IB Tuition in Singapore: A Complete Guide for Parents

Your child just started the IB Diploma Programme, and the subject structure may look quite different from what they were used to in secondary school. 

IB tuition in Singapore can provide focused support for students navigating the IB Diploma, which has different examination formats and expectations from secondary school. Students take six subjects, are graded on a scale of 1 to 7 per subject rather than a percentage, and must also complete an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and a Creativity, Activity and Service component outside those six subjects. IB tuition can provide focused support for the subjects students are taking, particularly when they need help building stronger conceptual understanding and applying what they have learned.

This guide covers what IB tuition actually involves, how it compares to the JC route, what to check before choosing a centre, and what our JC & IB programme covers.

What Does IB Tuition in Singapore Actually Involve?

IB tuition provides subject-specific support alongside a student's school lessons, helping students strengthen their understanding and application of key concepts. A tutor can provide focused support for a specific subject and level, such as Higher Level or Standard Level Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Physics.

The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year, pre-university curriculum recognised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Students take one subject from each of six groups, such as language, individuals and societies, sciences, and mathematics, split across Higher Level and Standard Level. Each subject is graded from 1 to 7, and with up to three bonus points from the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge combined, the maximum possible total is 45.

Epsilon offers Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics at Higher Level and Standard Level, allowing students to receive support based on the subject and level they are taking.

How Is the IB Diploma Different From Singapore's JC and A-Level Path?

JC and IB students follow different programmes, with different examination formats and expectations. Epsilon notes that these differences require students to develop new strategies and skills compared with secondary school. IB students take six subjects across two years and receive a combined score out of 45. 

For students considering additional academic support, the key consideration is identifying the subjects where they need the most help and choosing tuition that matches their specific subject and level.

What Should You Look For in an IB Tuition Centre in Singapore?

When comparing IB tuition centres in Singapore, parents should look at whether the centre offers the subjects and levels their child needs, as well as how its teaching approach supports understanding and exam preparation. Here are three things to check before choosing a centre.

First, check whether a centre offers the specific Higher Level or Standard Level subject your child needs. Second, check which subjects are covered, as IB tuition offerings can vary between centres. Third, ask about the centre's teaching approach and how lessons are structured to support understanding, practice and exam preparation.

Which IB Subjects Can You Get Tutoring For, and What Does It Cost?

Our JC & IB programme covers H2 Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, as well as IB Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics at Higher Level and Standard Level. 

Fees are published and scale down the more subjects a student takes with us:

The per-session rate drops from $115 to $80.50 when a student takes four or more subjects, representing a 30% discount. You can see the full JC & IB programme fees alongside the subjects we cover.

How Do You Find the Right IB Tutors in Singapore for Your Child?

Look for tutors who can help students understand concepts, apply their knowledge and practise what they have learned. Our lessons follow our 3T teaching approach: Teach, Try and Test. Concepts are broken into shorter learning periods, students practise with immediate feedback, and a summary test is used at the end of each class to support active recall and long-term retention. 

If your child needs support in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Physics at IB or JC level, book a $10 Discovery Class at our Rochester Mall centre. The $10 Discovery Class includes lesson materials, a 1-to-1 review of a recent exam paper, an assessment of strengths and weaknesses, and a personalised study plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IB harder than A-Levels in Singapore?
Neither programme is objectively harder for every student. IB and A-Levels have different structures and assessment formats, so the better fit depends on the student's learning preferences, academic goals and chosen pathway.

Do I need a tutor for every IB subject?
Not necessarily. Students can choose support based on the subjects where they need additional help, depending on their individual learning needs. You can add additional subjects later if one becomes a bottleneck closer to exams.

Can IB students get help with the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge?
Epsilon's JC & IB programme covers Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics at Higher Level and Standard Level. For support with the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge, parents can check with their child's school or IB coordinator.

What is a good IB score in Singapore, out of 45?
There is no single IB score that is considered ‘good’ for every student. The right target depends on the student's university and course requirements, as well as their individual academic goals. What counts as "good enough" really depends on the specific university and course, since some programmes set a minimum total score while others weight particular subject grades more heavily.

When should my child start IB tuition, Year 12 or before?
There is no single best time to start IB tuition. Students can consider additional support when they begin the programme or whenever they identify areas where they need stronger understanding or additional practice.