprietary 4Q Learning Framework integrates Emotional Quotient (EQ) development, emphasizing values like empathy, tolerance, collaboration, and reflection. This approach aims to equip students with essential social and emotional skills. The curriculum also includes co-curricular activities such as yoga, performing arts, and fine arts, which contribute to students' social and emotional growth.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The school does not offer Special Education Needs support.
Special educational needs (SEN)
GIG International School offers exemptions from second language requirements for students with documented Special Educational Needs (SEN), including conditions like dyslexia, following a formal assessment process. While the school is not a specialist SEN institution, it provides professional development courses in Special Educational Needs through its Professional Development Centre.
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
DIMENSION does not offer EAL instead they offer certificate in Academic English (CAE). While it doesn't carry the exact label of "English as an Additional Language (EAL)," the CAE serves a similar purpose by enhancing students' English proficiency for academic and everyday communication.
English as an additional language
The school does not have a specific English as an additional language program.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Dimensions International College prioritizes the mental well-being of its students through a support system that includes access to a full-time certified counsellor, pastoral and academic counselling, and a dedicated student support services team. The school fosters open communication and early intervention through bi-monthly Student Tea Meetings, where students can voice concerns in a safe, informal setting. It also promotes emotional and social wellness through enrichment activities such as festive celebrations, community involvement programs (CIP) where the school adopts nearby villages to spread awareness on various issues and conduct free medical camps, Sports Day, and school excursions that help build a sense of belonging and social connection.
Mental wellbeing
The school emphasizes the importance of mental health through initiatives like Health Awareness Week, where students engage in activities such as dances, meditation sessions, and presentations to promote a healthy mind and body. The school's 4Q Learning Framework incorporates Emotional Quotient (EQ) development, focusing on values like empathy, tolerance, collaboration, and reflection. These efforts aim to support students' mental wellbeing and foster a supportive school environment.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Details of the school's safeguarding measures are not publicly available.
Safeguarding
The school implements a robust 5C Safety Protocol to maintain a secure environment for students. This is designed to ensure a high level of safety for all of the faculty.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Dimensions Holland Village Campus offers Cambridge curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). It has an indoor sports hall, a Makerspace lab, virtual reality equipment, and IT labs. A library, a play area, and rooms dedicated to art and music are available for student use. The campus covers 20,181 sqft on a single-floor plate design, with all facilities located on one level for easy access. It is a 3-minute walk from Holland Village MRT.
Facilities overview
The school features bright, spacious classrooms with digital learning tools and a large play-cum-recreational area with basketball and soccer facilities. It includes dedicated Math and computer labs, a library and a science lab. Performing and Visual Arts studios support arts education, while the campus emphasizes futuristic learning and 21st century skills through the 4Q framework. Robust security and separate primary and secondary wings accompany a tech-enabled environment with virtual classrooms and STEAM, robotics AI and coding programs.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The campus includes an indoor sports hall for physical education and sports activities. This space supports a range of athletic programs and activities. The single-floor design ensures quick access to the sports facilities for students and staff.
Sports facilities
The campus has vibrant sports infrastructure including facilities for karate, basketball and cricket, and more. A large outdoor play area supports basketball, soccer and other activities, complemented by a Multi Layer Sports Programme designed to develop athletic skills. The sports offerings are integrated with the tech-enabled learning environment to support physical education and team participation.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The Holland Village Campus offers Cambridge curriculum and IPC. Makerspace lab, virtual reality equipment, and IT labs support practical and technology-enabled learning. A library supports study and research. Rooms dedicated to art and music support arts education.
Academic facilities
Bright, spacious classrooms with digital learning tools are available. There are dedicated Math and computer labs, a science lab and a library. Performing and Visual Arts studios support arts education, while tech-enabled spaces enable virtual classrooms, STEAM, robotics, AI and coding. The campus is organized with separate wings for primary and secondary grade levels.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Art and music rooms support arts-based extra-curricular activities. Makerspace lab, VR equipment, and IT labs enable after-school programs in technology and design. The indoor sports hall supports sports-related ECAs. The library and play area provide spaces for clubs and recreation.
Extra curricular facilities
Co-curricular offerings include yoga, performing arts (instrumental music), fine arts, aerobics, robotics, coding, speech and drama, and Model United Nations. The activities supplement classroom learning and help students develop leadership, collaboration and communication skills. The programs leverage the campus's technology-enabled environment to support experiential learning and exploration. The Multi Layer Sports Programme is included as part of extracurricular offerings.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Dimensions International College formerly known as Dimensions Commercial School was established in 1980. Over the years, it expanded its academic scope and underwent rebranding to become Dimensions International College, reflecting its transition into a global education provider. The institution now operates five campuses across Singapore. Main (Kovan), Bukit Timah, City, Orchard, and Holland Village. Its academic divisions include the Cambridge Primary School, Dimensions High School, School of Languages, School of Hospitality and School of Higher Education.
Dimensions has earned several accolades, including the prestigious 4-Year EduTrust Certification and the Singapore Quality Class Star award.
History
GIG International School, Singapore, serves as the flagship institution of Cognizance International Academy (CIA), established in 2003. Initially known as GIG Education Centre, the institution expanded into an international school in 2017.
Community
Community
The school organizes a variety of community-building events and enrichment activities such as festive celebrations (e.g., Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya, and Christmas), which promote cultural awareness and inclusivity. Students also participate in Community Involvement Programmes (CIP), where they are encouraged to give back through charitable or social outreach efforts. Sports Day, excursions, and regular Tea Meetings further support interaction, teamwork, and communication among students and staff.
Dimensions also supports community engagement through its student support services, parent communication platforms like ClassDojo, and consistent opportunities for feedback and involvement.
Community
GIG International School fosters a vibrant community that emphasizes inclusivity and cultural diversity. Students actively participate in various events, such as the Kindred Spirit Athletic Meet, where they showcase their athletic talents. Festivals like Christmas and Diwali are celebrated with enthusiasm, reflecting the school's commitment to embracing diverse cultural traditions. Additionally, the school engages in environmental initiatives, including beach clean-ups and tree-planting activities, promoting a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The school does not have a parent teacher association.
Parent teacher association
There isn't a formal PTA at the school although it emphasizes strong collaboration between parents and educators. Regular Parent-Teacher Meetings are held to discuss students' progress and address any concerns, fostering open communication. Parents are also invited to participate in school events and initiatives, such as cultural celebrations and environmental projects, enhancing community engagement.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The school offers both the Cambridge curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC).
Academic & intellectual
The Transformative 4Q Learning Framework hones social and cognitive skills, develops positive attitudes and values, and fosters sustainability. Cambridge IGCSE is offered for Year 1-2 (Class 9-10) with languages including English and a second language option in French, Hindi, or Tamil. Cambridge AS & A Levels are offered with core modules such as English Language (or English General Paper) and Mathematics, and electives including Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Biology, Further Mathematics, and Business.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The campus has rooms dedicated to art and music. It also features a Makerspace lab, virtual reality equipment, and IT labs.
Arts & creative
Performing & Visual Arts studios are provided on campus. Co-Curricular Activities include Art, Dance, and Music (keyboard, guitar, drums) and Singing. Public Speaking, Story Telling, and MI Machine Learning are offered as CCAs.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
—
Cultural & language
English is the language of study with French, Hindi, and Tamil available as second languages. Cambridge IGCSE Year 1-2 includes English Language, English Literature, and languages such as French, Hindi, and Tamil. Tamil is offered as a Cambridge language option (Second Language) and is available under Cambridge O Level as well.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
—
Social & hobbies
ECA options include soccer, basketball, chess, net cricket, Taekwondo, table tennis, skating, judo, and rope skipping. Co-Curricular Activities include Art, Dance, Music (keyboard, guitar, drums), and Singing; Robotics (Class 3+) and Coding (Classes 1-2) are offered, plus Public Speaking, Story Telling, and MI Machine Learning. A lower student-teacher ratio and blended/ flipped classrooms support active engagement in these activities.
Community & service
Community & service
—
Community & service
—
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
—
Leadership & professional
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
An indoor sports hall supports physical activity and wellbeing on campus.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Vibrant sports infrastructure supports physical activity, including karate, basketball, cricket, and more. A 5-Code security cordon and a 5C Safety Protocol provide safety. The campus is tech-enabled with digitally equipped classrooms, science labs, libraries, and arts studios to support well-being and balanced learning.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
—
Language provision
Scholastic instruction is conducted in English. Second language instruction is offered in Hindi, Tamil, and French. In the Bridge Programme, second language instruction is provided at beginner level. The curriculum includes Cambridge Sec 1-3, IGCSE Year 1-2 and Cambridge AS & A Levels across the grade levels.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
—
Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
—
Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
Best Principal (International Zone) Award (2020–2021)
Awards
Ixora Award by the Singapore Green Awards (2021): Presented by the Singapore Environment Council, this award recognizes schools that have made significant contributions to environmental conservation and awareness.
Kopsia Award by the School Green Awards (2022): An advancement from the previous Ixora Award, the Kopsia Award signifies a higher level of achievement in environmental initiatives and sustainability efforts.
Friends of SCSA Award (2024): This award from the Sony Creative Science Awards (SCSA) acknowledges the school's consistent participation and support in fostering creativity and scientific inquiry among students.
Accreditations
Accreditations
EduTrust 4-Year Certification
Singapore Quality Class (SQC) Star
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE)
International SQA Star Award (2019)
.
.
Accreditations
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE): GIG International School is an approved Cambridge International School, which means it is authorised to offer Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, and IGCSE programmes.
Committee for Private Education (CPE) Registration: The school is registered as a Private Education Institution under the Enhanced Registration Framework with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Schedule a School Tour You can arrange a campus tour by contacting the admissions team via email or phone. Virtual consultations are also available for international families. This is a good time to ask about curriculum options (Cambridge vs IPC), second language offerings, EAL support, and extracurricular activities.
Finalize Enrollment Once admission is confirmed, the next step is to make the initial payment. Typically covering the application fee and the first term’s tuition. Payment options include cash, bank transfer, or credit card. After the payment is processed, you will receive an official Offer Letter and Enrollment Confirmation. Students will then be guided through orientation, student pass (if applicable), and class placement.
Admissions
Book a school tour or open house (optional). Parents are encouraged to visit the school to get a feel for the environment and speak with staff. These tours can help families understand the curriculum, facilities, and school culture.
Submit the application form and documents. Parents will need to fill out the student application form and submit required documents such as the child's birth certificate, passport copy, previous academic records, and passport-sized photographs.
Application review and assessment. The admissions team will review the documents and arrange for an assessment if required. This may include academic testing and/or an interview with the student.
Offer and acceptance. If the application is successful, parents will receive an offer letter. To confirm enrolment, the required fees (including registration and administrative fees) must be paid within the stipulated timeline.
Orientation and onboarding. Once enrolled, parents will receive information regarding school start dates, uniforms, book lists, and other onboarding procedures to help their child transition smoothly into the school.
Scholarships
Scholarships
:The college provides scholarships to deserving students, recognizing academic excellence and potential.
Financial Assistance Scheme: Provides flexible installment plans and potential course fee reductions for eligible students aged 7–16 enrolling in the Cambridge Primary or High School Programs. This scheme is open to Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and international students.
Sibling Discount: Families enrolling more than one child can receive a S$500 discount on course fees for each additional sibling.
Referral Incentive: Current or new students who refer others to the school may receive a S$500 deduction from their course fees upon the successful enrollment of the referred student.
Special Fees for Transfer Students: Students transferring from other private education institutions in Singapore may be eligible for reduced fees, subject to meeting admission requirements.
Scholarships
GIG International School offers the LEAD Merit Scholarship, open to new admissions to the Secondary School programs.
The scholarship focuses on academic merit, especially in future-focused subjects like Science, Mathematics, and Languages. Up to SGD 25,000 can be awarded per eligible student, disbursed over a period of three years.
A total of 30 scholarships are available, and all awards are subject to the approval of the school’s Academic Board. Applications must be submitted annually and are contingent on continued eligibility and availability.
Waitlist
Waitlist
The school does not have a waitlist.
Waitlist
GIG International School does not publicly state that it operates a formal waitlist or pool system. Admissions are handled on a rolling basis, and placement is subject to seat availability in the relevant year group.