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How to choose between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand for low-age study abroad in Southeast Asia?
Time:2025-08-14

Amid the upsurge of young students studying abroad, Southeast Asia, with its unique advantages, has become 

a new choice for many families. Which country is more suitable for children 

to start their study abroad journey, Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand? Please keep this comparison well!


I. Number of International Schools: Thailand is "winning", while Singapore is "excellent but few"

If you want your child to attend an international school, the number of schools is a basic reference. Thailand leads 

the pack with over 280 international schools, offering families a wide range of choices. There are over 100

 in Malaysia, and the range of options is not small either. Although there are only over 

30 such institutions in Singapore, each one is highly valuable and follows a path of refined education.


Ii. Accompanying Study Policies: Each has its own "threshold", affecting family planning

The policy of accompanying children to study abroad is directly related to whether parents can accompany their 

children to study abroad. In Singapore and Malaysia, only the mother's relatives and direct family members are 

granted accompanying study visas, restricting the status of accompanying study to the "close relatives circle".

In Thailand, one child corresponds to one accompanying visa, which is relatively more "flexible". As long as there is

 a child studying abroad, one person can be arranged to accompany the child,

 which is more friendly to families who want to accompany their children throughout the process.


Iii. The Game of Advantages and Disadvantages: Looking at Education, Life and Suitable Families

(1) Singapore: The "Elite Cradle" of High-Net-worth Families

Advantages: Educational resources range from kindergartens to higher education, with a strict system

 to ensure high quality. It is one of the safest countries in Asia and can provide a stable growth environment for children.

Disadvantages: The cost of living is high, international school resources are limited, application competition 

is fierce, and it is common to "struggle desperately" to get into prestigious schools. It is suitable for 

high-net-worth families who pursue top-notch education and can afford high costs, paving the way for their children to become elites.


(2) Malaysia: The "Cost-effective Choice" for Middle-class Families

Advantages: The cost of studying abroad is "friendly", with lower living and tuition fees compared to

 Singapore and Thailand. The quality of education is also top-notch, and academic performance and 

college admission results are outstanding. Living in a multi-ethnic country, children can come into contact with diverse cultures and experience different customs.

Disadvantage: To adapt to the customs of diverse cultures, one has to dress and eat according to 

local customs. However, for middle-class families, spending less money to send their children 

to high-quality international education and broaden their cultural horizons is well worth it.


(3) Thailand: An "International Window" for Middle-class Families

Advantages: The tuition fees of international schools are lower than those in first-tier cities in China. 

Some schools have a long history of operation and rich experience. Children can come into contact with 

classmates from different countries and cultivate an international perspective, which is equivalent to "seeing the world at a small cost".

Disadvantages: The tropical climate may cause children to "not adapt to the new environment", and the

 dominance of Thai language can also lead to language barriers. But as

 long as children have strong adaptability, this place is the "low-cost key" to opening the door to internationalization.

Four. Conclusion: Choosing the right track and being suitable for the family is the most important

Singapore is an "elite base" for high-net-worth families, creating an "elite growth story" for their 

children with top-notch education and a safe environment. Malaysia and Thailand are targeting middle-class families.

 The former has won over fans with its cost-effectiveness and multiculturalism, while the latter has broken through with low tuition fees and an international perspective.


When choosing Southeast Asia for studying abroad at a young age, the essence is to select the degree of 

compatibility between the educational path and the family. Whether you are in pursuit of top-notch quality, 

value cost-effectiveness, or aim to broaden your horizons at a low cost, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand 

all have their "exclusive answers". By identifying your needs accurately, you can help your child embark on a brilliant chapter of studying abroad!


Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Pattaya/Phuket/Singapore/Malaysia
Tel:400-666-1270
China Company Address:2F, No.23 Shawan Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu
National unified customer service hotline:400-666-1270
Thailand Company Address:Paradise Place : 4th floor Srinagarindra Rd, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok, 10250, Thailand
Tel:+66 0929200750
China Company Address:2F, No.23 Shawan Road, Jinniu District, Chengdu
National unified customer service hotline:400-666-1270
Thailand Company Address:Paradise Place : 4th floor Srinagarindra Rd, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok, 10250, Thailand
Tel:+66 0929200750