St. Joseph's Institution International vs United World College of South East Asia - Dover Campus
St. Joseph's Institution International and United World College of South East Asia - Dover Campus are both in Singapore, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes. St. Joseph's Institution International also offers IPC, IMYC and Cambridge A Levels, and United World College of South East Asia - Dover Campus also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are close, at SGD 35,876 - 47,388 for St. Joseph's Institution International and SGD 37,494 - 48,237 for United World College of South East Asia - Dover Campus. Both take pupils from 4 to 18. United World College of South East Asia - Dover Campus is the larger school, with around 3,117 pupils to St. Joseph's Institution International's 2,000. Typical class sizes are 22 at St. Joseph's Institution International and 24 at United World College of South East Asia - Dover Campus.
IB (DP), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
2,000
Pupils
3,117
Typical class size
Typical class size
22
Typical class size
24
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
—
Opened
1971
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
SJI International is located at 490 Thomson Road in Singapore's Novena district. The campus is easily accessible via public transportation, with the Novena MRT station nearby, and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and amenities.
Location
UWCSEA Dover Campus is situated at 1207 Dover Road, Singapore 139654. It is conveniently accessible via public transport, with Dover MRT station nearby and several bus routes.
Stages
Stages
The school comprises two divisions: the Elementary School for students aged 5 to 12, and the High School for students aged 12 to 18.
Stages
The school caters to students from Kindergarten 1 (K1) through Grade 12, structured into distinct educational stages:
-Infant School: K1 to Grade 1 -Junior School: Grades 2 to 5 -Middle School: Grades 6 to 8 -High School: Grades 9 to 12
School type
School type
SJI International is a co-educational school and does not offer boarding.
School type
UWCSEA Dover is a co-educational day school. It provides boarding facilities for students in Grades 8 to 12.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The Learning Development Department at SJI International assists students facing mild to moderate learning challenges. This support includes in-class assistance, diagnostic assessments, and, when necessary, individualized interventions.
Additional learning support
UWCSEA Dover Campus provides tailored support for students with specific learning differences to help them fully engage with the curriculum. A dedicated team of experienced learning support teachers collaborates with students across all age groups, implementing individualized strategies to foster academic success.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
SJI International is not affiliated with any specific country.
Country affiliation
As part of the United World Colleges (UWC) movement, UWCSEA Dover is affiliated with a global network of schools and is not affiliated with a country.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
SJI International is affiliated with the De La Salle Brothers, a Catholic religious institute, and upholds Lasallian educational values.
Religious affiliation
UWCSEA Dover is a non-denominational institution, welcoming students from all religious backgrounds.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day typically starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:30 PM, with breaks and lunch periods scheduled throughout the day.
School day structure
The school day at UWCSEA Dover Campus typically begins at 8:00 am and concludes at 3:00 pm. After-school activities are available until 4:30 pm.
Bus service details
Bus service details
SJI International collaborates with Tong Tar Transport Service Pte Ltd to offer a school bus service for Elementary School students. For High School students, transportation arrangements are typically managed by families, with various public transportation options available.
Bus service details
UWCSEA collaborates with Yellow Bus Transport to offer a school bus service, ensuring safe and convenient travel for students. The service covers various locations across Singapore, with fees for a two-way service ranging from approximately $530.26 to $1,711.97 per term, depending on the distance travelled. Buses are equipped with GPS tracking and supervised by attendants to maintain a secure and comfortable ride for students .
Enrolment Fee - Enrolment Fee for Elementary & High School: SGD 3,815 (non-refundable) - High School Security Deposit: SGD 6,000 (refundable upon graduation)
Elementary School School Fees (Annual) - Prep 1 to Grade 3 Mainstream: SGD 35,876 - Prep 1 to Grade 3 Bilingual Programme: SGD 43,050 - Grade 4 Mainstream: SGD 35,876 - Grade 5 to Grade 6 Mainstream: SGD 36,052
High School School Fees (Annual) - Grade 7 & 8: SGD 37,202 - Grade 9, 10 & 10FC: SGD 38,186 - Grade 11: SGD 47,388 - Grade 12: SGD 39,802
Additional Programme Fees English as an Additional Language (EAL) - Grade 7-8: Up to SGD 7,911 per year - Grade 9-10: SGD 7,911 per year - Grade 10 Foundation Course: SGD 6,592
Home Language Programme - Average Fee per Term: SGD 2,455
Billing and Payment Terms - Fees are invoiced termly (two terms per academic year) - Late Payment Fee: SGD 200
The application fee is non-refundable and is payable per application cycle.
Enrolment Fee: A one-off enrolment fee of S$4,992 is required to confirm acceptance of the place and is non-refundable.
Acceptance Fees: Upon acceptance, the enrolment fee, plus the term and boarding fees (if applicable), must be paid by the deadline stated in the offer documentation. These fees are non-refundable.
Other Costs: - Bus Service: Between S$530.26 to S$1,711.97 per term, depending on distance. - Canteen Costs: Approximately S$4–S$8 per day. - Instrumental Teaching Programme: Additional charges for music tuition and instrument hire. - Optional Language Programmes: Additional charges for certain language courses. - Weekend & Holiday Programmes: Fees apply for these optional programmes.
Billing and Payment Terms: Fees are billed in three equal terms, with payments due at the start of each term. Payments can be made via bank transfer or credit card.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Boarding is available from Grade 9 onwards. St Andrew's Hall is the official boarding house, a co-educational residence housing up to 600 students managed by St Andrew's Junior College. All new students who do not live with their parents or a direct blood relative are required to live at St Andrew's Hall. Meals during school days are breakfast and dinner; weekends and holidays provide three meals per day. The boarding facility includes a communal study centre, gym, dance studio and music room, and students may use St Andrew's wider recreational facilities. Transportation to the school is by public transport. The monthly cost is $930.
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
The school has a uniform policy with separate Elementary School Uniform Policy and High School Uniform Policy.
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
Compass Group (Chartwells) operates the canteen and catering. Menus include Western, Asian, Vegetarian and allergen-controlled options; allergen-controlled kitchens exclude tree nuts, peanuts, crustaceans, molluscs and sesame; Chartwells staff are trained to handle dietary needs; a sample menu is available.
Food options
—
House system
House system
The school has a four-house system: Saint Benilde, Saint Jaime, Saint Miguel, and Saint Mutien. Each house is overseen by a Head of House and a House Unity Group (HUG). House points are earned through events, sportsmanship and representation, culminating in the House Cup. The house system supports the Virtues Project.
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is Lasallian Catholic and governed by a Board of Governors. It is organized as St. Joseph's Institution International Ltd and St. Joseph's Institution International Elementary School Ltd. It forms part of a family of schools (Our Family of Schools) including SJI International Preschool, Elementary School and High School. The Board is chaired by Chris Woo, with multiple appointed members contributing to governance.
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Elementary School follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), incorporating Singapore Maths and Chinese language studies. The High School offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program in Grades 9 and 10, followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12.
Curriculum details
UWCSEA Dover Campus offers a bespoke curriculum from Kindergarten 1 through Grade 8 that integrates academics with activities, outdoor education, personal and social education, and service. In Grades 9 and 10, students engage in the UWCSEA Programme, a two-year academic course designed to prepare them for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. At the end of Grade 12, students who meet the graduation criteria are granted a UWCSEA High School Diploma. The majority of students also undertake the IB Diploma and receive their IB Diploma results.
SJI International places a strong emphasis on SEL, integrating it into both the curriculum and extracurricular activities. The school offers a well-being program grounded in positive psychology principles, facilitated by Heads of Grade and School Counsellors. Regular well-being surveys are conducted to monitor student welfare and inform the pastoral care approach.
Social & emotional learning
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
While SJI International strives to accommodate students with SEN, the scope of support is limited to mild to moderate learning needs. The Learning Development Team works collaboratively with parents, teachers, and external experts to identify and implement appropriate support measures. It's important to note that the school is not a specialized SEN institution and may not be equipped to support a wide spectrum of special educational needs.
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
SJI International offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme tailored for students whose first language is not English. The program provides specialized support to help these students access the curriculum and prepare for academic challenges. The duration of support varies based on individual language proficiency, with a minimum commitment of one year. Students entering Grades 9 and 11 are expected to participate in the program for the entire two-year IGCSE and IB Diploma courses, respectively. Assessments conducted at admission determine the appropriate level of support needed.
English as an additional language
—
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
SJI International is committed to fostering a supportive environment for students' mental health. The school offers a counseling program that includes individual and group counseling, psycho-educational sessions, and workshops on mental health and coping strategies. The counseling team collaborates with parents, teachers, and external professionals to address personal and interpersonal issues.
Mental wellbeing
—
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
SJI International adheres to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and is dedicated to providing a safe environment for all students. The school's Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is reviewed annually and is accessible to all stakeholders. The policy emphasizes safe recruitment practices, regular staff training, and clear procedures for reporting and addressing concerns.
The school operates on a large campus with specialist subject classrooms, auditoriums, a black box theatre, television studios and music rooms. The Lawrence Da Silva Sports Complex includes a 25m swimming pool, indoor sports hall, fitness room and rock climbing wall. Outdoors there are dedicated courts for basketball, netball and tennis and a FIFA- and IRB-approved turf field for track and field. The campus comprises multiple blocks for arts, humanities and sciences, including La Salle Block, Khoo Teck Puat Building, Cecilia Block, Solomon Block and Wisdom Block, along with High School Music, Drama Rooms and Canteen, and a High School Science Block; it also includes an Assembly Hall and a Chapel.
Facilities overview
—
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
The on-campus sports facilities are anchored by the Lawrence Da Silva Sports Complex, with a 25m pool, indoor sports hall, fitness room and a rock climbing wall. Outdoors there are courts for basketball, netball and tennis and a FIFA- and IRB-approved turf field for track and field. The school supports competitive sport and representation in regional events such as ACSIS, with students competing in track and field, badminton, basketball, football, golf, netball, rugby, cross country, swimming, tennis and volleyball. Additional sports options include fencing, taekwondo, track and field, cross country, swimming, shooting and canoeing, with sporting CCAs such as cricket, table tennis, ultimate frisbee, softball, rock climbing and fitness training.
Sports facilities
—
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
The campus provides extensive academic facilities including specialist subject classrooms, science laboratories, and information technology centers. The Cecilia Block houses a Creative Arts Building, a Digital Technologies Lab, plus Music and Art Rooms and a Nurse Room. The Solomon Block contains Design & Technology spaces, Art Rooms, a HS Media Suite and Solomon Hall. The Wisdom Block houses the Humanities Centre and related teaching spaces. A High School Science Block supports science teaching, and the school maintains other spaces such as auditoriums, a black box theatre and television studios to support arts and media education.
Academic facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The school runs a broad range of co-curricular activities through its Beyond The Classroom program, including Co-Curricular Activities, Outdoor Education, Pastoral Care & Wellbeing, Service Learning and Student Leadership. The High School curriculum emphasizes Outdoor Education, Co-curricular Activities and Service Learning as part of holistic development. Students participate in service projects, leadership opportunities and a variety of clubs and activities that foster character, teamwork and community engagement.
Extra curricular facilities
—
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
SJI International was established as part of Singapore's Lasallian educational network, which dates back to 1852. The High School opened in 2007, followed by the Elementary School in 2008. These developments marked the creation of the first international school within this group, aiming to provide a global standard of education while upholding Lasallian values.
History
—
Community
Community
SJI International fosters a vibrant community spirit, engaging students, parents, and staff in various activities that promote collaboration and cultural exchange. The school organizes community events such as festivals, fairs, and service-learning projects, which not only enrich students' educational experiences but also strengthen community bonds.
Community
—
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The Parent Support Group (PSG) at SJI International plays a pivotal role in enhancing the school community. As a volunteer organization, the PSG strives to enrich the educational experience by organizing events that foster collaboration between parents and teachers. Membership is automatic upon a student's enrollment, and each grade is represented by two Grade Representatives who serve as liaisons for non-academic matters. The PSG's activities include cultural celebrations, workshops, and social gatherings, all aimed at building a cohesive and engaged community.
Parent teacher association
—
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
St. Joseph's Institution International offers IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in High School, and the IPC and IMYC curricula in Elementary School. In High School, Grades 9–10 study the Cambridge IGCSE English Language and English Literature, while Grades 11–12 complete the IB Diploma Programme with English Language and Literature as Language A options at Higher and Standard levels. The Elementary School uses the IPC and IMYC to structure learning in the early years. A dedicated University Counselling team supports subject choices and university applications.
Academic & intellectual
—
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Co-Curricular Activities span creative and performing arts, music, and theatre, alongside other disciplines. The CCAs are organized to balance academics with personal growth and include a focus on the arts as part of learning beyond the classroom. Students engage in leadership and performance through arts-related councils and activities. Co-curriculars emphasize creativity and collaboration across the arts, sports, and service.
Arts & creative
—
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The school emphasises language development with two languages: a home language and an additional language, and adheres to the Singapore Ministry of Education Mother Tongue Language requirements for eligible students. Elementary School offers a Mainstream Programme with English as the primary language of instruction and Chinese (or Spanish in Grades 5–6), and a Bilingual Programme delivered in English and Chinese. Chinese is offered across three pathways (first language, second language, or foreign language) in all grades, with an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme to support learners. The Languages curriculum promotes bilingualism and intercultural understanding within the school community.
Cultural & language
—
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Co-Curricular Activities foster engagement beyond academics, spanning arts, music, drama, sports, and student leadership. The CCAs are designed to develop motivation, teamwork, and leadership while providing enjoyment. Student leadership opportunities are offered through multiple student councils and committees that give students voice and responsibility within the school. The programs encourage active participation and personal development outside the classroom.
Social & hobbies
—
Community & service
Community & service
Service Learning is embedded in the curriculum, connecting classroom work with local and global service initiatives. Students collaborate on service projects that build empathy, collaboration, and social responsibility, and reflect on their experiences to grow as global citizens. The program includes community outreach activities and partnerships that extend beyond the campus.
Community & service
—
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Student leadership is developed through dedicated councils and committees covering areas such as community service, sustainability, virtues, performing arts, sports, and culture. The school provides four full-time University Counsellors to support Grade 8–12 students with subject choices and university applications. The school offers a Scholarship Programme with multiple pathways and deadlines for entry to the IB Diploma Programme, and admissions involve assessments and interviews. The school fosters leadership, communication, and professional preparation through its programs and opportunities.
Leadership & professional
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing centers on the student's holistic development, with a Wellbeing Curriculum and Virtues Project to promote social and emotional health. School nurses and counsellors support physical and mental well-being, while homeroom teachers, Heads of Grade and a Student Success team provide ongoing pastoral support. Tutor groups and wellbeing initiatives foster a safe and inclusive environment that supports personal growth and resilience. The Lasallian mission underpins the wellbeing and character-building approach.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
—
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
In Elementary Mainstream, English is the primary language of instruction, with Chinese (or Spanish in Grades 5 and 6) taught as a subject. The Bilingual Programme provides instruction in English and Chinese across the curriculum. In High School, the IB Diploma Programme requires study in two languages.
Language provision
—
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school has a Bilingual Programme in Elementary (Prep 1-2 & Grade 1-3) with instruction in English and Chinese, using an alternating language teaching model. The Bilingual Programme provides an immersive dual-language experience, with instruction delivered in both English and Chinese.
Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
The Bilingual Programme provides an immersive dual-language experience; instruction is delivered in English and Chinese.
Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA): This award encourages youth participation in community service, skills development, and physical recreation. At SJI International, it's a compulsory part of the Grade 9 curriculum, with about 90% of students achieving the Bronze Award.
IGCSE 'Top in the World' Awards: These awards recognize outstanding academic achievements globally. In August 2021, four SJI International students received this honor, highlighting exceptional performance in their IGCSE examinations.
Awards
—
Accreditations
Accreditations
EduTrust Certification: Awarded by Singapore's Committee for Private Education, this certification acknowledges private educational institutions that meet high standards in student protection, support services, academic processes, and more.
Accreditations
—
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Attend an Open House (Optional): While not mandatory, attending an Open House provides valuable insights into the school's environment, curriculum, and community. It's an opportunity to interact with faculty, staff, and current students, helping you determine if SJI International aligns with your family's values and expectations.
Submit an Application Form: Fill out the online application form. This form requires personal details, academic records, and any specific questions you may have.
Complete the Admissions Test and Interview: After submitting your application, the admissions office will contact you to schedule an assessment. For Elementary School applicants (Prep 1 to Grade 1), this involves an observational assessment. For Grades 2 to 6, applicants undergo computerized and written assessments, followed by an interview. High School applicants (Grades 7 to 12) will participate in an online interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Decision Notification and Acceptance: Parents will be informed of the admission decision. If offered a place, families are required to confirm acceptance promptly, usually within two weeks. This process includes the payment of a non-refundable enrolment fee and the completion of necessary documentation to finalize enrollment.
Admissions
Attend an Open Day or Webinar: After initiating your application, register for an Open Day or webinar session. These events provide insights into the school's ethos, curriculum, and community life, helping you determine if UWCSEA aligns with your family's educational aspirations.
Review entry criteria and residency requirements: Familiarize yourself with UWCSEA's entry criteria, including age-grade placement guidelines and residency requirements for day students. Understanding these criteria ensures that your application meets all necessary prerequisites.
Submit the application by the specified deadline: Ensure that your application, along with all required documentation and the non-refundable application fee, is submitted by the designated deadline.
Participate in assessments and interviews: Depending on the grade level, applicants may be invited to participate in assessments and interviews.
Await the offer decision: After completing assessments and interviews, applications are reviewed. Offer decisions are typically communicated in January and March, with additional offers made on a rolling basis between May and July, depending on available spaces.
Confirm acceptance and complete necessary formalities: Upon receiving an offer, confirm your acceptance by the specified deadline. This step may involve completing residency verifications for day students and fulfilling any other necessary formalities before the academic year begins.
Scholarships
Scholarships
The school offers the Lasallian Scholarship, a six-year program for Singaporean students entering Grade 7. This merit-based, means-tested scholarship covers tuition fees and is awarded to up to four students annually. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to community service.
Scholarships
UWCSEA offers both full and partial scholarships to students entering the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. These scholarships are awarded through national committees in over 130 countries, including Singapore.
Waitlist
Waitlist
SJI International maintains a waitlist for certain grade levels when demand exceeds available spaces. If a desired grade is full, applicants are placed on this list and considered for openings as they arise. It's important to note that the school does not operate a 'pool' system; applicants are either offered a place or placed on the waitlist.
Waitlist
UWCSEA Dover Campus does not operate a traditional waitlist or pooled system. Instead, the school follows an annual application cycle, with applications typically opening on 1 September of the preceding year. The first round of offers is generally made in December or January, with subsequent rounds in March and, if necessary, later in the year. This approach means that applicants may experience a waiting period between application submission and offer notification.
