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Hwa Chong International School

Singapore

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Mandarin
Fees SGD 30,520 - 34,880
Ages 12 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1000
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages Mandarin, English
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Middle School, High School
Introduction

Hwa Chong International School caters for students aged 12 to 18, following the Cambridge IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The campus features impressive facilities, including science labs, a well-equipped auditorium for performances, and multiple sports pitches. Notably, Hwa Chong is known for its vibrant music program, with various ensembles that perform throughout the year, fostering a love for the arts among students. An exciting highlight of the school is its annual cultural festival, which showcases student talents in dance, music, and visual arts. Students also have opportunities for exchange programs, competitions, and collaborative projects, both locally and abroad.

663 Bukit Timah Road, 269783, Singapore

The Essentials

Hwa Chong International School has 1,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English, Mandarin.

Location

Hwa Chong International School is located at 663 Bukit Timah Road in Singapore, situated in the central region of the island. The campus is accessible via nearby Tan Kah Kee MRT station and several bus routes, making it convenient for students commuting from various parts of Singapore.

Stages

Hwa Chong International School offers a six-year program divided into two main sections: the Junior High (Years 1-4) catering to students aged 12-16, and the Senior High (Years 5-6) for students aged 16-18.

Type

HCIS is a co-educational international schools. It provides boarding facilities, offering students the option to reside on campus.

Additional learning support

Hwa Chong International School provides additional learning support which offers targeted intervention for students needing extra help in specific subject areas. The school conducts regular assessment to identify learning gaps and implements individualized support plans that include pull-out sessions, in-class differentiation, and after-school tutorial programs.

Country affiliation

HCIS is a Singaporean institution with strong local roots, while offering international curricula.

Religious affiliation

HCIS does not have any religious affiliation. The school operates as a secular institution, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.

School day structure

The school day at Hwa Chong International School typically runs from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Students have scheduled break times throughout the day, including a lunch period

Bus service

Hwa Chong International School provides a school bus service for students residing across various areas of Singapore. The transportation service is operated by Alan Bus Service and offers both one-way and two-way trip options with multiple pick-up and drop-off points. Parents can register for this service through the school, with routes determined based on student needs and residential locations.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

HCIS Residence provides on-campus boarding in a dedicated residence. Residence Mentors act as guardians to boarders and support their development. Breakfast and dinner are provided on weekdays; all three meals on weekends and holidays. A self-service laundry area is available. The boarding kitchen offers a variation of cuisines and rotates them bi-monthly. HCIS Residence is a member of the Australian Boarding Schools Association.

Food Options

Boarding meals include breakfast and dinner on weekdays and all three meals on weekends and holidays. The boarding kitchen offers a variation of cuisines and rotates them bi-monthly.

House System

Three houses are Guang Qian, Jia Geng and Zi Qiang. House points are awarded for contributions in sports contests, cultural and community activities. The House Shield is awarded to the top house each year. Annual events include the House Olympics and Innofest.

Governance and Ownership

HCIS is a member of the Hwa Chong family of schools. It was established in 2005 with the endorsement of the MOE and the Economic Development Board, and it is affiliated with Hwa Chong Institution.
Fees

Annual tuition at Hwa Chong International School ranges from SGD 30,520 to SGD 34,880 for 2026/27.

Application & Admission Fees
Admission Administrative Fee: S$708.50 (non-refundable, non-transferable)
Tuition Security Deposit: S$6,000 (refundable subject to school's refund policy)
Tuition Acceptance Fee: S$5,450 (one-time payment, non-refundable)

Tuition Fees
Year 1 to Year 3, Year 4 (IGCSE)
-Per Semester: S$15,260
-Annual: S$30,520
-Miscellaneous Fee per Semester: S$327

Year 4, IB1 and IB2
-Per Semester: S$17,440
-Annual: S$34,880
-Miscellaneous Fee per Semester: S$381.50

Boarding Fees
Registration Fee: S$708.50 (non-refundable)
Security Deposit: S$6,000 (refundable subject to policy)
Acceptance Fee: S$5,450 (one-time, non-refundable)
2-bedded air-conditioned room: S$14,887.08 per semester (S$29,774.16 annually)
Group Hospitalization and Surgical Insurance: S$152.60

Boarding includes accommodation, meals (breakfast and dinner daily; three meals on weekends/holidays), laundry, internet access, and supervision by full-time Residence Mentors.

Additional Costs
Additional charges may apply for medical health checks, student passes, visas, uniforms, textbooks, examination fees, excursions, overseas trips, CCAs, and J-CAS activities.

Payment Options
Cheque payable to "Hwa Chong International School"
Telegraphic Transfer
NETS or VISA/MASTER card
PayNow
GIRO for subsequent payments

All fees are inclusive of 9% GST and subject to change. Sibling discounts and Hwa Chong Family Discounts are available under certain conditions.
Academics

Hwa Chong International School teaches IB (DP), Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 12 to 18.

Curriculum

HCIS offers a six-year educational program aligned with international standards. In Junior High (Years 1-4), students follow a curriculum that prepares them for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.

Senior High students (Years 5-6) pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which includes six subject groups: studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

HCIS places significant emphasis on the social and emotional development of its students. The school implements a comprehensive student development framework that includes:

Interest-Based Programmes: Initiatives such as Green Ambassadors and Care Ambassadors promote a culture of care and friendliness within the school, enhancing student morale and well-being.

Mental Health Education: The school provides comprehensive mental health education through talks, workshops, and peer support programmes to help students develop into positive, healthy, and balanced individuals.

Wellness Surveys: HCIS utilizes wellness surveys to identify and address students' emotional needs effectively.

Counseling Support: Dedicated counseling services are available for students experiencing social and emotional difficulties.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Hwa Chong International School is not a specialist SEN institution but provides support for students with mild learning differences through its Learning Support Department staffed by qualified special education teachers. The school can accommodate students with mild dyslexia, attention deficit disorders, and high-functioning autism, offering individualized education plans developed in consultation with parents and external specialists.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Hwa Chong International School (HCIS) offers support for students aiming to enhance their English language proficiency through various initiatives. The English as a Second Language (ESL) program provides tailored assistance to students who require additional help in developing their English language skills. ​The HCIS Residence also facilitate an English Enrichment program for boarders who are new to the country.

Mental Wellbeing

HCIS places significant emphasis on the mental well-being of its students. The school fosters strong bonds of friendship and integrates Asian cultural values within a dynamic curriculum, creating a supportive environment. The Residence Mentors act as guardians for boarding students, caring for their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Safeguarding

HCIS is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students. The school has established a Whistle Blowing Policy to promote responsible and secure reporting of any serious wrongdoing or malpractice, including issues related to fraud, controls, and ethics. This policy provides a framework for stakeholders to express concerns without fear of reprisal, discrimination, or adverse consequences. Additionally, the school's Code of Conduct encourages exemplary student behavior to ensure that the school community feels a sense of respect, belonging, and security.
Parent Experience

History

Hwa Chong International School was established in 2005 as an extension of the Hwa Chong Institution, one of Singapore's oldest educational institutions with roots dating back to 1919. Initially focused on serving the local Singaporean community seeking international qualifications, HCIS has evolved to welcome students from diverse backgrounds worldwide.

Community

HCIS fosters a vibrant and diverse community, bringing together students from various cultural backgrounds. The school organizes numerous community and cultural events throughout the year, such as international days, cultural festivals, and community service initiatives, which promote cross-cultural understanding and community engagement. These activities provide students with opportunities to celebrate diversity, develop leadership skills, and contribute positively to society.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

At HCIS, the Parent Support Group (PSG) plays a pivotal role in strengthening the partnership between the school and families. The PSG offers parents a platform to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on school initiatives. Members of the PSG participate in organizing various events, such as workshops, family bonding activities, and cultural celebrations, enhancing the sense of community within the school. Engaging with the PSG allows parents to stay informed about school developments and actively participate in their children's educational journey.
Gallery
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Hwa Chong International School has a well-equipped teaching and learning environment. Basic facilities include classrooms, science laboratories, a multi-purpose hall, a lecture theatre, and a library. The campus features the Hwa Chong Cultural Centre Theatre with a Dolby 7.1 sound system and an Indoor Sports Hall the size of eight badminton courts. Additional spaces include a swimming sports complex, a Student Hub with project discussion cubicles and seminar areas, a MakerSpace, a Media Studio, a Blackbox, and a Gymnasium.

Sports Facilities

Sports facilities include a basketball court, a tennis court, a running track, a fitness corner, and the school canteen. The Indoor Sports Hall supports a wide range of activities and the Swimming Sports Complex provides aquatic spaces. Some facilities are shared with the Hwa Chong family of schools.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include classrooms, science laboratories, a library, and specialist learning spaces such as a MakerSpace, a Media Studio, a Blackbox theatre, and dedicated Student Hub areas for group discussion and seminars.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The school offers Co-Curricular Activities, Creativity Activity Service, Experiential Learning, Student Leadership Programme, a House System, and IPPT & NS Preparation as part of its holistic development program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

HCIS offers a six-year integrated curriculum that progresses from the Foundation Programme to a Pre-IB Programme and then to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Years 5–6. The IBDP is a rigorous two-year curriculum offered at Year 5 (Grade 11) for students aged 16–19. The school publishes the 2025 IB Results.

Cultural & Language

Instruction includes English Language and Chinese Language as core subjects in the Foundation Programme, with additional language options within the IB Diploma Programme.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

HCIS offers boarding through the HCIS Residence, with a structured daily routine, meals, laundry service, security measures, Residence Mentors, and wellbeing support.
Languages

Language Provision

The school teaches English and Chinese across the curriculum, with English Language and Chinese Language as foundational subjects in the early years.

Bilingual Teaching

The school provides instruction in English and Chinese; English Language and Chinese Language are core subjects in the integrated curriculum.
Reputation

Awards

WWF Eco-School Award (2022): The HCIS Green Council received the Excellence Award and the Green Flag Award for their environmental initiatives, highlighting the school's dedication to sustainability.

Accreditations

International Baccalaureate (IB) World School: HCIS is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a globally recognized pre-university qualification.
Admissions

Admissions

Attend an Admission Information Session (Optional): HCIS organizes information sessions that provide insights into the school's curriculum and available scholarships. These sessions are valuable for understanding the school's offerings and can be attended online or in person.

Complete and Submit the Application Form: Download the HCIS Admission Application Form from the school's website. Fill it out thoroughly and gather the required documents, which include Identification Documents and Academic Records.

Register for the Admission Test Upon receiving your application, the admissions team will confirm the availability of test slots. The Admission Test includes written assessments in English and Mathematics for Year 1 to Year 3 applicants. For Year 4 and IB1 applicants, the test also includes Physics and Chemistry components.

Attend the Admission Test Arrive on the scheduled date to complete the necessary assessments. Ensure you bring all required materials and arrive on time.

Participate in an Interview After reviewing test results, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview conducted in English. This step assesses the applicant's suitability for the school's programs.

Receive the Admission Decision Following the interview, successful applicants will receive an offer of admission. The offer will include details on how to accept the place, deadlines, and information about the enrollment process.

Scholarships

HCIS offers several scholarships to recognize and support students with outstanding academic achievements, talents, or leadership qualities. The key scholarships include:

HCIS Merit-based Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic records and other relevant achievements.

HCIS Talent-based Scholarship: Designed for students who exhibit exceptional talents in areas such as sports, arts, or leadership. Candidates are assessed on their accomplishments and contributions in their respective fields.

Hwa Chong Heritage Scholarship and Award: This scholarship aims to nurture future leaders by providing opportunities to students with financial constraints who have demonstrated academic excellence or talent.

Waitlist

Hwa Chong International School operates a waitlist system for qualified applicants when specific year groups reach capacity. When a candidate successfully completes the admission assessment but cannot be immediately accommodated due to class size limitations, they are placed on a waitlist according to their application date and assessment performance. The waitlist status remains valid for the current academic year only, and families must reapply for consideration in subsequent years if they remain interested.
School Events
The school has not added events