ACS (Independent) IP: 2026 IB, DSA-Sec, and Fees Guide

ACS (Independent) offers a six-year Integrated Programme in which Years 5 and 6 lead to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It also runs a separate four-year Secondary Education Certificate Programme.

Q: What should a family verify about the ACS(I) IP?
A: Confirm which track the student is applying to, the current DSA talent and selection rules, the IB subjects that will form for the cohort, and the live fee and assistance information.

Last reviewed: 18 July 2026 against current ACS(I) curriculum, IBDP, 2026 DSA-Sec, and fee pages.

Programme and IB progression

ACS(I) describes its IP as a six-year route leading to the IB Diploma. Its current curriculum overview says the Years 1 to 4 programme uses interdisciplinary approaches similar to the IBDP taken in Years 5 and 6.

For the Diploma, ACS(I) says students take three Higher Level and three Standard Level subjects, with one subject from Groups 1 to 5. The sixth subject may be from Group 6 or an additional subject from Group 3 or 4.

The school explicitly says a subject class depends on enrolment and may not form when too few students select it. A subject appearing on a menu is therefore not a guarantee for the intake.

2026 DSA-Sec

ACS(I)'s current Year 1 page is for boys applying through the MOE portal. Applicants can state a preference for the IP, the SEC Programme, or no preference. The school publishes a current list of talent areas and links the 2026 timeline, write-up, and selection-trial information.

ACS(I) says selection depends on the applications received, talent needs, suitable candidates, and vacancies. It does not guarantee an offer in every listed talent area.

The 2026 FAQ is dated 20 April 2026 and says its information is subject to change. Use that version rather than older 2024 or 2025 FAQs surfaced by search engines.

Fees and assistance

ACS(I)'s fee page says its school fees from 1 January 2026 vary by programme level and citizenship category and may change during the year. The DSA FAQ also explains the MOE Independent School Bursary and UPLIFT Scholarship for eligible Singapore Citizens, plus school support.

The school says it does not provide financial assistance schemes for Permanent Residents or international students. Check the live table and assistance terms before accepting a place.

Boarding fees are separate from school fees and should not be added to every student's budget.

What not to infer

• A talent programme is not a guaranteed scholarship or university advantage.
• An IB subject listed by the school may not form for every cohort.
• Historical DSA application counts and place numbers do not predict the next exercise.
• ACS(I)'s IB route should not be described as an A-Level route.