Teaching English in Singapore: Jobs, Salary, Visas – Hard Truths & Hidden Perks

Introduction – Prestige, Pressure, and a Whole Lot of Paperwork

Teaching English in Singapore doesn’t show up in as many TEFL blogs as Japan or Korea – but make no mistake, it’s one of Asia’s most high-achieving, English-driven education systems. And for good reason.

English is the medium of instruction, not a second language subject. It’s how kids learn maths, science, history, everything. Which means if you land an English teaching job here – you’re not just doing conversation classes. You’re stepping into a high-pressure, high-performance zone where results matter and expectations are no joke.

But here’s the twist.

Despite being fluent in English from early childhood, Singapore still hires foreign teachers. Not in huge numbers – but strategically, where needed. International schools, private enrichment centres, preschools, and even polytechnics have room for qualified teachers… if you know how the system works, and if you’re prepared to meet the standard.

So, is it worth considering?

That depends on what you’re looking for:

• Hoping for an easy year abroad with low prep and high pay? This may not be your playground.
• But if you’re qualified, experienced, and ready to teach at a high level, Singapore offers excellent salaries, professional respect, and a lifestyle many teachers end up loving.

In this article, we’ll walk through:

• Visa rules and what slows people down
• Where can you find the actual teaching jobs
• Requirements that schools actually care about
• How much you’ll earn – and how far it goes
• And a few things people don’t tell you about working in one of Asia’s most competitive education systems

Let’s dive in – no fluff, no brochure talk. Just real insight into what it’s like to teach English in Singapore in 2025 and beyond.

Types of Teaching Jobs in Singapore – And Who’s Hiring

Unlike other TEFL destinations where anyone with a degree and passport can find work, Singapore plays it differently. English is already the first language of education here – so schools aren’t desperate for foreign teachers. They’re selective. Strategic. And yes, sometimes a bit too picky.

That said, if you’ve got the right background and attitude, there are opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of where the jobs are – and what to know before applying.

1. Public Schools (Ministry of Education – MOE)

These are government-run primary and secondary schools across Singapore. They rarely hire teachers straight from overseas anymore – unless you’re exceptionally qualified.

You’re more likely to get in if:

• You’re already in Singapore
• You’ve taught under a recognised national curriculum
• You have a PGDE, B.Ed, or a CELTA with solid classroom experience
• You apply through MOE’s Foreign Teacher Scheme (yes, that exists – but it’s slow and highly selective)

What to expect:

• Competitive pay (starting ~S$3,250 to S$5,500/month for trained teachers)
• Full-time hours, CCA (co-curricular activity) duties, meetings, and serious prep load
• Structured training and mentoring – but also high accountability
• A student culture focused on exams and performance

This is not a job for casual backpackers or gap year teachers. It is a career-level role – and it comes with the pressure to match.

2. International Schools

Here’s where most foreign teachers aim for – and for good reason.

These schools offer:

• Curricula like IB, IGCSE, A-Levels, or AP
• International working environments
• Higher pay scales (S$7,500 to S$11,000+ per month depending on experience)
• Better benefits: housing allowance, flights, medical, annual bonuses

But…

• Hiring is competitive and cycles happen early (6-12 months in advance)
• Most roles require a teaching licence or education degree
• Experience with international curricula is often non-negotiable
• Many schools prefer candidates who are already in Asia

If you’ve got the right experience and credentials, this is one of the best teaching environments Singapore offers. But if you’re TEFL-only and new to the field – it might be a stretch.

3. Enrichment Centres (After-School Tuition Centres)

Singaporeans love their tuition – and these centres are everywhere. They run classes after school and on weekends, mostly for:

• English writing
• Reading comprehension
• Exam prep (PSLE, O-levels, GP)
• Public speaking, phonics, and literacy

Why they hire foreign teachers:

• Native-level fluency adds credibility to branding
• Parents perceive international teachers as more “global”
• Some centres offer niche programmes tied to UK/US syllabi

What to expect:

• S$2,800 to S$5,000/month depending on hours and brand
• Fixed curriculum or script-based teaching
• Split shifts and weekends – Saturdays are almost always working days
• Performance-based contracts in some centres (e.g., student feedback, re-enrolment rates)

This is where many TEFL-certified teachers start out in Singapore – it’s fast-paced, commercial, and results-driven. Not glamorous, but a foot in the door.

4. Preschools, Kindergartens & Functional Needs

If you’re warm, animated, and love the little ones, this sector’s worth considering.

There are jobs at:

• Premium international preschools (IB PYP, Montessori-style, or Reggio Emilia)
• Local kindergartens looking for enrichment teachers or phonics instructors
• Under Singapore’s MOE, there are enough teaching opportunities in kindergartens and special education schools

Requirements vary:

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education is often needed for full-time roles
• TEFL/CELTA may work for language-based part-time or contract roles
• Patience, creativity, and high energy are non-negotiable

Pay ranges from S$2,500 to S$5,200/month, depending on the school’s branding and your qualifications.

5. Polytechnics, Language Centres & Corporate Training

This is a small but steady niche.

• Polytechnics may hire English communication lecturers
• Language institutes (like British Council, Inlingua) offer business English, IELTS prep, and adult conversation courses
• Corporate trainers teach business writing, presentation skills, or workplace English

These roles usually require:

• Strong qualifications (CELTA minimum, often a Master’s preferred)
• Prior experience teaching adults or business English
• Good command of local communication styles – you’ll be teaching professionals, not students

Pay can be solid – S$4,000 to S$7,000/month, sometimes higher for contract trainers.

6. Online Teaching – Legal If You’re Careful

Teaching English online from Singapore is possible – but watch the visa.

• If you’re on an Employment Pass, you cannot legally freelance or teach on the side
• Some people teach online on Dependent Passes with a Letter of Consent
• Others do it quietly on tourist visas – not advisable

If you’re already in Singapore and plan to teach online full-time, you’ll need to explore self-sponsorship or register a sole proprietorship – both routes come with red tape.

Takeaway: Singapore isn’t the place for “gap year” TEFLers. It is a professional environment that values credentials, experience, and cultural fit. But if you’ve got the right background – or you’re willing to work your way up through tuition centres or kindergartens – there are doors open.

Who Gets Hired – Requirements That Actually Matter

Singapore’s hiring filters are less about volume and more about fit. Schools aren’t scrambling to fill classrooms – they’re curating. That means you can’t just check boxes. You have to check the right boxes.

Below are the qualifications, traits, and soft skills that truly matter when applying for English teaching roles in Singapore.

1. Being a Native Speaker Helps – But It’s Not Everything

Singapore is a unique case. English is the official language of instruction, but most locals speak at least one other language (Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil). So, being a native speaker isn’t rare – it’s expected.

Still, native-level fluency from a recognised English-speaking country (UK, US, Australia, NZ, Canada, Ireland, South Africa) does help you get past initial filters.

But here’s what also matters:

• Accent clarity – Singaporean parents and schools prefer neutral accents
• Cultural awareness – You need to “get” the local context, not just speak fluently
• Flexibility with Singlish – Understand it, but don’t imitate it in the classroom

Many non-native speakers with strong credentials still get hired – especially if they’re already based in Singapore and bring something extra.

2. A Degree Is Non-Negotiable

You need at least a Bachelor’s degree – in anything – to get a work visa. But that’s just the entry point.

To actually get shortlisted, most schools will want:

• A teaching-related degree (Education, English, Linguistics, TESOL) or
• A Bachelor’s + recognised teaching qualification

International schools and MOE posts will favour B.Ed, PGDE, or equivalent teaching licences.

For enrichment centres or preschool roles:

• Your degree + TEFL/TESOL + strong demo class = still a shot

3. Teaching Qualifications – The Right One Depends on the Role

Here’s how they break it down:

Quick note: CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL are the most respected TEFLs here. A 120-hour online TEFL without classroom experience won’t carry much weight in competitive settings.

4. Experience Is Key – And Often the Dealbreaker

Many schools (especially international or MOE) won’t even look at your CV unless you have:

• 2 to 3 years of full-time teaching experience
• Preferably in a structured school environment, not just online tutoring
• Bonus if it’s in Asia, or with a curriculum they recognise (IB, Cambridge, etc.)

That said, enrichment centres and kindergartens are more open to newer teachers, especially if you can deliver a good demo class.

5. Background Checks Are Mandatory

This isn’t optional.

You’ll usually need to provide:

• Criminal record clearance from your home country
• Professional references (many schools call or email to verify)
• Medical screening (for visa purposes)

If there’s anything dodgy in your past, best to declare it early. Singapore doesn’t mess around with background issues.

6. Soft Skills That Make a Big Difference

Schools in Singapore are strict, structured, and parent-facing. That means they care about:

• Professional appearance and communication
• Classroom management – calm, clear, confident
• Cultural sensitivity – don’t act like a “foreign know-it-all”
• Adaptability – to syllabus changes, admin systems, and reporting tools
• Responsiveness – many schools run on WhatsApp, Google Calendar, and lots of weekly updates

Being easy to work with is massively underrated. If you’re the kind of teacher who prepares well, shows up on time, and keeps parents in the loop – you’re already ahead of half the field.

Takeaway: You don’t need to be perfect – but you do need to be prepared. Singapore rewards teachers who take the role seriously, both in credentials and conduct. If you can back up your CV with a clear demo, a clean record, and an understanding of how schools here operate – your chances are solid.

Salaries, Benefits & Cost of Living – Is It Worth the Pay?

At first glance, Singapore salaries look amazing. And compared to many other TEFL destinations, they are. But-and here’s the big but-Singapore is also one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in.

So the real question is not how much do you earn, but how much do you actually keep?

Let’s break it down.

1. Salary Ranges – By Job Type

These figures are based on 2024-2025 listings, teacher reports, and school job boards.

Note: Some international schools offer significantly more for department heads or long-term staff – but those roles are rare.

2. Benefits – What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Here’s the truth – benefits vary wildly, and not all employers offer relocation perks.

International schools (tier 1 or 2) may include:

• Housing allowance (S$1,000 – S$2,500/month)
• Annual airfare reimbursement
• Settling-in allowance or relocation stipend
• Health insurance
• Paid professional development
• Tuition discount if you have kids

Enrichment centres, language schools, and preschools usually offer:

• Basic medical coverage
• Annual leave (14-21 days)
• CPF contributions only if you’re PR

And for most private sector roles? You’ll be sorting out housing, transport, and setup costs yourself.

3. Income Tax – How Much Gets Deducted?

Singapore’s income tax is low compared to Western countries.

• If you’re working in Singapore for 183 days or more, you’re considered a tax resident
• Tax rates range from 0% to 22% (progressive, but most teachers fall in the 7%-15% range)
• For non-residents (<183 days), a flat 15% tax rate applies in most cases

Bonus: Singapore has no tax on foreign income, capital gains, or dividends.

4. Real Cost of Living – A Month in 2025

This is where it gets real. The cost of living can eat into even a generous salary if you’re not mindful.

Typical Monthly Expenses (Single Teacher):

If you’re careful and live in a shared flat or heartland area (like Ang Mo Kio or Bedok), you might save S$1,000-S$2,000/month. But if you’re living centrally, brunching at Robertson Quay, and Ubering around – poof goes your paycheck.

5. Can You Actually Save? Or Just Break Even?

You can save, but only if:

• You have a decent housing arrangement (or allowance)
• Your job includes key benefits (flights, healthcare)
• You keep lifestyle expenses in check

Many experienced teachers report saving S$12,000 – S$25,000 per year, especially in international school roles. But newer teachers at enrichment centres may find themselves just treading water after rent and tax.

6. Don’t Forget the “Start-Up Costs”

A lot of teachers underestimate this part. Be ready to pay for:

• First month + deposit + agent fee = 3x rent upfront
• Furnishing your apartment (not all rentals come with furniture)
• Work attire (Singapore schools can be formal)
• Medical check-ups for visa approval
• Transport to and from job interviews if you’re applying locally

Takeaway: Teaching in Singapore pays well on paper – but to make it work financially, you’ll need to budget smart and avoid lifestyle creep. The city has plenty of ways to drain your wallet if you’re not paying attention. But if you land a good role, with the right benefits, it can be one of the best-paying and most livable TEFL destinations in Asia.

The Visa Process – Not Built for Speed

Singapore may feel efficient in most things – but when it comes to work visas, for teaching English in Singapore, it’s not as plug-and-play as people assume. Just because a school wants to hire you doesn’t mean MOM (Ministry of Manpower) will say yes.

The process is layered, technical, and more biased toward local or in-country candidates than ever before.

1. Employment Pass (EP) – For Degree Holders in Skilled Roles

This is the most common visa for foreign teachers at international schools or language centres.

Key Requirements:

• A recognised degree (must be verifiable)
• Monthly salary of at least S$5,000 (as of 2025 baseline for EP holders)
• Strong supporting documents from your employer

What makes or breaks your EP application:

• Whether your degree is from an accredited university
• If your employer has a solid track record of hiring foreigners
• If your salary aligns with MOM’s expectations for your role

International schools usually know what they’re doing. Smaller centres? Not always.

2. S Pass – For Mid-Skilled Roles (Rare for Teachers)

Some enrichment centres try to hire under the S Pass, but:

• The salary threshold is lower (S$3,150/month in 2025), but
• The quota system makes it extremely competitive, especially for non-technical jobs
• You’ll also need to compete against locals and PRs before they even consider a foreign hire

If you’re being offered an S Pass role, ask if the employer has available quota. If they avoid the question? Red flag.

3. Dependant Pass + Letter of Consent (LOC)

If your spouse has an EP and you’re on a Dependant Pass, you can apply to work through a Letter of Consent.

Works well if:

• You find a part-time or freelance gig (like preschool or enrichment teaching)
• The employer is open to handling the LOC paperwork

However, LOCs have grown harder to get, and some companies avoid them to cut hassle.

4. Self-Sponsored Work Passes – Difficult, but Possible

There are niche cases where teachers have:

• Registered a sole proprietorship
• Set up a private tuition business
• Applied under the EntrePass or ONE Pass for high-earners and experts

But these routes involve:

• High startup costs
• Business plans
• Lots of financial and legal documentation

Not recommended unless you’re already experienced, established, and planning to stay long-term.

5. What Slows Down or Blocks Your Visa

Many applicants get caught off guard when MOM says no. Here’s what often causes issues:

• Degree not recognised or verifiable
• Employer has too many foreign hires already
• Salary too low for the job category
• Role description doesn’t match your qualifications
• Background check raises flags (even minor ones)

Also, visa processing times can drag – anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks depending on the season and company history. Be patient, and do not book flights too early.

Takeaway: Having a job offer doesn’t guarantee a visa. In Singapore, it’s the government – not the employer – who has the final say. That’s why many schools prefer candidates already in-country, or those they’ve worked with before. If you’re applying from overseas, make sure your documents are tight, your employer knows the system, and your expectations are realistic.

Inside the Singaporean Classroom – A Mix of British Rigor and Asian Order

Walk into a classroom in Singapore and you’ll notice the difference immediately. Students are polite, well-prepared, and test-savvy. But beneath the surface is a pressure-cooker environment where exams dominate, and creativity has to fight for space.

Whether you’re teaching English in a primary school, a tuition centre, or an international IB programme, the themes are often the same – structure, performance, and results.

1. High Standards, High Stakes

Singaporean students are used to being pushed – not just by teachers, but by parents, schools, and national rankings.

Expect:

• Fast-paced lessons
• High expectations for grammar, writing structure, and vocabulary
• Students trained to spot exam-style questions – and correct your instructions if needed
• Homework, quizzes, and test prep as part of the routine, even for 7-year-olds

This is not a laid-back ESL environment. Students here come to achieve.

2. Behaviour Is Usually Excellent – But Don’t Mistake It for Engagement

Most classrooms are orderly. Students sit straight, raise hands, use proper greetings.

But:

• Some students will be afraid to speak unless prompted clearly
• Others will expect you to do everything – explain, write, mark, repeat
• Many are used to passive learning, so your “fun activity” may fall flat if not tied to outcomes

You’ll need to train them out of “wait and copy” mode, especially if you’re coming from a Western teaching background.

3. Teaching Is More Than Just Teaching

Especially in public schools and international schools, expect duties beyond the classroom:

• Marking and report writing
• Parent-teacher conferences
• Curriculum meetings and planning
• Co-curricular activities (sports, clubs, debate, etc.)
• National events and school ceremonies

The job is respected – but it’s a full professional commitment, not a filler role.

4. Curriculum & Resources – Often Excellent

The good news is:

• Materials are usually structured and well-resourced
• Class sizes are manageable (20-30 students in most schools)
• You’ll likely use a blend of textbooks, digital tools, and printed worksheets
• Feedback cycles and term assessments are clearly defined

But it also means less flexibility. You’ll need to follow schemes of work, hit targets, and meet deadlines.

Takeaway: Teaching in Singapore is about balance – respecting the system while adding your own value. Students are bright, but systemised. Schools are well-run, but demanding. If you’re ready to work hard and grow as a teacher, it can be incredibly rewarding. Just don’t expect the classroom to run on charisma alone.

Cultural Curveballs – What Foreign Teachers Wish They Knew

Even if you’ve taught English abroad before, Singapore comes with its own set of quirks. Some are subtle, some are frustrating, and some are so uniquely Singaporean that you’ll laugh, cringe, and adjust – all in the same week.

1. The “Kiasu” Mindset Is Real

“Kiasu” is a Hokkien term that loosely translates to “fear of losing out” – and it’s a deeply ingrained part of daily life.

In schools, it shows up as:

• Parents obsessing over test scores and ranking
• Students anxious about falling behind (even if they’re top of the class)
• Teachers being pushed to cover content faster, earlier, better

It’s not always unhealthy – but it does add pressure. And you’ll feel it whether you teach 6-year-olds or 16-year-olds.

2. Admin and Bureaucracy – Prepare for Forms and Systems

Singapore is organised – but extremely process-driven.

• Every permission slip, photo release, or field trip requires forms
• Schools run on structured digital systems (Learning Management Systems, MOE portals, HR apps)
• You’ll be expected to track, report, and log everything

It’s manageable once you learn the flow – but don’t expect to “wing it” through term planning.

3. Singlish – Understand It, Don’t Teach It

Students will say things like:

• “Can lah.”
• “He never come yesterday.”
• “Got do already, teacher.”

Singlish is part of the cultural landscape. It’s informal, expressive, and deeply local. You’re not there to erase it – but you’ll be expected to model standard English, gently and respectfully.

4. You’re Not Just a Foreigner – You’re the Foreigner

Even though Singapore is multicultural, many schools still see foreign teachers as different.

That can mean:

• Being politely excluded from certain staff dynamics
• Students testing your “newness”
• Needing time to build trust and rapport, especially with local colleagues

That said, many teachers say once they earn their place, they’re treated like family.

5. Social Life – Great, If You Push for It

Singapore’s expat life is vibrant – but also cliquish.

• International school teachers often stick with their own group
• Tuition teachers may work odd hours, making it harder to connect
• Making local friends takes time, but it’s worth the effort

The good part? The food is amazing, the city is safe, and there’s always something going on – from live music at Esplanade to hiking in MacRitchie.

Takeaway: Singapore isn’t flashy or chaotic – it’s structured, layered, and quietly intense. You won’t always feel “at home” right away, but if you stick around, learn the rhythm, and show up with consistency, the place has a way of growing on you.

Why Some Teachers Stick Around (and Others Leave Fast)

Singapore has one of the highest teacher retention rates in Asia – but also a fair number of people who bounce after a year. Why the split? Let’s find out.

Why Some Stay Long-Term?

• Strong pay and professional growth
• Global networking – many teachers move into leadership or switch to top-tier schools
• Pathway to PR (Permanent Residency) after a few years
• Safety and stability – great place to raise kids or settle down
• Well-developed teacher development programmes and funded CPD

Some Leave Quickly Too.. Why?

• Burnout from workload and parental expectations
• Cost of living shock, especially with rent
• Feeling boxed in by systems and policies
• Difficulty adjusting to local communication styles or indirectness
• Social isolation, especially for single or part-time teachers

Takeaway: Singapore doesn’t just offer jobs – it offers careers. But that comes with strings. If you’re in it for the long game, the system rewards loyalty, quality, and quiet excellence. If you’re looking for a light, flexible, easy-going teaching stint… this might not be your match.

Final Thoughts – Should You Really Be Teaching in Singapore?

Let’s keep it real.

Teaching English in Singapore isn’t for everyone. It’s a serious teaching destination – not a stopgap. The bar is high, the salaries are fair (but not magical), and the lifestyle is what you make of it.

Ask yourself:

• Am I qualified, or willing to level up?
• Am I okay with structure, systems, and showing up prepared – every time?
• Am I more driven by growth than by comfort?
• Can I respect a culture I don’t fully understand yet?

If the answer is yes – or at least leaning that way – Singapore could be an incredible step in your teaching journey.

And if you’re TEFL certified or planning to be? Then now’s the time to aim right – because in this city, you don’t just teach English. You build credibility, skills, and a life that runs deeper than just the payslip.