Application Process

Stamford American International School reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, subject to availability and program or grade level. We aim to make the application process a pleasant and straightforward experience. The application form and supporting documents can be submitted through our online application system by following the steps below.  Please be informed that an application submitted does not guarantee an offer and the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable regardless of the outcome. Placement is only confirmed upon receiving the official Offer Letter from Stamford American International School.

Student Support Program

Stamford American offers an extensive Student Support Program; however, the program is currently at full capacity in all grade levels. The need for support services will be determined by our team during the review of the application. Enrollment to Stamford American International School and the Student Support Program will be in accordance with the waitlist. 

Application and Outcome 

Applications at Stamford American are reviewed on a rolling basis once the application form and all required supporting documents, including the application fee, have been submitted. Students who are determined to require an English Language Assessment will be tested during the application review stage using either the WIDA model (KG2 – Grade 5) or a SLATE test (Grade 6 – Grade 10). Due to the validity of the English language assessment, families applying more than 6 months in advance of their chosen start date will be pre-reviewed upon application and then tested no more than 6 months before the child’s start date.

The outcome of the application will be released once the application review and English language assessment (if required) have been completed.

For campus tour booking and admissions inquiry, please contact us at +65 6653 2949 or reach out to us via the inquiry form.

Admissions Handbook 2024-2025

To apply, please follow these steps:

Step 1

Submit the online application form and attach the required documents. Click below for grade-specific requirements.

  • Copy of Passport
  • Copy of Birth Certificate
  • Passport Style headshot photo on a white background
  • Previous school year full report – all terms/semesters (officially notarized and translated into English)
  • Current school year full report – full semester/term (officially notarized and translated into English)
  • For High School applications (Grade 9-12): School reports must be official school transcripts
  • English and Math teacher email addresses for our team to reach out to for a reference. High school applicants, we will also request for the Principal or Academic Counsellor contact
  • Should a school report for the current school year not be available, we will need a Letter of Enrolment indicating the grade level the applicant is currently enrolled in
  • High school applicants can download a sample template here and be sure to include current academic courses

Step 2

Complete Application fee payment. Application fee  is non-refundable and non-transferrable regardless of application outcome.

We offer several convenient payment options as detailed here. Should tuition fee payment be sponsored by your company, please advise the company representative to complete this form and submit together  with the application.

After the application is submitted a member of our admissions team will be in touch and may request additional documents where applicable. These might include but are not limited to the following:

  • Standardized achievement test scores
  • Educational assessment or specialist reports
  • Guardianship forms: Please note students need to be 12 years or older, and applying for Grade 6 and above to be eligible to reside with a Guardian*

*Guardian is someone who is not a parent of the student and has been approved by the parents to have the duty of care of the child. This includes other family members, family friends, and other persons. Please refer to the tab below on “Students Living Away From Parents” for detailed SAIS guardianship options.

*Guardian is someone who is not a parent of the student and has been approved by the parents to have the duty of care of the child. This includes other family members, family friends, and other persons. Please refer to the tab below on “Students Living Away From Parents” for detailed SAIS guardianship options.

After acceptance into Stamford, and before starting school you will need to provide the following:

1. Signed Student Contract**

Once an offer is made, a link to sign the student contract will be sent via email. This contract secure the student’s place and must be completed within seven (7) days of receiving the email; otherwise,  the offer will be invalidated.

The contracts below are for reference only. No hardcopy of contracts are required.

2. Settlement of Enrolment, Facility and Tuition fees

Fees must be paid within seven calendar (7) days of receiving the invoice or in accordance with the fee schedule.

3. Submission of a Valid Visa copy

Students must possess a valid visa before starting school and submit a copy of the front and back of the physical card or a PDF copy. The following are acceptable visas:

  • Dependents Pass (DP): If one parent is an eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holder, they may bring certain family members to Singapore on a Dependant’s Pass.
  • Student Pass (SP): If the above is not applicable. Stamford American will register a child requiring a Student Pass with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) after acceptance and parents will submit  the Student Pass (STP) application. Student Pass holders can commence classes after the student ID has been issued. Student Pass holders must maintain a minimum 90% monthly attendance, as stipulated by the ICA.
  • Long term Vistor’s Pass (LTVP): LTVP holders may enroll in a full-time course for the duration of their existing pass and do not require a Letter of Consent or a Student Pass.

English Language Requirements

Applicants may be required to take an English Language assessment after completing their application if:

  • English is not their native language
  • They are coming from a school where English is not the primary language of instruction, or
  • They previously  received EAL (English as Additional Language) support at their previous school.

In KG2 – Grade 5, Stamford American  provides  two levels of English language support:

  • EAL Level A: For students entering, emerging, or developing English skills (low to mid-level proficiency)
  • EAL Level B: For students developing, expanding, and bridging English skills (mid to high-level proficiency)

In Grades 6 – 10 , the following support is available: 

In Grades 11 – 12, students are required to have a near native level of English speaking, writing, and comprehension. Assessment Requirements:

  • For KG2 – G5 is determined by the WIDA English proficiency assessment, conducted by a member of our enrollment team (preferably in person at the Admissions office) before admission.
  • For G6 – G10 (and Grade 5 students starting in semester 2), including the PCS program, the level of support is determined by the SLATE Plus test. For students who are unfamiliar with the SLATE Plus, iTEP offers the following preparation resources:
  • Preparation Guide
  • Practice Guide
  • Free Preview Test
  • Subject-Specific Practice Tests

Documents can be found on our website:

  1. iTEP Exam Rules and Requirements (English)
  2. iTEP Exam Rules and Requirements (Mandarin)
  3. iTEP Exam Rules and Requirements (Japanese)
  4. iTEP Exam Rules and Requirements (Korean)
  5. iTEP International Global Quick Setup Guide (English)
  6. iTEP International Global Quick Setup Guide (Mandarin)
  7. iTEP International Global Quick Setup Guide (Japanese)
  8. iTEP International Global Quick Setup Guide (Korean)

Stamford American  will facilitate and cover the cost for the first SLATE Plus test. Any additional tests required due to incomplete assessments  or deferments will be borne by the student. The applicants should note that only SLATE Plus tests facilitated by Stamford American will be accepted as part of the application process.

 

Waitlist

Some grade levels are currently at capacity. If a space is unavailable at the desired time of enrolment, you will be invited to join our waitlist. Payment of the S$3,860 enrolment fee will secure your place on the list. This fee is fully refundable if you choose to be removed from the waitlist at any time. However, If you are offered a space and decline it, the fee is non-refundable.

 

Sibling Priority

Stamford American strives to welcome all family members into our community. As such, Priority in admissions is given to families with siblings already enrolled or offered a place at Stamford American. Siblings priority also applies to grade levels with a waitlist.

 

Singapore Nationality/Singapore Passport Holders

Students holding a Singapore Citizenship (6 years old and above) require approval from the Ministry of Education (MOE) to attend classes at Stamford American. The MOE application will be submitted once the student is accepted. Singaporean applicants aged 6 years and above will be placed on the waitlist until formal MOE approval is granted. No space will be reserved until this approval is received.

 

Immunization Requirements

The National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) recommends vaccinations to protect against vaccine preventable diseases that pose significant health risks in Singapore.. 

The NCIS covers vaccinations against 12 diseases – tuberculosis, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), pneumococcal disease and human papillomavirus and influenza.

Vaccinations against measles and diphtheria are compulsory for children under the Infectious Diseases Act.

An original copy of your child’s immunization record must be submitted to Stamford American International School  upon receiving the Letter of Offer for admission. If the records are in a language other than English, they must be officially translated into English before submission. Records must reflect four DTP immunizations, and two MMR immunizations above the age of 12 months

^An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing a full regimen of World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing (WHO EUL) vaccines.Vaccination Requirement (For age 12 years and below)

The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Singapore has introduced diphtheria and measles vaccination requirements as a prerequisite for foreign-born children applying for long-term immigration passes to Singapore, with effect 1 February 2019.

Foreign-born children aged 12 years old and below, who are first-time applicants for Dependent’s Pass (DP), Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP), and Student Pass (STP) are required to submit documentary proof of vaccination or evidence of immunity for diphtheria and measles to the Health Promotion Board (HPB) for before they can proceed with their visa or pass application. Further details and the application forms are available on the Health Promotion Board (HPB) website.

Specialized Support Program

Stamford offers a Specialized Support Program for students with learning differences. Eligibility is  assessed individually and parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s needs with the Admissions Office before application submission..

 

Pre-Course Counselling

Pre-course counselling is an essential step for admissions to Stamford American. The Pre-Course Counselling Information Pack provides essential details, including::

  • School and Course Information
  • Fee and Payment Method
  • Fee Protection Schemes (FPS) and Student Contract
  • Refund,Transfer and Withdrawal Policies and Procedures
  • Singapore Regulations for International Students
  • Student Support Services
  • SkillsFuture Singapore


Please review the information carefully and contact your Admissions Manager for any clarification needed..

Students Living Away From Parents

Stamford American International School (SAIS) is committed to supporting students living in Singapore without a parent. Our top priority is ensuring all students reside in safe and well-supported living conditions that promote academic success.  Students under the age of 12 must reside with a parent in order to enroll at SAIS.

Guardianship Options for Students aged 12 and older: 

  1. Extended family member: Students may live with ian extended family member such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend who assumes guardianship. The student will live in their home, and the extended family member will assume responsibility for the student’s welfare. 
  2. Boarding: Our preferred boarding provider is Anglo Chinese School’s (ACS) Oldham Hall, the longest-established boarding institution in Singapore. Our staff work closely with the team at ACS Oldham Hall to ensure aligned support and communications. More information can be found on the ACS Oldham Hall website. 
  3. Homestay: Parents may select a guardian that has their own guardianship practices and business. Homestays are arranged by agents or guardians themselves, with different locations, services, and arrangements. We recommend that parents visit several homestays before making a decision on where to place their student. For more information, please refer to our Homestay Help Sheet 

Parents must identify a guardian, inform the school and complete a guardianship form. 

Temporary Absence of Parents/Guardians: 

If parents or guardians are temporarily absent, an in-loco parentis form must be submitted to delegate parental responsibility to another adult.

Steps for New Students Living Away From Parents:

  • Indicate on the school application that the student will be living apart from a parent in Singapore. This notifies the Guardianship Team and begins the intake process
  • Once enrollment is confirmed, share details of the living arrangement with the Guardianship Team via email guardianship@sais.edu.sg. Basic information, living situation and guardianship details will be collected. A meeting with the Guardianship Team may be scheduled
  • Complete and sign the guardianship form provided by the Guardianship Team

Infant Care Contract

Pre-Nursery - Nursery Student Contract

Pre K - KG 2 Student Contract

Grade 1 - 5 Student Contract

Grade 6 - 10 Student Contract

Grade 11 - 12 Student Contract

PCS Grade 6 Student Contract

PCS Grade 7 Student Contract

PCS Grade 8 Student Contract

PCS Grade 9 Student Contract

PCS Grade 10 Student Contract

FAE Grade 6 Student Contract

FAE Grade 7 Student Contract

FAE Grade 8 Student Contract

FAE Grade 9 Student Contract

FAE Grade 10 Student Contract

2. Settlement of remaining Enrollment, Facility and Tuition fees

Fees must be paid within seven calendar (7) days of receipt of the invoice or as per fee schedule.

3. Photocopy of Valid Visa

Students must be in possession of a valid visa before starting school:

  • Dependents Pass (DP): If one parent is an eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holder, they can bring certain family members to Singapore on a Dependant’s Pass.
  • Student Pass (SP): If the above is not applicable. Stamford will register a child requiring a Student Pass with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) after acceptance and parents will process the application from there. Student Pass holders can commence classes after the student ID has been issued. Student Pass holders must meet the minimum 90% monthly attendance requirements stipulated by the ICA.
  • Long term Vistor’s Pass (LTVP): LTVP holders may enroll in a full-time course within a duration of their existing pass and will not require a Letter of Consent nor Student Pass.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

The applicant will be asked to take an English Language assessment after the application is completed in full if English is not their native language, or if they are coming from a school where English is not the language of instruction, or if they were receiving EAL (English as Additional Language) support from their previous school. In Grades KG2 – G5, our school offers two paths of English language support:

  • EAL Level A: For students entering, emerging, and developing English skills (low-mid level current knowledge)
  • EAL Level B: For students developing, expanding, and bridging English skills (mid-high level current knowledge)

In Grades 6 – 10 , the following support is available: 

In Grades 11 – 12, students are required to have a near native level of English speaking, writing, and comprehension.

The level of support required for KG2 – G5 is determined by the WIDA English proficiency assessment conducted by a member of our enrollment team (ideally in person at the Admissions office) and is required before admittance.

The level of support required for G6 – G10 (as well as Grade 5 students starting in semester 2), including the PCS program, is determined by the SLATE Plus test. For students who are unfamiliar with the SLATE Plus, iTEP provides the following test prep materials:

  • Preparation guide
  • Practice guide
  • Preview Test-Free
  • Subject practice tests

Documents can be found on our website:

  1. iTEP Exam Rules and Requirements (English)
  2. iTEP Exam Rules and Requirements (Mandarin)
  3. iTEP Exam Rules and Requirements (Japanese)
  4. iTEP Exam Rules and Requirements (Korean)
  5. iTEP International Global Quick Setup Guide (English)
  6. iTEP International Global Quick Setup Guide (Mandarin)
  7. iTEP International Global Quick Setup Guide (Japanese)
  8. iTEP International Global Quick Setup Guide (Korean)

 

SAIS will facilitate and cover the cost for the first Slate Plus test. The subsequent tests required due to incomplete tests or deferment will be borne by the student. The applicants should note that only Slate Plus tests facilitated by SAIS will be considered in the application process.

WAITLIST

We are currently at capacity in some grade levels. If a place is not available at the time you wish to join, you will be invited to join our waitlist. Payment of the $3,860 enrolment fee will secure your space on the list. Please note that this fee is fully refundable if at any time you wish to be removed from the list. If you are offered a space and decide not to accept, the fee is non-refundable.

SIBLING PRIORITY

Stamford American aims to welcome all family members into our community. As such, admissions priority is given to families with siblings already offered or enrolled at Stamford. Siblings will also be given priority should there be a waitlist in their grade level.

SINGAPORE NATIONALITY/SINGAPORE PASSPORT HOLDERS

Approval is required from the Ministry of Education (MOE) before a Singaporean student (6 years old and above) is allowed to attend classes at Stamford. The application for approval from the MOE will be sent as soon as a student is accepted. Please note that Singaporean applicants who are 6 years old and above will be accepted onto our waitlist and no place will be reserved for the student until formal approval has been granted by the MOE.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

The National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) comprises childhood vaccinations recommended as the standard of care for protection against vaccine preventable diseases that are of significant healthcare burden to Singapore or would be so without these vaccinations. 

The NCIS covers vaccinations against 12 diseases – tuberculosis, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, mumps, rubella, pneumococcal disease and human papillomavirus. From 1 November 2020, the NCIS will also cover vaccinations against two more diseases, i.e. varicella (chickenpox) and influenza.

Of these, vaccinations against measles and diphtheria are compulsory for children under the Infectious Diseases Act.

An original copy of your child’s immunization record must be submitted to Stamford American International School (SAIS) once he/she has been issued with the Letter of Offer for admission. All submitted records, if they are in foreign languages, must be translated into English.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS (FOR AGE 12 YEARS AND BELOW)

The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Singapore has introduced diphtheria and measles vaccination requirements as a prerequisite for foreign-born children applying for long-term immigration passes to Singapore, with effect 1 February 2019.

Foreign-born children aged 12 years old and below, who are first-time applicants for Dependent’s Pass (DP), Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP), and Student Pass (STP) are required to submit documentary proof of vaccination or evidence of immunity for diphtheria and measles to the Health Promotion Board (HPB) for before they can proceed with their visa or pass application. Further details and the application form can be found on the HPB website.

SPECIALIZED SUPPORT PROGRAM

Stamford offers a Specialized Support Program for students who require support for learning differences. The needs of eligible students will be assessed on an individual basis and parents should discuss their situation with the Admissions Office prior to making an application.

PRE-COURSE COUNSELLING

Pre-course counselling is an essential step for admissions to Stamford American. The Pre-Course Counselling Information Pack covers the following information to help you make informed decisions:

  • School and Course Information
  • Fee Payable and Payment Method
  • Fee Protection Schemes (FPS) & Student Contract
  • Refund/Transfer and Withdrawal Policy and Procedure
  • Singapore Regulations for International Students
  • Student Support Services
  • Device Use Policy
  • SkillsFuture Singapore

 

Please read them carefully before applying and speak to your admissions managers if you have any questions.

STUDENTS LIVING AWAY FROM PARENTS

Stamford American International School (SAIS) is committed to providing support for students who may study and live in Singapore without a parent. Our top priority is ensuring all students reside in safe and well-supported living conditions that promote academic success.  Please note that students under 12 years old must reside with a parent in order to enroll at SAIS.

For students aged 12 and older who will not live with a parent, there are three options for guardianship in Singapore: 

Extended family member: Parents may elect to place their student in the care of an extended family member such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend living in Singapore. That person will become their appointed guardian. The student will live in their home, and the extended family member will assume responsibility for the student’s welfare. 

Boarding: Our preferred boarding provider is Anglo Chinese School’s (ACS) Oldham Hall, the longest-established boarding institution in Singapore. Our staff work closely with the team at ACS Oldham Hall to ensure aligned support and communications. More information can be found on the ACS Oldham Hall website. 

Homestay: Parents may select a guardian that has their own guardianship practices and business. Homestays are arranged by agents or guardians themselves, with different locations, services, and arrangements. We recommend that parents visit several homestays before making a decision on where to place their student. For more information, please refer to our Homestay Help Sheet 

In all three cases, the parent must identify a guardian for the student and ensure the school is informed. Completion of the guardianship form is required. 

Temporary Absence of Parents/Guardians: 

We understand that there are times when either parents or guardians may be temporarily absent from Singapore. In this case please submit an in-loco parentis form to the divisional office to nominate an adult to whom parental responsibility has been delegated. 

For any student living away from a parent, please follow these steps:

NEW STUDENTS

  • Indicate in the school application that the student will be living away from a parent in Singapore. This notifies the Guardianship Team and begins the intake process
  • Once enrollment is confirmed, share details of the living arrangement with the Guardianship Team via email guardianship@sais.edu.sg. Basic information, living situation and guardianship details will be collected. A meeting with the Guardianship Team may be scheduled
  • Complete and sign the guardianship form provided by the Guardianship Team